Church of the Nazarene

http://bible.com/events/701320 Jesus & My Mask  ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:6-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The moment that sin enters into the world shame is present. Guilt says “I did something bad” Shame says “I am bad” We cope with shame by building a wall (a barrier) We do this for two reasons: 1. We feel like we won’t be accepted as is 2. To protect ourselves from getting hurt again 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 God’s power is at its BEST when my power is at its WORST  In response to shame we must choose vulnerability.    Vulnerability: The courage to let go of who you think you should be in order to be who you are and in that to understand deeply that you are loved and accepted by God. We have seen God meet people in their moments of their greatest vulnerability Jacob: Genesis 32:31 Jacob wrestles with God and walks away with a limp Moses: Exodus 4:10 Moses is asked to lead God’s people even thought he stutters David: Psalm 51 David mourns in the midst of great sin and disobedience Peter: Luke 22:60-61 Peter denies Jesus 2 Corinthians 6:11-13  Perhaps the best definition of Godly vulnerability is a heart that’s open wide. 1. Vulnerable with God -Our response to shame is the same as Adam and Even in the garden: we hide. -When we can’t be vulnerable with God: -we place limitations on the depth of our relationship with Him -we limit the work He can do in our lives  2. Vulnerable with others -Shame prevents us from experiencing love, belonging, joy, trust, and intimacy in our relationships.   -Research of hundreds of people dealing with shame led to one powerful conclusion: it’s not that vulnerability was always comfortable, but it was always necessary. Christ’s Mind Versus the Human Mind as it Relates to Vulnerability The Mind of Christ/The “Merely Human” Mind The truth will set you free./The better you look, the better you are. We are precious to God as we are. (Matthew 13:45-46)/God’s acceptance is something we must earn. We are loved. (Romans 5:8)/We aren’t worthy of God’s love. Not really. We must be open and honest about who we are./We can’t be open and honest about who we are. Risk/Pretend Love/Protect Step out in faith/Hide

https://www.bible.com/events/697695 Jesus & My Sin Part four of our series: Jesus &: My World Through His Eyes 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 – Romans 12:1-2 When it comes to your sin, what do you THINK?John 8:1-11The adulterous woman simply did not get what she deserved. She received MERCY.Which describes you? You may be haunted by one big sin…the failing of a lifetime. And it won’t let you go.You have actually learned to entertain sin. It’s an escape. It’s something just for you. You feel guilty, but not guilty enough.Or perhaps it's a matter of frequency. You want Jesus and you pursue him, but over and over and over again you fail. You hate it and you get caught again and again. You give up. The “Two Truths and a Lie” of Mercy.Truth #1: You deserve judgment and destruction for your sin. (The teachers of the law brought a woman caught in adultery.)Truth #2: There is an accuser who exists for your condemnation. (They made her stand before the group.)The Lie: Your sin is too much for Jesus, beyond His grasp and His grace. (“In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women…”) Supplemental ScripturesThese additional texts might be helpful for your study.Romans 8:1-4 Romans 7:21-25Psalm 103:1-12 Psalm 40:11-13

http://bible.com/events/691561 Jesus & My Money Jesus spoke often about money because He knew that there was a deep connection between our possessions and our heart.   “It’s okay for us to have stuff, but it’s not okay for our stuff to have us.” True transformation begins not by ACTING differently but by THINKING differently. So that leads to the question: “What is your mindset when it comes to money?” Luke 12:13-21 The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or because he saves, but because he lives only for himself. “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 What does it mean to be “rich toward God”? ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17-19‬ ‭ Understanding what it means to be rich towards God begins with a shift in our mindset, asking His Holy Spirit to give us the mind of Christ.   My mindset defined is defined by: “Me-Centered” Four ways that our mindset must shift: 1. Owners vs Managers Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 Everything we have is from God, which means we are managers and not owners. Managers don’t feel guilty, but they feel responsible. 2. Goal vs Resource Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 We don’t put our hope in money, but rather we understand that our money is a resource that can be used for powerful things. ....the love of money is the root of evil (see 1 Timothy 6:10) ...a spirit generosity is a root to something much greater 3. Keep vs Give Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18 At HFCN we believe in giving.... -Biblically a call to give the first 10% -and then, at times, to give beyond that A command them to be rich... -rich in good deeds -to be rich in serving -to be rich in loving -to be rich in extending grace “Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can” John Wesley 4. Hoard vs Sacrifice In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:19 The entire life of Jesus and His call to all believers could likely be summed up in a word: SACRIFICE.   The bottom line: God’s generosity towards us moves us to be generous toward others Christ’s Mind Versus the Human Mind as it Relates to Our Money  Life does not consist of an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15) VERSUS Get all you can while you can Our money belongs to God. (Psalm 24:1) VERSUS Our money belongs to us Our stewardship of money is for His use and glory (Luke 16:1) VERSUS Our stewardship of money is to get more money for ourselves We depend on Him for provision and providence (Ps 50:10-12; Phil 4:19) VERSUS God helps those who help themselves Give (Acts 20:35) VERSUS Keep (See Ananias and Saphira) Sacrifice (Luke 12:20) VERSUS Hoard Other Scriptures for Consideration I Timothy 6:6-10 Luke 16:1-15 Matthew 25:14-30‭James 2:15-17‭‭Biblical Principle of Tithing: Previous Messages: 9-17-17 message begins at 28:00 https://vimeo.com/23455609811-11-19 messages begins at 40:10 https://vimeo.com/300184208 ‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭27:30-33‬ ‭‬‬ Malachi 3:6-10 ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:23

http://bible.com/events/688612 Jesus & My Enemies– September 15 True transformation begins not by ACTING differently but by THINKING differently.  1 Corinthians 2:14-16 JESUS & MY ENEMIES  Matthew 5:43-48  Verses 43-44 Jesus speaks of AGAPE, meaning “unconquerable love”  AGAPE love is not a feeling of the heart, but a determination of the mind.   We need the mind of Christ to love in this way. Verses 44-45 We love our enemies, not so we will be blessed, but instead because this is what it means to be children of God.   Verses 45-47 Jesus does not call us to a love that is REACTIVE but rather a love that is PROACTIVE.  Verse 48 Jesus call us to TELEIOS, meaning “growth” or “completeness”  If we want to live out this radical call to love, then we have to allow the Spirit of God to make us like Him. Jesus is not interested in making us moral people.  Jesus wants to make us like Him. How do we respond? Admit “This is beyond me”  “On my own I can’t do this” Surrender “God, I need your Spirit” “I need your power” ENGAGE I engage the world around me with the power of His Spirit.   The powerful truth:  “As the Spirit transforms us, each person who encounters us encounters the living God”. Christ’s Mind Versus the Human Mind as it Relates to Our Enemies The Mind of Christ The “Merely Human” Mind Defaulting to love (Phil 2:4) / Defaulting to defense or fear Building bridges (Luke 10:35) / Building barriers Challenging feelings of animosity (Mt 5:43-44) / Feeling justified by hate Making personal sacrifice (Luke 10:33-34) / Being inherently self-concerned Looking for opportunities to approach / Looking for opportunities to avoid (Luke 10:32)

http://bible.com/events/683796 1 Corinthians 2:14-16  PNEUMA vs PSUCHE (verses 14-15) Paul speaks of two different individuals.... One guided by pneuma...the spirit - verse 15 One guided by psuche....the physical life (the appetites) - verse 14 THE MIND OF CHRIST (verse 16) The Spirit moves us from living a compartmentalized life through the mind of Christ. Having the mind of Christ means sharing in the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ.   The Mind of Christ /  The “Merely Human” Mind Alive (Romans 8:6)  /  Tormented by the shadow of death Single-Minded, Focused (2 Cor 11:13) /  Double-Minded/Scattered (James 1:8) Humble (Phil 2:3) / Proud/Self-Focused Pure (Titus 1:5) /  Sin-Infected Responsive (Luke 24:45) /  Stubborn Peaceful (Romans 8:6) / Fearful Romans 8:5-8 The mind governed by the flesh: DEATH (verse 6) HOSTILE TO GOD (verse 7) CANNOT PLEASE GOD (verse 8) 1. My thoughts are powerful -they drive how I live and impact  -what I think about myself  -what I think/believe about others  -what I think/believe about God 2. God’s thoughts can become my thoughts -as believers in Christ, we have access to the “mind of Christ” if we walk in step with the Holy Spirit   3. True transformation begins not by acting differently, but by thinking differently. -“The Mind of Christ” transforms every part of me You can’t compartmentalize obedience. You can’t fully obey God without the mind of Christ.  

http://bible.com/events/679023 “Eyes to See” Luke 7:36-50 NIV As we realize the depth of our sin, we understand the depth of God’s forgiveness When we consider this encounter through the perspective of Simon the Pharisee, we understand that his problem was blindness. Simon did not see the woman “Then he [Jesus] turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?” Luke 7:44 The challenge is to see beyond someone’s past and beyond their brokenness, but instead to see what Jesus see. All Simon could see was her past, but Jesus saw her future. 2. Simon did not see himself Simon was so focused on “the sinner” in his presence that he was totally unaware of his own sin. ““Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3-4 NIV Jesus doesn’t seek to address the amount of sin, but rather the awareness of sin. 3. Simon did not see his savior “When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”” Luke 7:39 NIV Simon was blinded by his skepticism, his doubts, even his religious duty in such a way could not see that the Son of God was in His presence. A simple but profound prayer…. “Lord, give me eyes to see” A. Eyes to see others To Jesus there were never any invisible people. What would happen if we lived our lives that way? What would change? Who would we begin to see that we’ve never seen before? B. Eyes to see myself Before I am quick to point out the sin in someone else, may I stop to see the pain in my heart. Being aware of my own need is where transformation begins. C. Eyes to see my Savior It does not matter if your sin is obvious (the sinful woman) or hidden (Simon the Pharisee), He is the Savior of all. As my eyes are open to see the needs of others and as my eyes are open to see my own need, I can see clearly that He is enough.

http://bible.com/events/675827 All Together new: Grow The call to community is a call to GATHER. The call to community is a call to GIVE. The call to community is a call to GROW. Ephesians 4:11-16 Ephesians 4:11-13  These verses set the foundation of what the community of believers is called to do: We are called to be “equipped” in order to be “built up” towards unity and even towards maturity  Ephesians 4:14 We are given a powerful picture of what maturity is NOT: -No longer infants  -No longer tossed back and forth by deceit  Ephesians 4:15-16 We are given a charge: -We will grow  -With Christ as the head, we will be the body Acts‬ ‭2:42-47‬ ‭‬‬‭‭In Biblical Community, The Body Grows.... -Grows in knowledge  -Grows in serving  -Grows in experiencing the power of God  -Grows in praise for God  -Grows in experiencing community  -Grows in number  ISOLATION BRINGS:   -DISUNITY -IMMATURITY   -IGNORANCE  -DEATH

http://bible.com/events/671648 All Together New: Give Acts 2:42-47 The first biblical rule of community: It’s not about you. Love is the act of laying down one’s life. (John 15:13) The model of Jesus is to regard others first. (Philippians 2:3) Since he laid down his life for us, we are to lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16) The call to community is a call TO GIVE. Romans 12:9-13 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Consider Paul’s words in light of the call to community is a call to GIVE.  Love is sincere (Romans 12:9)  Be devoted (Romans 12:10)  We honor one another (Romans 12:10)  We give to those in need (Romans 12:13)  We practice hospitality (Romans 12:13)  THE GREAT SHIFT.... A mindset of WHAT DO I NEED...to a mindset of WHAT CAN I GIVE.  A mindset of ME...to a mindset of US.  It is entirely possible that community is less about WHAT YOU WILL GET OUT and more about WHAT YOU WILL GIVE. “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love;  where there is injury, pardon;  where there is doubt, faith;  where there is despair, hope;  where there is darkness, light;  where there is sadness, joy.  O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;  to be understood as to understand;  to be loved as to love;  For it is in giving that we receive;  it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;  it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.” -St. Francis of Assisi Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more  important than our own. -Henri Nouwen

http://bible.com/events/666831 Youversion - August 11  All Together New: Gather  Acts 2:42-47   The Greek word for “fellowship” is KOINONIA, meaning deep commitment and communion.   It’s also found in 1 John 1:3  “what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Our three week series is centered around a call to community and we have never needed community more than we do today.       - [ ] We live in a world that has never been more connected, yet never felt more isolated      - [ ] A recent study shows nearly half of all Americans report feeling alone      - [ ] As many as 43% of adults say that they lack true meaningful relationships  The call to community is a call to GATHER Hebrews 10:23-25 Gathering sustains us.... “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 There is always the temptation to quit, but in community we are able to persevere.  “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb Gathering moves us.... “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24  Spurring one another on.... We are compelled   We are pushed  We are urged  We are pointed We are redirected We are moved  Gathering encourages us  “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25  Isolation and discouragement are always connected.   “The God we meet in solitude is always the God who calls us to community.”  Henri Nouwen 

http://bible.com/events/662934 August 4 - Best Week Ever  Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:3-5 NIV Jesus had all the power and authority (He was from God and He was returning to God), yet He chose to serve.  Jesus took an object that was common place (towel and basin) and made it holy.   John 13:12-17 NIV John 13:34-35 NIV Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve one another, He commands it!  We cannot claim to know Jesus and claim to be His followers and not obey His command to love one another. 

http://bible.com/events/659804 Youversion - July 28  “Go: The Impact” Acts 4:8-13  Acts 4:29-31 ORDINARY PEOPLE  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men”....Acts 4:13  The call to “Go” is for all  THROUGH GOD’S POWER “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)  We “Go” not in our power and authority, but because of His power at work in us. FOR GOD’S PURPOSE  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:29-30 ‭NIV‬‬ We “Go” not to live out our purpose, but to live out God’s purpose for us.  Acts 4:32-35‭‭ In the midst of experiencing the supernatural power of God, the believers never loss site of the physical needs of those around them.  There is no conflict between meeting the spiritual needs of others and meeting the tangible needs.   ORDINARY PEOPLE...THROUGH GOD’S POWER...FOR GOD’S PURPOSE

http://bible.com/events/655676 Go: The Cost Key Thematic Questions: > What is the cost of following Christ? > What is the cost of GOING? Pastor Adrian from Part 2 of the series: “It impossible to please God, without complete surrender.” > Think about the events in Stephen’s story that you’ve seen before. Acts 6:7-15 Acts 7:1-2a Acts 7:51-60 The message of Stephen’s martyrdom is that sacrifice didn’t end with Jesus. It was and should be a hallmark of His church. > Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. > Stephen paid the ultimate price for Jesus. Luke 14:25-33 Consider: > Not only is the Lord asking your life of you. If you are believer, you’ve already agreed to give it. > In fact, it is likely that today, somewhere, someone will pay the ultimate price. > To lay down’s one life isn’t strange or foreign, since we are made in His image. We know it is what real love is all about. To count the cost, to be willing to pay, is to love as God loves.

http://bible.com/events/652238 What are our expectations of what it means to Go? More importantly, what are His? Thanks for joining us today! GO: move from one place to another; travel. Acts 1:3-8 Acts 8:4-5 “Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person— our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a vast difference between devotion to a person and devotion to principles or to a cause.” -Oswald Chambers The concept of going: Matthew 28:18-20 The people of God are now called from centripetal living to centrifugal living Back to our story of Philip: Acts 8:26-29 Acts 8:40 What does this mean for the Church today? The expectation of the call/commission of Jesus to his followers to “GO” is not one of extra credit or optional by nature. It is to be embodied by all who are part of God’s Kingdom.

http://bible.com/events/647588   Go: The Surrendering  ‭‭Acts‬ ‭7:58-60‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Acts 9:1-22 Last week we spoke of the waiting.... This call to Go is about God’s power, in God’s timing for God’s glory. This week we focus on the idea of surrender... In order to answer the call to “Go” we each must choose to surrender.  It is impossible to please God without complete surrender. WHAT DO WE NEED TO SURRENDER?SIN.... -Unrepentant sin separates us from God -When we have repented of sin, we must surrender: -The things that used to define us -Memories of past hurt, disappointment, failure -Shame CONTROL.... -Control is about SELF  -My interest  -My blessings -My expectations  -ME, ME, ME  FEAR... -Fear of the unknown  -Fear of failure  -Fear of rejection   “Great people don’t do great things. God does great things with surrendered people. and surrender happens every day in one thousand small moments.” Jennie Allen Surrender teaches us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

http://bible.com/events/644598 GO: The Waiting   Acts 1:4-5 Just as Jesus is set to commission his disciples, he gives a confusing command: WAIT (Acts 1:4)   Acts 1:8 Jesus making a promise and with the promise comes three realities.....  1. Not my power “But you will receive [my] power...” Acts 1:8 2. Not my timing “...when the Holy Spirit comes on you” Acts 1:8 3. Not my purpose “...you will be MY witnesses” Acts 1:8 The important question for us.... What are you waiting for?  Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be. – John Ortberg Acts 2:1-8, 12-17 There is a difference between waiting on God and waiting with God.

http://bible.com/events/640510 Title: Not Fearful, But Faithful  Today we celebrate 20 years of ministry at our current location.  We pause today to give thanks for God for all He has done, and to tune our hearts to His call for our church as we head into the future.  Our God is faithful!  The people God uses aren’t fearless; they are faithful. Joshua 6:1-16, 20 The promise - Joshua 6:2  God’s promises are true, even when our reality suggests otherwise.  The plan - Joshua 6:3-5  Joshua did not take the city by clever, human military action.  The strategy was the Lord’s. The obedience - Joshua 6:14  Day after day there were opportunities to quit, to become distracted or preoccupied, but obedience was the key to experiencing God’s promise. The fulfillment  - Joshua 6:20  Because they trusted the promise, submitted to the plan, and chose obedience even when it seemed impossible, they experienced God’s fulfillment. And today we stand at a critical place in our history... Do we believe that God is not done?  Do we believe that there are still walls to fall?  We thought God had done big things before, but we can’t even conceive of what it is he has before us... The question for us.... ”Will you go another lap?”  When you feel like you have obeyed and nothing is happening... ”Will you go another lap?”  When you are tempted to give up or lose focus... ”Will you go another lap?”  When you feel tired, or discouraged, or afraid... ”Will you go another lap?”  When you can’t see how God will fulfill His promise... ”Will you go another lap?” 

http://bible.com/events/637647 The Science of Temptation, Part 2 There is a plan in place to hurt you and it will kill you if it can. That sobering idea is the primary reason for this two-part series on temptation that concludes today: The Science of Temptation. Temptation comes at you with a structure, a strategy, even a science. This series asks: What is your plan to fight the temptation you face? For, while temptation itself is not sin, it wants to lead you to sin and, then, to death: For the wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23 Matthew 4:1-11 Three questions posed by Jesus’ temptation: 1. What do you want more than you want God? 2. Whom do you trust? 3. What will you trade for your soul? The Three-Point Shield in the Face of Temptation 1. “It is written…” The activated power of the Word of God in our lives. 2. The faithfulness of God 1 Corinthians 10:13 3. The power of rescuing grace  Hebrews 4:14-16

The Science of Temptation: Part 1 Temptation has been a reality to all humans since the beginning of time. It lured the fall of mankind; even Jesus faced it!  Join us as we discover exactly what temptation is and how God has prepared us to fight it. Genesis 3:1-13 They should have been running to God in their need But instead they HIDE They should be taking ownership and responsibility But instead they BLAME Is temptation a sin? No, we all face temptation, even Jesus Hebrews 4:15 Sin is.... ....a voluntary violation of a known law of God ...a violation of the law of love (because we are people who have been given a choice) Matthew 22:37-40 Temptation is.... ...the act of being enticed to sin Temptation begins with a desire, which if we aren’t careful, can give birth to sin. Temptation is anything that promises satisfaction at the cost of obedience. James 1:14-15 What was the strategy (science) in the first sin? What did the serpent know that he used to break down their defenses? The strategy (science) behind the temptation: • Humans tend to want. • They can be coerced into wanting. • They can be persuaded that they are not getting what they deserve. • They can be convinced to “want it all” and to act on that want. • They can be easily convinced that they know better. • They have the capacity to want something more than they want God. The serpent didn’t use bad temptation approaches. Strategies such as the following would likely not have worked on Adam and Eve: • You should hate God. • Disobeying God is a good idea. • Ignore everything God says. • God is wholly untrustworthy • Bad things might happen but the risk is worth it Perhaps the greatest threat temptation poses is that, in the moment, it makes a proposal that seems to make sense. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Stand firm... ...affirm God's truth What is your foundation? Who is it that is leading and guiding your life? ...affirm God's character.... Are you trusting in what you know to be true of God? ...affirm God's presence.... Isolation breeds destruction Affirming God’s truth & God’s character will always lead us to affirming His presence The battle against temptation begins with the choices I make today

http://bible.com/events/628594 HFCN Definition: The Gospel is the good news message that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He was raised to life, victorious over the power of death. In choosing to live for Him, we can be free from the power of sin and experience abundant life today and eternal life in Heaven.  1 Corinthians 15: 1-2 The Gospel Is.... -Your gift  I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received 1 Corinthians 15:1 The Gospel is not something we invented and it is not something we discovered The Gospel is the gift of God for us  -Your foundation  Which you received and on which you have taken your stand 1 Corinthians 15:1 The Gospel is your foundation and your solid rock  -Your salvation  By this gospel you are saved 1 Corinthians 15:2 Not a past tense “you were saved” but a present tense...”you are being saved”  1 Corinthians 15: 3-8 Our series “The Pure Gospel”  The Life of Jesus  The Death of Jesus  The Resurrection of Jesus  1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Why is resurrection critical?  What does it mean to us today? Truth is stronger than lies  The Truth of God is stronger than any lie of the enemy Good is stronger than evil  The resurrection proved that evil had lost and that God is greater  Love is stronger than hate  When Jesus rose again, He proved that the perfect love of Jesus     overcomes ALL Life is stronger than death  Powerful implications....  1. This life is not all there is   2. In this life, freedom is possible  If there is no resurrection, there is no… Life Freedom from Sin Victory Hope Two Questions that the Gospel asks of us: Will you believe in that which you don’t fully understand?  Does your daily life reflect victory over sin?

http://bible.com/events/624911 Pure Gospel: The Death of Jesus  HFCN Definition of the Gospel:The Gospel is the good news message that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He was raised to life, victorious over the power of death. In choosing to live for Him, we can be free from the power of sin and experience abundant life today and eternal life in Heaven.  Romans 5:1-5 In our series last month “More than Me: More Hope”  Romans 5:6-11  The Pure Gospel:  Week One: The Life of Jesus Week Two: The Death of Jesus   Who we were.... Ungodly (Romans 5:6)  Powerless (Romans 5:6) Sinners (Romans 5:8)  Guilty (Romans 5:8)  Enemies (Romans 5:10)  Who God is.... Just (Romans 5:9)  We all love justice, except for when it is applied to us.  When the Bible speaks about “the wrath of God”, it is referring to a God of justice (the presence of sin means a debt must be paid).   Loving (Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates His love for us”   If it is all about justice then we are doomed, but our God is just AND full of love. Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ His love is willing to meet the demands of His justice. -Billy Graham  Who we are.... Justified (Romans 5:9)  Justice has been served on our behalf  Saved (Romans 5:9) “Jesus died so you could choose not to. He chose death so you could choose life.” Reconciled (Romans 5:10-11)  We were separated, but because of the cross, we are brought near. Closing Thought: What is your response to the cross of Jesus? 

http://bible.com/events/621039 Pure Gospel: The Life of JesusWord Study: The Greek word for Gospel is euaggelion– “Good message”  Mat 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news (euaggelion) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Mat 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news (euaggelion) of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. Mat 24:14 And this gospel (euaggelion) of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Mat 26:13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel (euaggelion) is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”  HFCN Definition: The Gospel is the good news message that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He was raised to life, victorious over the power of death. In choosing to live for Him, we can be free from the power of sin and experience abundant life today and eternal life in Heaven.   John 5:19-20 Two reasons why the life of Jesus is critical to the Gospel... 1. Jesus was...The Plan   From the moment sin entered the world, Jesus became the plan for our redemption.  “The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” John 1:14 Jesus has Complete confidence.... His confidence came from knowing that his future was in God’s hands. Jesus has complete fearlessness ... His fearlessness came from recognizing it was more important to be true to God than to please man.  2. Jesus was...The Example   “The Son can do nothing by himself”  “The son does what the Father does”  John 5:19 The example of who the Father is -The mind of Jesus...the mind of God -The words of Jesus...the words of God -The actions of Jesus...the actions of God The example of who we are to be The identity of Jesus was based on: -not power, but submission -not in his position but in his obedience These were the things that defined who Jesus was & they are the things that should define who we are. The Question: • What’s the greatest difference between the way Jesus lived and the way you live?

http://bible.com/events/617092 ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬  Galatians 5:1 (NIV)  We were once slaves to sin, but we have experienced freedom in Christ. Because of Jesus there is  MORE LIFE,  MORE HOPE,  MORE PURPOSE & MORE FREEDOM Galatians 5:2-5  There is a group of believers (called “Judaizers”) teaching that the only way to receive God’s love and forgiveness was to become like a Jew and follow Jewish customs  While there is nothing wrong with the outward act of circumcision, in this context it represented adding something to the Gospel  MY FOCUS  Galatians 5:2- “Christ has no value to you at all”  When we add something to the Gospel, we make it about what we do When we make it about what we do, we diminish Christ’s value  MY DEBT  Galatians 5:3- “obligated to obey the whole law” When we attempt to pay back the debt that’s forgiven, we turn God’s free gift into a loan to be repaid or wages to be earned  MY WORK Galatians 5:4-  “justified by the law”  “you have fallen away from grace” When we make it about what we do, then it is no longer about God’s grace MY POWER Galatians 5:5- “through the Spirit” “by faith” We don’t need to rely on the “external” law to keep us in line  We have the “internal” work of the Holy Spirit  Those who claim to follow Jesus can still be chained... I keep the rules  I do enough good things  I am a spiritual person  I believe I have the strength to improve every day  I do what I’m told  I measure up to the standards set for me  I am making progress I don’t do some things that I used to do  I’m better off than some around me  I do good things and have a good reputation  I wish others were more like me If only other groups could be as spiritual as us When you choose the law over grace you lose every time  What has you chained today?

http://bible.com/events/612603 More Than Me: More Purpose “He must become greater; I must become less.”” John 3:30 NIV Acts 26:12-18NIV Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV) The Purpose of ME is often defined by....  -ACTIONS -REPUTATION  -SOCIAL STANDING -EFFORT -PASSION  Phil 3:9 If we aren’t careful, building my life on my own purpose leads to a righteousness of my own.   Some attributes of the ‘RIGHTEOUSNESS OF ME’  ...attends Church fairly regularly because it is expected. ...chooses what is popular over what is right. It desires to fit in both at church and outside church. ...does not want to be saved from sin, just the penalty of sin. ....does not really believe that the new life Jesus offers is better than the old life of sin. ...will serve God and others but there are limitations. ... does whatever is necessary to stay in its comfort zone. ... does not live by faith. Life is so structured that faith isn’t necessary  ...does not love Jesus as much as it loves self. It loves Him some but loves self more. HIS PURPOSE FOR ME Philippians 3:10-11  My purpose begins with ME  His Purpose for me begins at the cross  Luke 9:23-24 MY purpose is about MY POWER  HIS Purpose for me begins with HIS POWER IN ME  The power of God’s purpose changes us.... Instead of “What can I do?”  It becomes “What can you do in me?” Instead of “What can I accomplish?” It becomes “What can you accomplish through me?”   Instead of “My spotlight”  It becomes “His glory”  Instead of “I want to be famous”  It becomes “I want to be faithful”  The best purpose we find is not in our purpose but in God’s purpose for us. It is more than dreaming, more than your work, more than a collection of tasks, more than me.

http://bible.com/events/608342 April 28 More Than Me: More Hope John 10:10 (The Message)   We are living in between two tensions: The wonder of ME.... -I am a miracle of God -I am created with gifts, talents & abilities -I am created in the image of God The problem of ME... -Sin separates me from God -Sin prevents me from experiencing God’s best for my life today “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Augustine Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) Peace with God.... -The opposite of justification is condemnation -Condemnation is what we deserved because of sin -Justification means we are made righteous Access to God... -We used to depend on what we can do for ourselves -Now we depend on what God can do for us Hope of the glory of God.... -Things I place my hope in... Who I Am (My abilities) What I Do (My accomplishments) My People (My relationships) My Stuff (My finances, possessions, etc) -The reality: ME has no real capacity to hope Our hope is not founded in me Our hope is founded in God’s Glory Peace with God - takes care of the past Access to God - addresses the present Hope of the glory of God - speaks to the future Romans 5:3-4 Suffering -Suffering seems contradictory to hope, but suffering is actually a gateway to HOPE -“Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” -Charles Spurgeon Perseverance -When you are willing to endure, resistance builds strength Character -Through suffering something beautiful is produced -“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted” Matthew 5:4 Hope -Hope is the product of something else – it doesn’t appear out of nowhere. Suffering Perseverance Character Hope Romans 5:5  The Hope of ME can fail The Hope of God cannot fail

http://bible.com/events/605161 The wonder....ME I am miracle I am created by God and made in His Image The problem....ME There is something broken within us.  In our human-ness and in our frailty: There is a wrestling, there is an emptiness, & there is a brokenness within.  Ultimately this life is about more than ME....more than what I can accomplish on my own.   ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-3  The problem of ME is really the problem of SIN. -acts of sin -nature of sin ‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭‬‬ Jesus isn’t speaking of simply being alive, but what FILLS our life o Symptoms of a taste of death ▪ constant worry, fear, anxiety) ▪ we can’t be ourselves....we have to hide ▪ we lack true joy Ephesians 2:4-5 In His mercy, He does not give us what we do deserve, and in His grace He gives us what we do not deserve.   This life is possible when we recognize it’s beyond ME, it’s only found in Christ More Than Me begins with a prayer... 1. “I can’t do it” (It’s more than Me, more than what I can do on my own) 2. “God, you can do it” (God is capable...He CAN fill us with real life now and for eternity)  3. “I turn from DEATH” (the taste of death I am currently experiencing...the worry, shame, fear...I REPENT and turn from that life) 4. “God, fill me with your LIFE” (Only God can bring me true life)