I. ASK THE LORD WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO DO Acts 22:10 II. GOD HAS AN ASSIGNMENT FOR EVERY BELIEVER Acts 22:10 III. GOD HAS A GENERAL ASSIGNMENT FOR EVERY BELIEVER Acts 22:15 IV. GOD HAS A SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENT FOR EVERY BELIEVER Acts 22:21

I. HARD TIMES ARE A REALITY v 2 Trials come because . . . a. We Are Living Out Our Christianity Eph 6:16 2 Th 3:1-3 Trials come because of . . . b. Poor Choices We Have Made Gal 6:9 Trials come because of . . . c. Poor Choices Others Have Made Trials come because . . . d. Life Happens Matthew 5:45 II. TAKE JOY IN YOUR HARDSHIPS James 1:2 "Why should I consider it pure joy when I face a trail?" Because . . . a. Trials Cause You to Exercise Faith James 1:3 Why should I consider it joy when I face a trail? because . . . b. Trials Make You Stronger and Mature James 1:3-4 Why should I consider it joy when I face a Trail? because . . . c. Trails Cause You to Seek God's Help James 1:5-8 III. HANG IN THERE . . . THE BEST IS YET TO COME James 1:12

I. TWO RHETORICAL QUESTIONS James 2:14 a. "What good is it if someone claims to have faith but does not have works?" b. "Can That Kind of Faith Save Him?" c. An Illustration of Dead Faith James 1:15-17 II. ACTION VERIFIES YOUR FAITH James 1:18-19 a. Works are the Evidence of Faith v 18 b. Saying "I believe in Jesus" is not enough v 19 c. Clarify Works Theology Ephesians 2:8-9 III. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS USELESS James 2:20-26

What Kind of Soil Are You? I. Hardened Soil v 4, 14-15 II. Rocky Soil v 5-6, 16-17 III. Thorny Soil v 7, 18-19 V. Fertile Soil v 8, 20

I. Zacchaeus was a Man of Wealth and Influence v 2 II. Zacchaeus Had a Great Desire to See Jesus v 3-4 a. He Had a Problem v 3 b. He Made a Plan v 4 c. He Executed the Plan v 4 III. Jesus Desired to Meet Zacchaeus v 5 Jesus Saw Him. Jesus Spoke to Him Jesus Instructed Him IV. Zacchaeus and Jesus Made a Personal Connection v 5-6 V. Zacchaeus' Life Was Changed v 8 VI. Zacchaeus' Eternity Was Changed v 9 RECAP 1. It takes effort to connect with Jesus 2. Jesus Wants You More Than You Want Him 3. When Salvation really comes to your heart you are changed both here and now and for eternity. 4. You think and act differently when you Connect with Christ!

I. ACKNOWLEDGING HIS NAME V 14 II. ACKNOWLEDGE HIS NAME IN THE BAPTISTRY a. Follow Jesus' Example b. Acknowledge Jesus Name III. ACKNOWLEDGE HIS NAME IN THE COMMUNITY Mt 10:32-33 IV. WHEN YOU ACKNOWLEDGE GOD WHAT DOES HE DO IN RETURN?

I. Listen For God To Speak To You (v.1-2) II. Trust God For All He Has Promised (v.3-4) III. Understand The Protection & Presence Of God (v.5,9) IV. Receive The Call To Lead (v.6) V. Study & Obey The Word of God (v.7-8) VI. GET STARTED v 10-11 ch 2:1 Equation is... MEDITATE + OBEY = SUCCESS

I. Prayed For Divine Breakthrough Acts 1:8, 14; 2:1, 41 II. Prayed For Divine Boldness Acts 4:8, 29-31 III. Prayed For Divine Direction Acts 10 IV. Prayer For Divine Guidance Acts 13:1-3

The New Testament Church Was… I. A Place of Learning v 42 II. A Place of Fellowship v 42 III. A Place of Prayer v 42 IV. A Place of Reverence Acts 2:43 V. A Place Where Great Things Happened Acts 2:43 VI. A Place of Worship Acts 2:46 VII. A Place of Joy/Gladness Acts 2:46 VIII. A Place That Attracted Outsiders v 47

A DESCRIPTION OF USELESS WORSHIP In their worship . . . The Lord Said That They Dishonored Him Malachi 1:6 They Gave Less Than Their Best to God Mal 1:7-8 They Acted as if Worship was a Burden to Them Mal 1:12-13 Those Who Give Second Best Worship to God are Under a Curse Mal 1:14 A DESCRIPTION OF USEFUL WORSHIP Malachi 2:1-9 God Had a Covenant with Levi The Covenant was For Life and Peace Mal 2:5 God Commands Reverence and Awe of His Name Mal 2:5

Small groups were . . . I. Modeled by Jesus John 3:22 Small groups are . . . II. An Excellent Setting For Bible Study Acts 2:42 Small groups . . . III. Provide a Base for Care and Concern Philemon 1:7, II Corinthians 1:5-7 Small groups . . . IV. Give You a Place to Belong I John 1:3, Acts 2;42

Resources

• Second Half of the Service

A Five Point Strategy to Serve They had compassion They had a direction (v.3) They worked together They had commitment (did not give up) (v.4) They experienced the Super Natural Power of God

Who is Invited to Build this Storm Proof Life? v 24 What Must I Do to Build This Storm Proof Life? v 24 Everyone Builds Something Everyone Builds on A Foundation v 24-27 A Storm is Coming v 25 Results In Your Life are Determined By The Choices You Make

1. GO WHERE? Mark 16:15 II. GO and DO WHAT? v 15 III. GO WHY? Mark 16:15-16 a. We go because God says to GO! v 15 b. We Go because People without Jesus are Lost! V 16 IV. GO HOW? Acts 1:8 V. GO WHEN? 2 Corinthians 6:2

OBEDIENCE Israel Acted Without God's Leadership I Samuel 4:4 CLEANSING 1 Chron 16:1-2 Burnt Offerings Peace Offerings THANKSGIVING CAN FREELY FLOW FROM OUR HEARTS I Chron 16:4-7 David Gave Out Thanksgiving Assignments v 7 Several Acts of Thanksgiving v 8-12 Remembering v 12 Proclaiming v 8 Singing v 9 Seeking v 11

MARY IS AFRAID v 26-30 MARY RECEIVES THE ANNOUNCEMENT v 31-33 We See Christ's Humanity v 31a We See Christ's Deity v 31b We See Christ's Identity v 32-33 MARY IS APPREHENSIVE v 34-37 MARY IS SUBMISSIVE v 38 MARY IS EXCITED v 46-55

The spiritual past you live in. (Vs. 1) The future that God has already planned. (Vs. 2-5) The present should be wrapped up in Jesus alone. (Vs. 6)

I. PURE MOTIVES v 3 II. APPROVED BY GOD v 4 III. NOT MEN PLEASERS v 4b, 6 IV. NOT GREEDY v 5 V. GENTLE WITH PEOPLE v 7 VI. FILLED WITH LOVE v 8, I Peter 4:8

AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS A RARE FIND v 10 AN EXCELLENT WIFE CAN BE TRUSTED IN EVERY WAY v 11-12 AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS A TIRELESS WORKER v 13-19, 27 AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS CONCERNED FOR OTHERS V 20 AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS STRONG AND STABLE v 25 AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS FULL OF WISDOM v 26 AN EXCELLENT WIFE FEARS THE LORD v 29-30

Invest Time In Your Children Proverbs 22:6 Monitor What Your Children View And Experience I Thes 5:21-22 Improve Your Marriage Eph 5:21-33 Be Intentional About Your Children's Spiritual Growth Deut 6:1-9 1. Join a Connect Group 2. Start Praying at Every Family Meal 3. Have a Weekly family Meal at home 4. Encourage everyone in the family to have a Quiet Time

The church is a place of . . . Education Psalms 25:4-5, Psalms 86:11, John 8:2 The Church is a place of . . . Encouragement I Thes 5:11-15 The Church is a place of . . . Care And Comfort I Cor 12:12, 25-26, Ephesians 4:31-32 The Church is a place of . . . Partnership Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Church is a place of . . . Love John 13:34 John 15:12-17

CHRISTIAN WHO FAILS TO TITHE SEPARATES HIMSELF FROM GOD v 7 A CHRISTIAN WHO FAILS TO TITHE IS ROBBING GOD v 7-8 A CHRISTIAN WHO FAILS TO TITHE PUTS HIS FINANCES UNDER A CURSE v 9 TITHING INVITES THE BLESSING OF GOD ON YOUR FAMILY v 10-12

Accountants deal with the bad rap they've been getting from this economic downturn.

BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT Ephesians 4:25 KEEP CURRENT v 26-27 ATTACK THE PROBLEM --- NOT THE PERSON v 29-30 ACT! DON'T REACT v 31-32

Resources

• Prayer for Educators

Links

• Family Life: Communication
• Marriage Builders: How to Create Your Own Plan to
• Focus on the Family: Communicating with Your Teen
• Youthministry.com: The Key to Better Relationship
• The Five Love Langauges

I. Who is Jesus v 1-2 II. What Are Jesus Qualifications? V 2-3 a. Creator of All v 2 b. Owner of All v 2 c. Sustainer of All v 3 III. What did Jesus Communicate v 3 IV. How is Jesus Able to Fulfill This Great Task? V. What Must We Do with Jesus? a. Accept or Reject Him as Savior I John 5:11-13 b. Accept or Reject Him as Lord Phil 1:6

I. A Reminder: Don't Drift Away From Jesus v 1 II. A Reminder Of Who Jesus Is v 2-4 a. Everything said by the angels Happened v 2 b. Jesus is Much Greater Than the Angels Heb 1:8,10 c. Without Jesus There is NO Escape v 3 d. Jesus Has Been Confirmed/Verified in Many Ways v 3b, 4 III. A REMINDER OF WHAT JESUS DID V 14-15 a. Jesus Tasted Death for Us v 9, 17 b. He Has Removed Our Fear of Death v 15 c. Rendered the Devil Powerless v 14-15

I. A Description of Believers v 1 a. Holy Brethren b. Partakers of a Heavenly Calling II. AN INVITATION TO BELIEVERS v 1 a. Observe Jesus Apostle High Priest Faithful b. Obey Jesus v 6-8a III. SOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BELIEVERS v 12 a. Care For Yourself v 12 b. Care For Others v 13 c. Cling to Your Belief v 12 and 19

I. Faith Must Be Applied v 1-3 a. Hearing Does Not Guarantee Believing v 1-2 b. Believing does Guarantee Resting v 3 c. God Never Stops Calling v 11 II. Faith And The Word Of God Are Inseperable v 2, 12-13 a. The Word of God Grows Your Faith v 12 b. The Word of God Guides Your Faith v 13 c. The Word of God Guards Our Faith Ps 119:11

I. Our High Priest is Supernatural Heb 4:14 II. Our High Priest is Sympathetic Heb 4:15 III. Our High Priest is Sensitive Heb 4:16 IV. Our High Priest Suffered Heb 5:8 V. Our High Priest Saves Heb 5:9

Jesus is Aware of All our Thoughts v 5-8 Jesus Knows our Thoughts Immediately v 8 Jesus knows our thoughts Completely v 8 Jesus Has Authority Over All Things v 9-12 Jesus Has All Authority v 10 Whatever Jesus Says Always Happens v 11-12 Jesus Is Amazing In All He Does v 11-12 Jesus Heals Us v 12 Jesus Amazes Us v 12

God Desires That We Have… I. A Passion For the Work of Christ (v.15-16) II. A Discontent for Things of This World (v.17a) III. An Understanding for Our Greatest Need Rev 3:17b IV. An Understanding That Wealth/Healing Come From God Rev 3:18 V. A Responsive Heart to His Call Rev 3:19-20 VI. An Eternity With Him In Heaven (v.21)

I. Take a Close Look at Lucifer Ezekiel 28:12-18 II. Lucifer Decides to Become the Devil Isaiah 14:4-15 III. What Can We Learn From The Devil?

I. A good idea is not always God’s idea I Chron. 17:1-2 A. Nathan Said “Yes” to David’s building Project v 2 B. God said “no” to David’s building project v 3-4 II. God judges the heart not the hands II Chron. 6:7-8 III. Often God’s “no” leads to a Greater “Yes” II Chron. 6:9 A. Solomon Built the House for God B. David Wrote the Word of God

I. Prepare a Place for God II Chron 7:11 a. Solomon Built the House II Chron 2:1-2, 3:4-7 b. Solomon Sanctified the Priests II Chron 5:11 II. Invite the Presence of God II Chron 7:12-14, II Chron 6:18-21 a. Solomon is Hurting for God’s Presence II Chr 6:18-19 b. Solomon is Hungry for God’s Presence II Chr 6: 20-21 III. Experience the Power of God II Chr 7:14b-15 a. Experience His Power Through Prayer II Chr 7:1-3 b. Experience His Power Through Praise II Chr 5:12-14 IV. Understand the Promise of God

Links

• Survey: Non-attendees find faith outside church
• Ed Stetzer

Resources

• This Book Quote

Connect with Others

I. What Enabled The Macedonians To Give (v.1) II. When Did They Give (v.2) III. What Was Their Attitude (v.2) IV. What Was Their Financial Condition (v.2) V. How Did They Give (v.2) a. With generosity b. Beyond their ability – v 3 c. Voluntarily v 3 VI. How Did They View Giving (v.4) a. With eagerness b. As a privilege VII. How Were They Able To Give So Generously (v.5) a. Gave themselves first to God b. Gave according to God’s will

Matthew 6:1-24 I. God Rewards Secret Giving v 1-4 II God Rewards Private Praying v 5-8 III God Rewards Sincere Forgiving v 14-15 IV God Rewards Humble Fasting v 16-18

I. We Should Cultivate Our Thoughts I Cor 13:5 II. We Should Elevate Our Thoughts Phil 4:8 III. We Should Consecrate Our Thoughts Matt 22:37

I. THE BURDENS OF DISOBEDIENCE a. Your Business Will Fail v 16, 20 b. You Will Face Defeat v 17 c. You Will Live in Fear v 17 d. You Will Be Utterly Ruined v 21-39 II. THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE a. God Will Be Your Provision v 4-5 b. God Will Be Your Protection v 5b, 6b c. God Will Give You Courage and Strength v 6-8

1. Be a Team (Acts 18:1-4) 2. Be Willing to Serve (Acts 18:1-4,26; 1 Cor. 16:19) A. Regardless of your position B. Regardless of your circumstances C. Regardless of your resources 3. Be Selfless (Rom. 16:3-4) 4. Be an Influence (Acts 18:27-28) A. Inside Your Home B. Through Your Home C. Outside Your Home

I. LOOK BACK AND REMEMBER a. Christ's Body was Broken for Us b. Christ's Blood was Shed for Us II. LOOK WITHIN AND REPENT v 28 a. Communion is Not a Time to Examine Others b. Communion is a Time for Examining Ourselves III. LOOK AHEAD AND REJOICE v 26 a. The Lord's Supper is not just a Memorial, it is a celebration. b. Every time we participate in communion, we proclaim our hope of His return to the world.

I. A PERSONAL COMMITMENT v 15 II. A PRIESTLY COMMITMENT v 15 III. A PARTICULAR COMMITMENT v 15 IV. A PUBLIC COMMITMENT v 1

I. John Introduced His Friends To Jesus v 35-37 a. Jesus is Lamb of God (v 36) b. Jesus invited them to join Him (v 37-40) II. Andrew Introduced His Brother to Jesus v 40-41 a. Andrew went & got Peter ( v 41) b. Andrew explained the story of Jesus (v 41) c. Jesus invited Peter to Himself (v 42) III. Philip Introduced Nathaniel to Jesus v 45 a. Philip got his friend Nathaniel. v 45 b. Philip shared/explained the gospel with Nathaniel. v 45-46 c. Jesus brought Nathaniel close to Himself. v 43-51

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• Sermon Power Point

I. The Leaders and People Repent Before the Lord (v 7) II. The Leaders Seek a Word From God v 23a III. The Leaders Speak a Word From God v 23b IV. God Reveals Himself to Those Who Seek Him v 23-24 a. The Glory Came v 23 b. The Fire Fell v 24 V. The People Meet and Worship God v 24b a. The People Experienced the Presence of God b. The People Worshipped God They Shouted They fell on their faces

When Will You Live/Teach with Authority?" Mark 1:1-28 You will speak, teach, and live with Authority ... When You ... I. ARE IMMERSED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT v 8-10 You will live with Authority when ... II. SPEND MUCH TIME ALONE WITH GOD v 12 You will live with authority when ... III. LEAD IN A WAY THAT OTHERS WANT TO FOLLOW YOU v 16-20 a. Meet People Where They Are b. Invite People on a Spiritual Journey v 17-18 WHEN you are immersed in the Holy Spirit, When you Spend Much Time Alone with God, When you lead in a way that others want to follow you, .... IV. THEN YOU WILL TEACH/LIVE WITH AUTHORITY v 22, 27 What happens when you live and teach with Authority? a. People Recognize That You Are Holy v 24 b. People Are Astonished and Amazed v 22, 27 c. You Have Spiritual Power and God Answers Your Prayers v 29-34

I. She was Hurting v 25 II. She was Humble v 25 III. She was Persistent v 26 IV. She was Full of Wisdom and Faith v 27-28 V. She was Rewarded v 29-30

WHY DO WE SERVE THE CHURCH? Mark 10:45 I. Why Do We Serve The Church? a. Christ died for the church Ephesians 5:25 b. The Church is God’s instrument to Change The World c. Jesus set the example of Serving Mark 10:45 II. When Will You Want To Serve In The Church? Gal 2:20 III. How Do We Best Serve The Church? Luke 10: 1-2 a. In Partnership with Others v 1 b. By Praying for More Laborers v 2 IV. What Are The Results Of Serving The Church In Partnership With Others? Eccl. 4:9-12 a. Productivity (v.9) b. Encouragement (v 10) c. Protection ( v 12a) d. Strength (v 12b)

THE FLESH WILL FAIL YOU Mark 14:26-31, 66-72 I. THE CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH v 29 II. THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FLESH v 30 III. THE ARROGANCE OF THE FLESH v 31 IV. THE FLESH WILL FAIL YOU v 66-72 "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." James 4:6 (NASB)

Links

• Track 2

I. Spend Time In Prayer (Acts 1:14) A. One Accord B. Devoting Themselves To Prayer II. Share The Good News (Acts 8:4) A. They Went Everywhere Preaching (Acts 8:4) B. Invite People to Church III. Strengthen The Fellowship (Acts 2:46) A. They had a common purpose B. They shared meals together IV. Enlarge The Organization (Acts 5:42) V. Involve The People (Acts 8:4) VI. Work Hard At The Task (Acts 20:31)

When the path ahead of you isn’t clear, what should you do? A. Keep on walking in the light or previous revelation 1. Do you love Me or do you love my blessings? 2. Do you walk by faith or do you walk by sight? 3. Do you worship Me only when the circumstances are good? “Never doubt in darkness what God has clearly shown you in the light” B. Don’t create your own light 1. The example of Abraham 2. The example of Moses “This too shall pass” C. A lesson in trust

I. A Word About Water v 5-7 a. Jesus Initiates a Conversation with the Woman v 7 b. Jesus Informs the Woman About Living Water v 10, 13, 14 II. A Word About Worship v 19-26 a. Where is the Right Place to Worship? v 20 b. The Place of Worship is Not Important v 21 c. True Worship Centers on a Person III. A Word About Witness v 27-38

I. Be Open To Interruptions (v 13) II. Respond To The Opportunities God Provides (v 13b) III. Trust That God Is Already At Work (v 14) IV. Trust That Your Partnership With God Will Produce Results Lydia Gave Evidence Of Her Conversion To Christ (v 14-15)

I. We All Have Our Bad Days v 1-5 II. Jesus Confronts our Issues v 6-9 III. Jesus Works In Spite of Us v 8-9 IV. Let Others Know That Jesus is Working in Your Life v 14-15 a. Turn Your Back on Sin v 14 b. Brag On Jesus v 15

I. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR CHRISTIAN CONDUCT a. Commands the Respect of Others 1 Thes 4:11-12 "lead a quiet life" "mind you own business" "work with your hands" and "not be dependent on anybody" b. Fully Pleasing to God Col 1:10 c. In the Spirit Gal 5:25 d. In Newness of Life Romans 6:4 e. Worthy of Your Calling Eph 4:1 II. BIBLICAL MANDATES FOR CHRISTIAN CONDUCT a. Forgive Those Who Hurt You Matt 6:14, Matt 18:21, Col 3:13 b. Control Your Anger Eph 4:26, James 1:19 c. Live at Peace with All Men

I. The Coming of Christmas Is 7:14, 9:6 a. God’s Plan for the Coming of the Christ Child b. God’s Purpose for the Coming of the Christ Child II. The Cost of Christmas Luke 2 a. The Shepherds Luke 2:13-16 b. The Wise Men c. The Mothers in Bethlehem d. Mary and Joseph e. Jesus III. The King of Christmas Luke 2:10-11 a. Savior b. Christ c. Lord

3 Ways God Works To Save One More 1. He Unites Us (vs 25) a. In Prayer b. In Praise c. In Prison 2. He Urges Us In Our Current Situation a. To Change The Story Line b. To Consider The Need Of The Real Prisoner c. He Uses US in Our Current Situation 3. He Unleases His Salvation In Ways We Never Expected a. To Save An Individual b. To Salvage A Family c. To Set Free One More From Anywhere We Will Go.

I. WORSHIP AND PRAISE THE LORD a. Reflection and Repentance Psalms 51:1-4, 6-7, 10-11 b. Worship and Praise the Lord II. READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD Psalms 119 a. Why must I read and meditate on the word of God? It Puts Me in the Light! b. What Do I Gain From God's Word? Psalms 119:97-104 1. You become wiser than your enemies. v 98 2. You gain more insight than your superior or leader v 99-100 3. You Avoid the Wrong Path in Life v 101 III. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER Matthew 26:36 a. Pray for Yourself b. Pray for Your Family c. Pray for others d. Pray for Special Neeeds/Events

I. Care For One Another a. We Comfort One Another b. Encourage One Another II. Build Up One Another a. Be Kind to One Another b. Serve One Another III. Teach One Another IV. Love One Another

A. Why we need to forgive others 1. Because we have been forgiven a far greater debt •Justice: Giving people what they deserve •Mercy: Not giving people what they deserve •Grace: Giving people what they don’t deserve 2. Because repayment is impossible 3. So Satan will not take advantage of our bitterness (2 Cor. 2:10,11) 4. We forgive in order to stop the pain B. What is forgiveness? 1. It is not forgetting 2. It is not tolerating sin 3. It is not seeking resentment, revenge or repayment 4. It is resolving to live with the consequences of another’s sin 5. It is not using the past against another 6. The cross provides the justice C. Steps to forgiving others 1. Ask the Lord Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the riches of Your kindness, forbearance and patience toward me, knowing that Your kindness has led me to repentance. I confess that I have not shown that same kindness and patience toward those who have hurt or offended me. Instead, I have held on to my anger,

I. GOD SPEAKS v 1 II. GOD INSTRUCTS v 2 III. GOD DIRECTS v 3-4 IV. GOD PROTECTS v 5 V. GOD EXHORTS v 6-7 VI. GOD ENCOURAGES v 8-9

I. CONTINUE TO CONTACT UNCHURCHED AND DISCONNECTED FAMILIES Luke 14:23 II. CONTINUE TO CONNECT WITH GOD AND OTHER BELIEVERS a. Connect with God in a Quiet Time Ps 119:148 b. Connect with Other Believers in a Bible Study Class Heb 10:13-15 III. CONTINUE TO DO GLOBAL OUTREACH Mark 16:15 IV. CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE GOD'S GOODNESS Ps 119:68 V. CONTINUE TO PRAY Phil 4:6

I. God is the Source of Our Salvation Ps 18:3 a. David was in Distress Ps 18:4-5 b. God Stood Ready to Deliver Ps 18:5 II. God Must Be the Object of Our Affection Ps 18:1 III. God is the Means of Our Satisfaction Ps 17:14-15 a. Satisfaction Doesn’t Come From this World Eccl. 2:3-11 b. Satisfaction Comes From God

I. THE SAVIOR BUILDS THE CHURCH Mt 16:18 a. The Foundation of the Church Mt 16:16&18, Acts 4:11-12 b. The Future of the Church v 18 II. THE SAINT SERVES THE CHURCH Acts 4 a. The Function of the Church Acts 4:13-22 b. The Fellowship of the Church III. THE SINNER NEEDS THE CHURCH a. The Force Behind Salvation - (Acts 4:12) b. The Freedom Brought By Salvation Acts 3:1-10

I. TO BE SECURE 1 Tim 5:8 II. TO KNOW HE IS CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE Ps 139:14-16 III. TO BE AFFIRMED FOR WHO HE IS Mark 10:13 IV. TO BE APPRECIATED FOR WHAT HE DOES V. TO KNOW THE RULES OF THE GAME Ephesians 6:4 VI. TO LIVE BY FAITH 2 timothy 1:5

The First Parable “The Lost Sheep” The Second Parable “The Lost Coin” The Third Parable “The Lost Son” Three Consequences of Failing to Search for His Lost Brother a. He Missed God’s Party b. He Failed to Receive His Father’s Fullness c. He Failed to Really Understand His Father

I. Hope of His Calling II. Riches of His Inheritance III. Greatness of His Power

God Is The Only Object of Worship - Rev 4:2-4 John saw a throne and ONE God sitting on that throne v 2 John gives a description of that One God v 3 In Heaven’s worship service everything centers around God Four Creatures Proclaim The Majesty and Greatness of God Rev 4:6-7 Lion represents great courage Ox represents humility Man represents intelligence Eagle represents great freedom The Purpose Of All Beings In Heaven Is To Worship God Rev 4: 8-11 Four Creatures continually sing praises to God v 8 They give their most treasured possessions to God v 10-11

Anticipate Contacts v 3-4 Initiate Conversation v 7-9 Arouse Curiosity v 10-15 Avoid Condemnation v 16-18 Abandon Controversy v 19-24 Achieve Confrontation v 25-26

I. The Context of their Ministry. A. The Dangerous Setting. B. The Delivery System. C. The Defining Statements. II. The Content of their Message. A. An Exclusive Message. B. An Inclusive Message. III. The Characteristics of their Mission. A. They were Busy in the Basics. B. They were Sensitive to God’s Spirit. C. They Practiced Kingdom Principles.

I. ASK GOD TO HELP MEET THE NEED Mt 9:38 a. The harvest is plentiful b. The workers are few c. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest II. MAKE THE NEED KNOWN TO THE BODY OF CHRIST John 4:35 a. Look at the Fields b. They are ripe for harvest III. TRUST GOD TO MEET THAT NEED Phil 4:19

The Uncertainty of Life . . . I. CAN GIVE POWER TO LIFE a. Life is Short James 4:14 b. Gain A New Perspective II. DEMANDS A CERTAIN PREPAREDNESS Luke 12:40 III. CAN GIVE US POISE Phil 4:6-7

WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR ME? Psalms 40 I. GOD RESCUED ME v 1-2 a. The Lord Heard Me v 1 b. The Lord Brought me Out of a Mess v 2 II. GOD GAVE ME A NEW LIFE v 3 a. God Changed my "TUNE" b. God Changed my "TUDE" III. GOD HAS BLESSED ME IN COUNTLESS WAYS v 5 IV. I WILL OBEY HIS WORD v 8 V. I WILL SPEAK OPENLY OF HIS GOODNESS V 9-10 WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR ME?

I. God does not want me to be naïve about the situation II. Be very careful, then, how you live A. Not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 III. God will never call me to be tolerant of wickedness

Behold, the Lamb! Characteristics of the Lamb Importance of the Lamb Cost for the Lamb

Resources

• I am a Soldier