Topic # 1: What do you Desire?
a) Luke 19:1-3 Zacheus went to where Jesus was, but his limitations kept him from seeing Jesus.
b) Luke 19:4 Zacheus realized that he needed to see Jesus if he hoped to be different, so he made the extra effort to climb a tree.
c) Luke 19:5 Jesus saw his effort and stopped.
d) Luke 19:6 Zacheus welcomed Jesus gladly and salvation came to him.
Story: There was once a young man who was cruising along very happily on a highway, when his car broke down. Even though he was a mechanic, he couldn’t fix it. Then a man with gray hair came up and asked him if he had a problem. The young man said: “I’m a mechanic and I can’t fix this car, what can you possibly do?” Then the old man got under the car and fixed it so that it started up and ran perfectly. The young man said; “Who are you?” With a smile the old man said: “I am Henry Ford, and I invented this car.”
Point: You know yourself, but God knows you even better. God is tired of seeing you all messed up and broken. He is tired of seeing the mess you are making at trying to fix yourself. Do you desire to be fixed? Let The Expert fix you.
Topic #2: The Bible (Discovering a Treasure for You)
Story: There was once a woman whose father read the Bible, and just before he died, he left his Bible to her saying, when you are going through difficult times, open it and it will help you. When the father died, the woman never read the Bible, and she ran out of money and died from starvation. Later on those who were in charge of her things opened the Bible and found 2 million dollars in it for her.
1) The Bible is a handbook written by God for human life.
The Bible is your instruction book for the proper functioning of your life, just like electrical appliances need handbooks. The Bible shows us how to have happiness, and what to stay away from in order to avoid destruction. Read it to avoid, and to fix problems.
2) The Bible is a love letter to you from God.
God speaks to you, and every verse in the Bible is for you.
3) The Bible is alive, sharp, and useful for many purposes. Hebrews 4:12. II Timothy 3:16-17.
The Bible is alive, and is sharp enough to cut through all the lies and masks in your life to penetrate the very core of your being.
a) Man doesn’t like to have his errors pointed out. God uses the Bible like a mirror to show man what is in his heart.
b) The Bible renews your mind so that your life can be transformed. When we listen to the Word, our situations and attitudes can change. John 3:10
c) The Word teaches us how to establish norms for our lives. It helps us to make choices, it gives us guidelines and boundaries, and the Word speaks to our needs.
Have you let yourself be guided by the Word? Or do you base everything in your life on friends and feelings? Be in the Word daily, you can’t live without it. God’s Word must be in the center of our lives, because it will help us to live. Don’t just be guided by feelings or what seems right in your own eyes. Let God’s Word guide you. Read it, study it, analyze it, and do it.
Topic #3: Jesus Our Hero (Hero of Heroes)
I. Three Characteristics of a Human Hero:
a. Often Bigger than Life
b. Often Powerful or Famous
c. They take from you rather than do anything for you
d. They can’t help you to be like them
II. Description of a Real Hero:
a. Jesus was bigger than life and willing to be of no reputation. (Philippians 2:5, 6-11)
b. Jesus was powerful and famous. (Heb. 13:8)
c. A real hero gives of himself sacrificially. (Romans 5:8. Isaiah 53. John 3:16)
The verses below show us how people mocked Him:
and saying, "You, who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
Let this Christ,[ 15:32 Or Messiah] this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Imagine how He suffered seeing His mother’s anguish!
near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Remember Jesus went to the Cross voluntarily. That must have been hard and difficult, because He had the power to come down from the cross. But he did not because He saw you and I enslaved, then He saw us being freed and that gave Him “the joy set before Him”
b
“who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[ 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
There in the power of the Cross to set us free from sin sickness and from the power of the devil.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[ 2:15 Or them in him]
So the message of the Cross is a beautiful message and a glorious and powerful one.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
He reconciled us to God and brought us into one body.
and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Many today despise the Cross of Christ, but we rejoice in the work of the Cross and have victory in His resurrection.
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
He took the decrees set against us and nailed the on the Cross
having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
That is why we must fix and set our admiration and affection on Jesus, our whole heart felt love and passion for Him
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We must also take up responsibilities and since He died for us the least we can do is to live for Him live for him,
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Bibliography:
The Cross
The horrors of the cross of Christ
Isaiah 53
1 ¶ Who has believed our message? To whom will the LORD reveal his saving power?
2 My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.
4 ¶ Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!
5 But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!
6 All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.
7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
8 From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins—that he was suffering their punishment?
9 He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.
10 ¶ But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s plan will prosper in his hands.
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
12 I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners.
1. Indescribable, Unimaginable pain and suffering, Jesus endured it as a man not as God.
John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
2. Disfigurement beyond comparison
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
3. Jesus chose the cross, it was not imposed upon Him; Jesus did it with joy
Mark 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
4. Jesus went to the cross because of obedience
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
5. Not shading of blood not remission of sin
Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
6. Jesus foresaw the effects of the work of the cross
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
7. How should we look at the work of the cross?
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Cross
Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
Matthew 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Mark 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Topic # 4: Made in the image of God
“See Yourself As God Sees You”
1. God created man and saw that he was good.
Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-31)
2. Things that destroy our self-image
A. Evolution (Romans 1:21, 23)
B. Comparison
C. Bad experiences
a) Babies can feel rejection from the womb because their brain and feelings are formed from the third week.
b.) Peoples’ words and attitudes about what’s beautiful and what’s not can contribute to self-rejection.
3. Made Unique by God – A Proper Self Image
1) Psalms 139: 13, 15-17
2) Psalms 139:14
3) God made us unique and different, but still good.
Topic # 5: Restoring Family Unity/Offenses (The other one and me)
I. Ministering to Family Hurts
Emotional Problems Related with the Family
Define the word “EMOTION”
Our behavior is imprinted from our parents or family that cared for us.
PROBLEMS
Rejection: Scornful, ignoring, lack of necessary provisions, preferring one over the other and comparing one with the other’s behavior.
Words that Bind and curse: (Matthew 5:22) Be very careful with the words we use towards one another in the family. Our tongues have the power death and destruction as well as that of Life and creation. Those words bring about emotional scars that can’t be erased.
Immorality:
Unfaithfulness – having parents as examples that are cheating in their marriage. Also seeing their parents form other homes outside of their own.
Sexual Abuse - This alone causes so many problems within the family. Physical abuse – Punishing their children without wisdom and self control. Lack of Affection – parents can not give what they never received as a child.
Solutions: (Matthew 5:9)
· Taking all your burdens before the Lord (Matthew 11:28)
· Look for the root of the problem, Get to know the history of your parents
· Look for a possible solution y be willing to yield.
· Propose a time for dialogue
· To Involve, if possible, third party persons wise and impartial
· Be willing to practice forgiveness and to show genuine love.
FAMILY
God’s Plan for the Family:
· Genesis 1:26, 27 The first family Adam & Eve – They were chosen as the role model for God’s plan as to what His intention was with the family unit. God chose and created Eve for Adam which teaches us that we should allow God to choose that perfect help mate for us.
· God united them in matrimony: Common law relationships have become practically a way of life so popular that the governments have now chosen to recognize them as a legitimate unified couple. Genesis 1:28 shows us that God blessed the first couple after they were united in Holy matrimony, which means it is necessary for us to be joined in holy matrimony so as to be able to receive God’s total blessing.
Gen. 2:24, 25
Matthew 19:6
The Guidelines for the Family:
· Leave your parents jurisdiction (Gen.2:24) Your home setting should be independent from that of our parents. Many marriages these days in many parts of the world use the excuse of difficult economic times so as to justify living at home with their parents. This creates marital tension for one of the two marital partners because he or she must submit to the partner’s family customs and it does not allow for the newlywed couple to develop their own family principles and customs. Also they become economically dependant and not independent, they don't learn how to trust in God's ability to provide for them. (Dr. James Dobson = Focus on the Family)
· Permanent Relationship (Matthew 19:6) With divorce so easy these days the commitment for marriage seems less permanent. Since we are given Biblical instructions that marriage is forever we must not fail to recognize that divorce is not an option for a Christian Couple. Even in relationships where one is a believer and the other is not we must accept the fact that you are joined together as one and that divorce is not an option the Bible gives clear instructions as to when divorce is allowed and we should follow that instruction. Marriage is a commitment until death.
· Unity (Gen. 2:24) When joined together as one flesh we must share together our home environment not by sleeping in separate beds or living in tow different homes due to work issues.
· Intimacy (Gen.2:25) The nakedness that Adam & Eve shared reflected intimacy, nothing to be hidden from one another, total transparency and no need to be embarrassed by this.
· Multiplication and Procreation (Gen.1:28) The blessing includes that we replenish the earth with offspring at the same time we are given dominion over the earth. This blessing not always refers to literal children but spiritual children as well. We should be “giving birth” constantly with new believers filling the earth with God’s children.
Important aspects of the family:
· Affection from Parents Ephesians 5:28 & Colossians 3:19 read and express your points
· Affection towards our children Titus 2:4 Read and discuss
· Correction Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 22:15 and 23:13 open discussion
· Instruction & Guidance Proverbs 22:6
· To Provide the Necessary Provisions 2 Corinthians 12:14
· Moral Values Are we as parents today focused on teaching our children the moral values of life as a Christian should live it or do we accept the world’s views on these issues? If you are not a parent what are your plans in teaching your children the principle moral values of a Christian lifestyle. Today homosexuality is acceptable in the community our children are being taught in schools to accept homosexuals as normal individuals. The courts are pressured in recognizing the marriage and unity of same sex families. How do we as Christians today teach our children to face these issues? Write your answer in a brief summary form.
Family Problems Today are due to:
· Bad parental examples (2 Chronicles 22:3)
· Bad influences (Matthew 14:8)
· Excessive tolerance (1 Samuel 2:22-24)
Certain Family Member Roles
Verses to be used:
2 Samuel 12:16
Mark 5:23
Luke 5:20
1 Kings 9:4
2 Chronicles 6:4
Esther 2:1-19
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Ephesians 6:1-4
1 Timothy 5:8
Father: Base on which the family unit is built upon, He represents: Authority, Security and is also the Provider.
Christian Father | Non Christian Father |
| Caring & Loving (2 Samuel 12:16): Expresses his sentiments in words, attitude & actions | Forceful, macho type character doesn’t show caring & loving affection for fear of losing authority. |
| Care & Protection (Mark 5:23, Luke 15:20) Gives security and fortifies self esteem. Read Esther 2:1-19 see how she was looked after and cared for. | Fathers who leave the mothers to go to the school to se about the report cards, They don’t take the child to the doctor when sick, and never look into the relationships of their children or see about their problems. |
| Exemplary lifestyle: Serves as an inspiration and challenge. Read 1 Kings 9:4 & 2 Chronicles 26:4 | Horrible testimony, drunken behavior, unfaithful in marriage, always cursing. |
| Spiritual Authenticity: As High Priest of the family. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:11,12 & Ephesians 6:4 | Never worries about cultivating a fear and respect for God in the Home. |
| Provider (1 Timothy 5:8) | Fictitious Fathers who don’t respond to family support and abandon their homes |
Mother: The base of affection and support in the home
Christian Mother | Non Christian Mother |
| Sweet, Tender and consoling: Always loving and tender in all trials (Isaiah 49:15) | Harsh, bitter always & complaining about her problems |
| Spiritual Life (1 Samuel 2:19 & 2 Timothy 1:5) | Lack of spirituality in the home and also in the lives of her children |
| Makes the House a true Home (Proverbs 31:27) Always thinking of how she can improve things in the Home. | Neglects her home and the needs of her family, always thinking of how she can look better regardless of how the house may look. |
Both Parents need to be:
· Spend time in family prayer
· Have frequent dialogue with their children
· Get involved in recreational activities with their Children
· Be Jointly involved in correcting their children
· Make decisions together
Children’s Role in the Home
· Please their parents: Don’t make them sad (Proverbs 10:1)
· Take care of their parents in their old age (Proverbs 23:22, Proverbs 28:24 & Ecclesiastes 12:1)
· To honor and obey their parents (Mark 7:10, Ephesians 6:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:2)
· Respect their Parents (Deuteronomy 27:16)
· Love their parents
· Subject themselves to their parents (Judges 11:36)
Assignment: Present each member of your family and write down their faults and their positive traits. As a conclusion to this exercise what do you pray for most will happen in your family?
I. God created man to be in relationship
IE: Genesis 2:15-22 I John 4:16b-18a
II. Satan Works to Destroy Relationships
1) Satan uses people’s actions to create hurt that strain (break down) relationships.
IE: Genesis 3:1-13, 23 Satan successfully put separation between God and man.
2) Show how¼.
These:
Misperceptions
Unfaithfulness – Rejection
Pride - Egotism
Hurtful/Abusive situations
Manipulation
Lead to these:
Unforgiveness
Disappointment, Wounds
Accusation – Blame
Anger – Resentment – Bitterness – Hatred
Bottling Up – Lack of Communication
Fear – Mistrust
Jealousy, Envy, Gossip, Slander
III. Should I forgive the person who hurt me?
1. It’s a command – we can’t love God and hate people (I John 4:19-21).
2. It’s what God would do (Luke 6:27-36).
3. God won’t forgive you if you don’t forgive others (Matthew 18: 21-35)
IV. How Do I Do It?
Genesis 3:21 Jesus set the example for us when He died to restore and heal the broken relationship between God and us. He chose to forgive and love.
1) Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind the people who have hurt you (think of strained relationships).
2) Recognize that I have things against people (offenses), and that I am sinning by holding on to these wrong attitudes.
3) Forgive those who hurt you from your heart, and decide to forget the offenses (decide not to hold it against them).
OFFENSES
Luke 17:1
OFFENSES WILL (ALWAYS) COME
Ps. 55:12-14
USUALLY BY A BROTHER OR SISTER OR A CLOSE FRIEND
THE CLOSER THE RELATIONSHIP THE MORE SEVERE THE OFFENSE!
ONLY THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT CAN HURT YOU.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE IN THE WORLD AND NOT ENCOUNTER OFFENSES—YET WE ARE SHOCKED AND AMAZED WHEN IT HAPPENS!
OFFEND (greek word) SKANDALON—THE PART OF THE TRAP WHERE THE BAIT IS ATTACHED
JUST BECAUSE YOU WERE MISTREATED, DOES NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO HOLD ONTO AN OFFENSE.
Proverbs 18:19 A BROTHER OFFENDED IS HARDER TO WIN THAN A STRONG CITY, AND CONTENTIONS ARE LIKE THE BARS OF A CASTLE.
Matt. 24:10-13 1. MANY WILL BE OFFENDED
2. BETRAY ONE ANOTHER
3. MANY DECEIVED
4. THE LOVE (AGAPE) OF MANY WILL GROW COLD
Matt. 24:10 OFFENSE LEADS TO BETRAYAL AND BETRAYAL TO HATRED
· JOSEPH
Gen. 50:19-20 WHAT YOU MEANT FOR EVIL, GOD MEANT FOR GOOD
NO MAN, WOMAN, CHILD OR DEVIL CAN GET YOU OUT OF THE WILL OF GOD. NO ONE BUT GOD HOLDS YOUR DESTINY!
· DAVID
1 Sam. 24:11 MY FATHER…THERE IS NEITHER EVIL NOR REBELLION
IN ME… YET YOU HUNT MY LIFE
DAVID’S HEART WAS SO SOFT HE EVEN REPENTED FROM CUTTING THE EDGE OF SAUL’S ROBE.
· SAMUEL
1 Sam. 3:1 SAMUEL MINISTERED TO THE LORD BEFORE ELI
**SAMUEL DID NOT GO LOOKING FOR ANOTHER CHURCH OR NEW LEADERS
· CAIN
CAIN WAS OFFENDED BY GOD BECAUSE GOD DIDN’T TREAT HIM THE WAY HE THOUGHT HE SHOULD.
Gen. 4:11-12 CAIN BECAME A FUGITIVE AND A VAGABOND
THE FRUIT IN CAIN’S LIFE WAS GREATLY REDUCED
1 Cor. 12:18 GOD PUT THE MEMBERS IN THE BODY AS HE PLEASED
Ps. 92:13 THOSE WHO ARE PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD SHALL FLOURISH
THE WAY YOU LEAVE A CHURCH OR A RELATIONSHIP DETERMINES THE WAY YOU ENTER YOUR NEXT CHURCH OR RELATIONSHIP.
Heb. 12:15 ROOTS OF BITTERNESS DESTROY MANY
WE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL THAT WE ARE
NOT DESTROYED
UNFORGIVENESS CAUSES YOUR SINS TO BE UNFORGIVEN
Mark 11:26 IF YOU DON’T FORGIVE GOD WON’T FORGIVE YOU
Matt. 6:12 FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS
Matt. 18:23-35 THE UNFORGIVNG SERVANT
GETTING FREE FROM UNFORGIVENESS
Col. 3:13 WE FORGIVE OTHERS AS JESUS FORGAVE US
Eph. 4:32 WE FORGIVE OTHERS AS JESUS FORGAVE US
1 Pet. 5:5 WE MUST HUMBLE OURSELVE TO BE FREE FROM OFFENSE
Phil 1:9-11 LOVE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE FREE FROM OFFENSE
Topic # 6: The Revelation of the Cross
And the Old Man
The Garden: Adam and Eve
q Living in Paradise, Walking with the Lord
q God gave them all of the trees in the Garden – Don’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil!
q When they ate of it, they died (Spiritually and began to die physically).
q They were thrown out of Paradise!
q The Tree: on the other side of the tree is Paradise; the anointing of praise, worship, the presence of the Father, blessing, prosperity.
q When Adam and Eve sinned, they walked away from Paradise.
q This side of the Tree is: Loneliness, suffering, sickness, failure, misery!
q They lost it all!!!
q Behind the Tree, they had it all!!!
- God used another Tree
The Cross
q The cross is made of wood and is sometimes referred to as “a tree.”
q To a Jew: the cross means “curse”
q To God: the cross means “curse” “Cursed is every man who is hanged on a tree.”
q God chose Jesus to die instead of punishing all mankind.
q Jesus died by crucifixion, being nailed to the cross.
q In Christ, all of humanity is crucified.
q The cross represents a door (doors are made of wood).
q There is only one door back to Paradise, the cross!
q On this side, you cannot see what is on the other side…only the cross!
The significance of the crucifixion:
Jesus was scourged: 39 lashes.
q Epidemiologists have determined that there are 39 classes of infirmities.
q Every other disease is a result of one of these 39 classes.
q Isaiah 58 “He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. By his stripes we are healed…”
The Crown of Thorns
q When Adam sinned, The Lord said, “Cursed is the ground for thy sake…thorns and thistles shall it bring forth…” Gen. 3:17-18
q Jesus took the Crown of Thorns and wore it on his head.
q In doing this, he took away our Poverty Mindset; took away our ruin, poverty, and debts!
q He became poor that you may become rich!
The Nail in his right hand.
q All of the blame of humanity!
q Satan cannot say that you are a sinner!
q This nail proves that your sin is taken away!
The Nail in his left hand.
q The “arguments” that the enemy had against you have been taken away!
q The “legal rights” that the enemy had against you have been broken.
The Spear between Jesus’ ribs.
q Jesus’ heart had exploded…for you!
q All with a broken heart can come to Him!
Romans 6:5-12 The old man needs to die.
Gal. 6 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man sows, he shall reap.”
Lev. 19:19 “You shall not sow your field with mixed seed.”
Two Faces: Old Man – desires to live for himself. New Man – I want to live for Jesus. I want to change.
Analogy of Person coming to Christ:
-Jesus on the cross. Man comes to the cross.
-Jesus doesn’t come down from the cross…you must go up.
-Some come and contemplate the cross, or admire the cross, but never go up.
-Man goes up and dies with Jesus! “I have been crucified WITH Christ, I no longer lives but Christ lives in me!” Gal. 2:20
-Coat on Jesus, represents your life, the old man stays there.
-The Man has now passed through the door – has crossed over!
-On this side we see Jesus on the Cross. On the other side you don’t see Jesus, but yourself – the old man on the cross!
-All of the blessings of God are on this side, worship, the presence, prosperity, peace, love, joy!
-All failure stays on this side of the cross, depression, misery, sickness…
-Holy Spirit comes and brings son to the Father…this is your new son!
-Father embraces son and welcomes him to Paradise!!!
Tozer: The cross represents the termination of a life. The violent end of a human being.
Your old man dies today!
Leave your sins on the Cross with the old man. (Tear the Survey Sheets).
Encounter Topic # 7: Deliverance (How to Be Free)
How do demons get into a person to control them?
Well, we know that Scriptures tells us that when a person comes to the Lord, the evil spirits leave and that they go through dry places looking for a place of rest. Matthew 12:45 “Then goes he, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
But when not finding any they return to the original place and when they find it, they not only one to come back but they don't want to be alone.
So they go get other seven evil spirits and then the Word of God tells us the state of the person is worse than in the beginning.
We also know that Satan is a master deceiver and that when he looses the battle after we give our lives to Christ, he goes into plan "B" which is to render the believer useless and that he will use any open door to come in and do just that.
I did not believe a person that had accepted Jesus could be repossessed. I guess I wanted to believe that to be the case. But in 1974 something happened that would change my thinking radically.
My oldest sister had come to the Lord in her youth around 1967, and then she found herself a pretty good fellow to marry. He was a calm man, a good husband a great father and a devoted Christian, a few years after marrying they were called by the Lord to the ministry, but my sister was extremely jealous and she managed to get my brother in law out of the ministry; although he was in love with Jesus and as far as character goes he was totally the opposite, not jealous at all.
To make a long story short, their marriage worsened through the years and in 1974 my supposedly good brother in law through a rage of anger and jealousy himself killed my sister cutting her in pieces. This didn't happen in a backward third world country far away, but a few miles from here in Hamilton Ontario.
Interviewed by his attorney he testified under oath that he heard voices inside of him telling him kill her if she does not live for you do not allow her to live for not one else. He had already accepted full responsibility for the crime, so he had no reason for using that as a defense, so I believe he was telling the truth, this guy used to be so wise in the word and yet he opened to the enemy and as the Word of God says the devourer came and literally devoured that family because that is what the Bible says in John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”.
I. Jesus Our Deliverer
A. Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work. Jesus came to loose His people from the things that pressure, dominate and bind them (Luke 13:16).
B. John 2:13 Jesus went into the temple that belonged to His Father and cleaned it out with passion. I Corinthians 6:18-19: We are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to do the same thing to our “temples.”
II. The Enemies Of God’s People
A long time ago, God lived in heaven with all of the angels He had created. One of them, Lucifer, in pride wanted to be as powerful as God, and so he rebelled. God then kicked Lucifer and one third of the angels who were also rebellious out of heaven to earth. These fallen, rebellious angels are called demons. Revelations 12:17 20:7-10; Ephesians 6:12 Demons are spirits with a mind and emotions who war against God and His people.
Lucifer: Prince of darkness wants to steal, kill, and destroy your life (John 10:10). He works to separate you from God. He is the father of lies who specializes in deception, and the accuser of the brethren.
1. Not omniscient: can’t read our thoughts.
2. Not omnipotent: his power is limited.
3. Not omnipresent: can’t be everywhere at once.
4. He cannot take the soul of a person.
5. If we submit to God, Satan can be resisted, and then he will leave.
III. What Does It Mean To Have Demons?
“Too often people refer to people with demons as being demon possessed. In actuality they are “demonized.” In other words, they have a demon. They are not owned by that demon, but the demon has strong ground in their lives and can take over at times. People that are “demon possessed” have no control over their life and are most commonly seen in mental wards and mental hospitals. The average person sees demonic manifestations all the time but don’t consider them demons. For instance, when someone is in an uncontrollable rage, the demon of rage is manifesting. A demonic manifestation does not mean the person loses total consciousness but that they give themselves over to demonic influence and operation. Demons usually only take over and talk when the anointing drives them up to defend their home.”
IV. How Does a Person Get Demons?
A. Sin (willful and continual disobedience to God): John 8:34-36; Romans 8:5-8
Sin gives the enemy the right to dominate an area of your life, because you embrace the devil’s medium for bondage.
B. Traumas in the childhood: (a child is defenseless Ps. 109:3-5) Spirits enter through emotional traumas and wounds (any kind of abuse or neglect).
C. Generational Curses: Ex. 20:5 You receive them because your parents sinned. Look at things that are repeated in a pattern in your family (divorce, abortions, sicknesses, fears, suicides, violence, depression, etc.).
D. Self-Imposed Curses: James 3 (power of the tongue, can be for blessing or for cursing).
E. Occult: Acts 19:18 Occult practice, objects, and literature.
V. How Can We Be Free?
A. DON’T BE AFRAID! When demons manifest, they “will often talk, lie, bite, scratch, cuss, and anything else they can do to intimidate those trying to help. God’s power is unlimited, and all demonic spirits will submit to Jesus. “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.”
B. RECOGNIZE the specific root of the bondage (which sin, wounds, generational or self-imposed curses).
C. RENOUNCE the sin, confessing it, and giving it to Jesus. Ps. 117:10-12.
What about the dark areas of your life (Satan governs the darkness and unconfessed sin is an area of darkness)? We must be transparent to experience God’s deliverance.
D. CRY OUT TO GOD with a repentant heart and believe that God’s Spirit will come to your temple and you will experience His deliverance (118:10-20).
James 4:7 “Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.”
Topic #8: The Prodigal Son
Text: Luke 15:11-24
I. A Wasted Life (the mess the prodigal was in)
a) Chose to walk
He had taken his life into his own hands and had freely chosen to walk away from his father and his ways. When you choose your own path you distance yourself from God.
b) Ended up in a bad situation
Sin was pleasurable for a while, but the fun ran out, and left him starving, destitute, and deserted by everyone.
II. The prodigal came to his senses (saw he left something good)
A. First see a problem before you can fix it.
He had to see that he wasn’t doing well on his own. He had to admit that he didn’t know what was best for him. Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Rom. 6:23
B. A life lived with God is the best way
The prodigal realized that he had left something good. Even the lowest in his father’s house were better off than he was. Luke 13:5: “Unless you repent, you will perish.” Repentance: to turn around, to make steps to come back.
III. The prodigal was broken
“I’m not worthy to be your son¼”
Psalms 51:17: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
IV. The Father’s response:
A. The Father saw him coming – and ran to him¼
The Father didn’t disown his son, but was looking to heal and restore him. A totally holy God closed the distance and embraced a distant, dirty son.
B. The Father gave restoring gifts
Robe: clean garments that set him apart from his old life (holiness – didn’t smell like pigs anymore). Ring: covenant. Sandals: only sons wore shoes, all the servants went barefoot – a new walk (way of life). Calf: a special occasion
Conclusion
When you humbly repent, He will accept you, and remember your sins no more. When you desire to go your own way again, you need to remember where your way got you, and remember who knows what is best. God is trustworthy, and can lead you on paths that lead to happiness and life. This is how you really make peace with the Father, when you come back under His care, in submission to His ways, and all that He wants you to do.
Topic #9: Christ the New Man and Social Life
Christ a model of the new man
For the child of God there is a newness of life, Christ is now living in the inside of the new creature and He is the Lord and king of all of the life of the new believer.
The Bible testifies to the effect that those who have surrendered their lives to God there is a past life. As new creatures in God and since He is Spirit we must live in the Spirit.
The New Man
Christ example of the new man.
When faced with difficult circumstances What Jesus Would Do?
Objective: To desire to live a new life, and to learn how to do it.
Text: Hebrews 5:7-9
I. Jesus is our Example
Jesus understood us, and showed what to do (Hebrews 4:15, John 14:6).
II. How did He succeed?
A. Jesus had a correct relationship with the Father.
1. Jesus’ devotional life showed dependence upon God, which is the secret to living in God’s strength. John 15:5
2. Prayed (often withdrew to pray, the garden of Gethsemane)
3. Read God’s Word (was found discussing scriptures in the temple as a boy, read the scriptures in the synagogues, quoted scripture against satan) Matthew 4:4
4. Obeyed God’s Word and God’s will. John 14:15; Matthew 26:39
B. Jesus had a correct relationship with Himself
1. Jesus wasn’t down on Himself. Jesus knew that He was the masterpiece of a perfect God, and that He was a King’s kid, so He walked with authority, and with confidence in His God because He was somebody if God thought so.
2. Being true to yourself means you don’t hang on to the sin and old ways that ultimately hurt you. Jesus allowed God’s word to become part of His life, to renew His mind, to guard his steps, and to transform old patterns.
3. Jesus walked in God’s purpose for His life, doing what He was created to do.
C. Jesus had a correct relationship with others.
1. Because Jesus loved God, and loved Himself, He could love others
· We get the love to love others from God because God is love.
· God commands us to love his other creations Matthew 22:37-40
· Love your neighbour as you love yourself (you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself)
2. Love treats people right. I Corinthians 13:4-7 Romans 13: 8-10 Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus served, helped, healed, fed, washed feet, had compassion, forgave, respected authority, obeyed parents, was humble, etc. Our purpose is to follow Jesus’ example and show people who God is by how we act towards them.
D. All three relationships build upon each other, so that if one is weak or out of balance the others will be as well.
Living in the Spirit:
Romans 8
What does it mean to live in the Spirit?
· V. 5. Is one of the demonstrations we are living in the Spirit.
That we are doing the works of Jesus is another.
Have you ever raised the dead?
· V.6. When we feed the spirit we are moving from being carnally minded to being spirit minded and thus we move from death to life.
· V. 7. Occupying on oneself is to be carnally minded and enmity against God and God gets displeased.
· V.8 When we do things in the flesh we get frustrated and tired even if we are young, but when we do things in the Spirit we get energized.
o Isa.40: 31 Matter of fact, if we continue to operate in the flesh we will die, but if we live according to the Spirit we will live.
· V 13 says, As we are lead by the Spirit, we are being empowered by the Spirit and we receive the spirit of adoption to become heirs.
· V.14-18.
Amen!
Topic: # 10: Media That Will Destroy Your Mind (TV, Music, Movies)
I. The Purpose of Media
1) TV, movies, music, books, etc. are all media that stimulate and manipulate.
They stimulate your emotions and senses, and they manipulate your mind to get control over your actions.
2) How do media stimulate and manipulate us?
a. Messages:
Some media messages are direct, and others are subliminal, but everything preaches. What are some of the messages that are imparted? The occult, witchcraft, violence, sex, sin, and godlessness. These messages will later reflect in your attitudes and actions.
b. Spirit:
Media is a medium (channel), and spirit transmits spirit. Our eyes and ears are windows to our souls (mind, will, emotions – all have to do with the choices we make).
II. The Importance of Choosing Media that Brings Life
Our life is like a garden. This weekend God has broken up a lot of hard ground, pulled some weeds, and moved stones so that your garden is clean and ready for new planting. What will you plant? Will you clog up your life with the same old junk that got you here?
III. How Can I Make Wise Choices For My Media?
· I Corinthians 6:12: Nothing is prohibited, but the boundary is that not all things are good (beneficial). We don’t want to be dominated by anything. The Bible says to evaluate/examine everything, keeping the good, and getting rid of the bad. I John. 2:15
· No secular music. 2 Corinthians 6:15b-7:1 What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? The same music?
· Ask questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if we should watch or listen to it, and if we really want to know the answer, He will convict us.
Topic # 11a: Sexuality
God wants all the men to be happy. He gave us the capacity to love and to be loved. He has established some principles so that this desire can become reality in our lives. But in eagerness to obtain that love many have fallen into illicit sexual relations. These people, instead of being blessed as God wants, become tormented. They are left destroyed and void of peace in their hearts.
God knows the consequences that sexual relations outside marriage bring. He is very interested that you decide to wait for His timing. He will bring you the ideal person, the one that will make you happy and will compliment you.
Godly Sexuality: The Importance of Sex
I. Sex Is a Good Creation of God
A. God created sex within the context of marriage. Genesis 1:27-28a
B. It was good – not shameful or gross. Genesis 1:31; 2:25 Proverbs 5:18-19
II. Outside of Marriage Sex Is a Sin
Fornication (sex before marriage), Adultery, Orgies, and Homosexuality are all sins that God will judge. Hebrews 13:4 I Corinthians 6:9-11 Revelations 21:8
III. Sex Unifies
A. “Making love” has less to do with love than it has to do with unity.
Matthew 19:4-6
B. Sex has 3 unions: Physical, emotional, spiritual.
Topic # 11b: Courtship
I. Consequences of Sex before Marriage
A. Soul ties I Corinthians 15-20
Soul ties are very strong and affect your actions Matthew 19:4-6
B. Pregnancy, Physical diseases, Abortions (murder)
C. Sinning against your own body I Corinthians 6:18-20
D. The wrath and judgment of God
II. God wants total Virginity
A. Sins of Sexual Nature (even if you haven’t actually had sex)
a) Lust (Matthew 5:27-28 Colossians 3:5-7 Proverbs 6:25 I John 2:16)
b) Sexual fantasies, pornography (Ezekiel 20:30)
c) Masturbation
B. God Wants Total Purity (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual) I Peter 4:2-5
I Thessalonians 4:3-8 Philippians 4:8
III. What now?
A. Repent for all that you’ve done (stealing virginity, actual sex, lust, or mental impurity).
B. Receive forgiveness, be free, and be healed (old becomes new, break the soul ties).
C. Walk in purity -go and sin no more. Ephesians 4:17-19
D. If married: I Corinthians 7:2-5
E. Avoid temptation. I Corinthians 5:9
1. Guard your eyes, emotions, heart, and ears. Don’t get into sexual conversations because they stimulate and contaminate you.
2. The first look is an accident; the second look is a sin.
3. Guard your heart, because problems of the heart like not getting enough love at home, unhappiness, low self-esteem, or loneliness make you try to fill an inner need with sexual behaviour. Mark 7:21
F. Get into God. Fall passionately in love with God and let Him heal your hurts, and fill your needs. Be made whole in God so that you won’t be dependant on a person to meet your needs.
Topic # 12: Intimacy in marriage
To live and walk in the Spirit is essential for a marriage to function properly; submission to one another is a must for couples to avoid the pitfalls and to have stable marriages. Intimacy in marriage is not only good but absolutely necessary. A good loving intimate relationship will close many door to the enemy and his devices.
1. What intimacy means to man and woman
a. God made us with the capacity to have intimacy
2. Reality of the natural Body
a. Born again but not glorified body
b. We are not our own
3. Man and woman are different
a. Accepting our differences and complementing each other.
b. God commands us to enjoy and satisfy each others needs
4. Close the door to lust it leads to unfaithfulness and it is deadly for marriage.
5. Soul mates what is it? Understanding the union of a man and a woman
6. Denying intimacy to your spouse is a recipe for trouble in more than one way. Do not separate each other.
7. The role of man in intimacy with spouse. The role of woman in intimacy with spouse.
Topic # 13: Honoring Your Body - Taking care of God’s Temple
Text: I Corinthians 6: 15-20
We are God’s temples, so how can we honor God with our bodies and reflect that we are King’s kids? How are we going to represent the Father? Does the way we use or treat our body draw people to God or push them away from Him?
Way we dress: Needs to reflect that we are King’s kids. We should be the best dressed. We need to dress modestly so that we don’t stimulate each other to sin. No cross-dressing (Deut. 22:5).
Good nutrition and exercise: to keep our temples healthy, able to function, less likely to be sick, and looking good. Get plenty of restorative rest. No eating disorders that hurt your body.
Bad breath or body odor: use deodorant, perfume, bathe regularly, and brush those teeth.
Substance abuse: alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and tobacco are substances that pollute our bodies.
Words: Honor God in the way we talk about ourselves. We are like snowflakes – all unique and beautiful. Remember that when you diss or criticize yourself, you are complaining and criticizing God’s handiwork, and God doesn’t make junk.
* Looking our best for The Lord
Topic # 14: Devotional
Intro:
Verse
Short Testimony about devotional life
Why do we do devotionals?
When do we do devotionals?
How do we do devotionals (format)
Closing:
Inspire them to commit to a life of devotion.
Topic #15: Finances
“Your heart will always be where your treasure is.” Matthew 6:21 (CEV)
1. Increasing Your Value
Value system “…the ethical and ideological values that an individual…holds. While two individuals…may share a set of common values, they may differ in their determination of which values… have precedence over others. The two individuals…are said to have different value systems…”
Encyclopedia Wikipedia
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)
Your value system is determined by your heart. Your heart is the center, or ultimate choice or your mind.
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:30 (NLT)
Giving is essential because it allows God to capture your heart, the place where core values are determined.
2. Love and Money
God doesn’t necessarily want your money, He wants your heart.
“The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced. But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted."
Mark 4:18-20 (NLT)
This parable talks about the condition of the heart. The first is in love with money. The second loves God.
People believe in prosperity but their real problem is giving.
Money is a value system. What you do with your money shows what you value.
3. Get Connected
People are only interested where they are invested.
Giving is a major way of keeping you connected to God and His church.
“One day, Cain gave part of his harvest to the LORD, and Abel also gave an offering to the LORD. He killed the first-born lamb from one of his sheep and gave the LORD the best parts of it. The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering” Genesis 4:4-5 (CEV)
Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20)
The King of Sodom tried to give money to Abram
“that I won't keep anything of yours, not even a sandal strap or a piece of thread. Then you can never say that you are the one who made me rich”.
Genesis 14:23
After this the Lord promised to make Abraham the Father of Multitudes.
Abraham connected to God through the tithe.
Satan separates people from the church who are not connected through giving. Not tithing is a sign that you are not connected to the house.
4. Giving Your Heart
Your giving represent two heart conditions:
a. Tithe- 10%: firstfruits
Tithing demonstrates ownership, stewardship, and lordship.
People don’t have a problem letting go of money. They have a problem with lordship.
b. Offerings- faith, trust, and honor
5. Giving…Your Position
Giving shows where your heart is and positions you for heaven’s blessings.
“… But if you return to me, I will return to you. And yet you ask, "How can we return?"
GPS- Global Positioning System. This will locate you on the globe
GPS- Giving Positioning System. This will locate you in your relationship with God and the church.
Topic # 16: Christian Vocation (The Vision)
Matthew 28: 18-20
”Jesus approached and, [1] breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
19Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [2] into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [3] all the days ([4] perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. [5] Amen (so let it be)”.
Matthew 10:1
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve. ”He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[1] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness”.
The real meaning and purpose of our lives, and why we are here on earth.
Objective: To get people to commit to going through the post encounter, and to win their friends to Jesus.
Text: Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish¼”
I. God’s Vision
A. “Every great vision begins with one¼but never stops there.” Genesis 12:2 God promised that He would bless Abraham and make his name great and then he would be a blessing to others and be a great nation. God began with an individual but dreamed of a nation.
B. America was to be a fresh start where people could worship God freely. Satan has corrupted many things but God still dreams with this nation, and with our city.
One day God spoke to Pastor Paul Cho, pastor of one of the world’s largest churches in South Korea, and told him to take out a map. He was to close his eyes and put a finger on the map. His finger landed on Florida and God said that He was going to pour His Spirit out in a revival there. Then God told him to do it again. His finger landed on Toronto, Canada, and God told him the same thing. Then God told him to bring his two fingers together and as they came together in Hampton Roads God said that in this place the revival would explode in a mighty move of His Spirit!
C. God has a purpose for our church in this great revival that He wants to bring. One of the founders of Harvest Assembly, when praying for a name for our church, saw a vision of fields ripe for harvest and so our church was named White Harvest Assembly of God. We are strategically poised to reap a great harvest.
II. A Successful Vision
A. A Successful Vision has a Picture (explain our logo, vision – summarize article)
Topic # 17: The call of God
The Privilege of Being Called:
Let the guides know the importance of his/her new responsibility in order to be a success.
Central text: Genesis 17: 1-11
Points to remember:
· What does it mean to be called?
· It is a gift, a benefit from God for is children (example: ABRAHAM)
· How to activate that call.
· Attitude of obedience (example: Abraham’s obedience affected the world’s history).
· Humble attitude, submission and obedience shows a servant’s heart.
· Faith (Abraham believed God).
· Benefits of heeding the call.
· Pleasing to God.
· Makes God’s promises real (example: Abraham was called Father of Multitudes. Not only received a promise, but he saw it become a reality).
Genesis 15: 6
Ministry time
Every guide must value each point and accept their call to guide the people.
Topic # 18: The Holy Spirit
Depending totally on the Holy Ghost
Goal: teach the people the need to depend totally and only on the Holy Spirit to be the director of all their work.
The Holy Spirit
I. A Gift was promised…
What gift was promised to whom?
a) Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples: John 7:37-39 John 14:16-19
Luke 24:45-53 Acts 1:1-5, 8-14
b) Received the promised Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1-4
c) Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us: Acts 2:39 Jesus wants to give you a gift today.
II. Why? What difference does the Holy Spirit make in my life?
A. Companionship: Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans… (John 14:18) He sent us:
a) A Comforter: loves, heals, supports, gives comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4).
b) A Counsellor: (John 14:16) He will teach you all things (John 16:7). He is a guide (Romans 8:14).
c) Spirit of Truth: guides a believer toward the truth (John16:13)
d) Someone to be with us forever (John 14:16)
B. Communication: The Holy Spirit communicates to and through us…
a) Speaks to us: Tells us what is to come (John 16:13 Acts 15:28).
b) Speaks through us: Moves us to pray to God in a new language in worship, under pressure, and for others. I Corinthians 14:2 Romans 8:26 Ephesians 6:18 Speaks through people (Acts 1:16) Gives words to refute arguments (Acts 6:10)
C. Change: The Holy Spirit doesn’t leave us the same…
The Holy Spirit develops the character of Christ within us. Sanctification and greater holiness usually follow the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can help you in the fight against temptation and sin. (Romans 8:9 Galatians 5:16, 22-23; Freedom: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Love: Romans 5:5) Peter the coward who denied Christ three times, stood up to preach to crowds about Jesus after He received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
D. Courage: And you will receive power… (Acts 1:8)
a) In the disciples, Acts 2:5-6, 12-18, 36-41. There’s a visible difference (Acts 10:44-46) and great results.
b) Gave boldness and power in place of fear to be a witness. Ephesians 3:16
E. Called: The Holy Spirit helps us fulfill God’s purposes…
a) The Spirit Empowers Us To Serve and Minister to Others Luke 4:18-19 Motivational Gifts (Romans 12), and Ministry Gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11)
b) Makes us witnesses of the gospel wherever we go (Jerusalem, Samaria, all Judea, and to the uttermost parts of the earth)
III. How can I have this gift?
A. Thirst: want the gift John 7:37-39 Revelations 22:17
B. Believe that God will give you the promised gift Luke 11:10-13
C. Ask Luke 11:10-13
D. Receive John 20:22
E. Keep Being Filled (Continuous Tense Eph. 5:18) Peter Was Filled Repeatedly with the Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31) Maybe he leaked!!
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