2021.05.30 - Wrong Turns Don't Always Mean You Are Lost

2021.05.30 - Wrong Turns Don’t  Mean You Are Lost  . . .

Saturday, May 29, 2021

9:35 PM

 1.    Broken Theology

a.     Getting lost on vacation does not mean you go home and start over

                             i.         Find out where you are, where you took a wrong turn, and go from there.

b.    The walk will change you

                             i.         Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted , strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. KJV

2.    Lost In The Night

a.     It is easy to lose direction at night.  To get off on the wrong exit

b.    Those Who Made Wrong Turns

                             i.         John The Baptist - are You He that should come?

                           ii.         David - Bathsheba incident

                         iii.         Elijah

1.    1 Kings 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. 17 And it shall come to pass, that him that KJV

 

 

3.    The Road Home

a.     Moving Forward

                             i.         Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, KJV

b.    Romans 13:1 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. KJV

c.     Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. KJV

2021.05.23 - The Other Roman Road

2021.05.23 - The Other Roman Road 

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

2:34 PM

 

1.     Tiptoe Through The Tulips - The Roman Road

a.     We hear so much around the church about the Roman Road

                              i.         A salvation message

1.     Romans 3:23 - all have sinned

2.     Romans 6:23 -  gift of God is eternal life 

3.     Romans 5:8 - God loves us - Christ died for us 

4.     Romans 10:9 - confess Christ with our mouth and believe in our hearts we will be saved

5.     Romans 10:13 - all that call upon Him will be saved

b.     The OTHER Roman road

                              i.         The first one is just full of good information and sounds SOOOO wonderful it almost can come off that our Christian walk is just a walk in the park - but that is not the intent at all.  Getting saved is easy, God made it so that we can come to Him and be free.  Our walk with Him once we ARE saved sometimes is more of a challenge.

2.     A Promise Made By God Is A Promise Kept

a.     Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. 11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. 12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. KJV

3.     Background Of A Killer

a.     Conspiracy - that is what Saul/Paul would be accused of were he to find himself in our court today.  He stood by and allowed Stephen to be killed - to be murdered - by the church.  And then comes Acts 8:1 Saul agreed that the killing of Stephen was good. NCV

b.     He was doing what he had been taught was right.  He was serving the God he had heard about.  He was doing all the right things, running with all the right people.  He was oh so religious.  

c.     When it comes to Heaven and God doing all the "right" things  alone will not get you there, just doesn’t cut it.  

                              i.         Jesus said John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. KJV

                             ii.         Doing "Jesus stuff" doesn’t necessarily make us like Jesus - only a changed heart and a saved soul can make us like Jesus

d.     There is no reason to think that up to the point Jesus approached Saul on the road to Damacus that he was not just pretty much left alone by the devil - but ONCE he started to follow Christ all that changed.  

                              i.         Sam Rodriguez says it this way - The enemy does not come against you for the thigns you have done but because of the things you WILL do in Christ Jesus 

4.     THIS. CHANGES. NOTHING!

a.     From Rome to Heaven 

                              i.         One thing after another

1.     Job

a.     Destroy your character

                                                                       i.         Paul 

1.     Held captive

2.     Accused of sedition

3.     Sent to Felix

4.     Appeals to Caesar

5.     Bitten by a snake

 

b.     2 Corinthians 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. KJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021.05.19 - The Advocate

The Advocate

Hard anymore to get to the person who is in charge and can really make a difference

 

Advocate w/ the Father 

 

Come boldly before the throne of grace

 

Veil of the temple rent in twain z

Monday, May 17, 2021

10:14 AM

 

1.     The Middle Man 

a.     Hard to get to the person in charge

                              i.         Soggy French fries

b.     When it comes to getting to God, Jesus is the middle man and the only access to Him 

                              i.         Matthew 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.KJV

1.     The ONLY way

a.     John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. KJV

2.     In Touch With God 

a.     Jesus was not put in place to keep us FROM God but rather to get us TO God

                              i.         1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. KJV

3.     The Throne of Grace

a.     Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace , that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. KJV

4.     Thieves of Grace

a.     Sometimes we act as if we have to "steal" grace, or at least beg for it

b.     God gave His ONLY begotten Son so that you and I can come to Him

                              i.         It will be hard to ACCEEPT that you are forgiven if you feel that you have to beg for forgiveness!

c.     Another way of putting Hebrews 4:14 is  . . .Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

2021.05.16 - Praying Through

The Power of Praying Great Things  - PUSHing Through

Monday, May 10, 2021

10:33 AM

 

1.     Big Prayers

a.     Last week we talked about big prayers

                              i.         Joshua

                             ii.         Asking in faith 

2.     Will of God

a.     We talked about the most important prayer you can pray

                              i.         God's will be done

3.     Cop Out For - The Will of God 

a.     If God's will is always done - then why do we need to ask Him for His will to be done

b.     Even Jesus prayed for the will of God to be done

                              i.         Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. KJV

4.     Reconcile

a.     Romans 8:28 is NOT A COP OUT VERSE

                              i.         Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? KJV

1.     What we think it means

a.     Well, I must be going through this because it is the will of God - God has a plan for my life and this will in some way be a blessing to me and glorify His mighty name.

                                                                       i.         Half truth is not truth 

1.     God DOES have a plan for my life but what I am going through may because I have not prayed my way out of it, not necessarily because it is the will of God.

1.     How many Jobs are in the Bible versus those that overcame

2.     How many Pauls are in the Bible when it comes to healing versus those that were healed??

b.     What if it really means that Romans 8:28 is what happens when we do not walk in the fullness of the glory of Almighty?  What if that is just our consolation prize for being there . . . Do I want a trophy for showing up or do I want first prize?

2.     What that looks like 

a.     Say God has called you to come to the front to get something, you are attacked on the way and fall to the ground, scuffed and battered but there on the ground you praise The Lord for your life and find $5 under the chair. Well, that's all fine and good but had you gotten up and come to the front after your fall you would have gotten $100.00

                             ii.         It is at this point in our journey that we have to really decide what we believe, not just what we SAY we belive but what is really deep down in our hearts.  Do we accept what we are getting handed or do we step up in faith and fight with our prayers!

 

5.     Take A Stand - What Is My Part 

a.     Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. KJV

                              i.         Jesus stands in the gap for Peter - Intercedes for him 

1.     Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. KJV

 

b.     I have to get to the place where I KNOW that  my prayers change things!

Journey of Paul on the way to Rom

'Count it all joy

2021.05.12 - Perceptions VS Truth

2021.05.12 - Perceptions VS Truth 

Monday, May 10, 2021

3:33 PM

 

1.     Prayer Helps

a.     God has given us gifts but we still need communication to know His will in any given situation.

b.     Many times we base THIS circumstance on PAST circumstances and while God is the SAME yesterday today and forever almost everything else changes.

c.     God can and does give us discernment

                              i.         Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. KJV

2.     Fighting Shadows

a.     I once had a guy tell me on many occasions that "there were a few people in the church who were upset with me" in regards to numerous situations and circumstances.  For years I would allow his comments to penetrate my faith and my peace to the place where I was constantly wondering who it was that was upset and it eventually turned into unfounded paranoia. There was no way I could win.  I had no idea who was mad and eventually it let to me thinking EVERYONE was mad and I was reading things into comments, looks and so on that were not factual.  I finally grew mature enough to dismiss his comments as trash talk and unfounded gossip and eventually dismissed him altogether from having access to my life.  It made no sense to keep getting so worked up over "people" that weren't coming to me personally.  Much later I finally found out that it was not "people" it was HIM and a couple of his friends that really didn’t like what was doing on in the Church and he was using his words to manipulate me and gain power and position.  

                              i.         Prayer will show you what is REALLY there opposed to what you think or are being told is there

1.     2 Kings 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. KJV

3.     Enemies With/Without Skin

a.     With - Paul knew he as going to Rome because that is what God had told him, so he was able to endure all the trials that came upon him because he had heard from God 

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospelKJV

4.     Perceptions VS Truth

a.     Reputations 

                              i.         David had to deal with 2 reputations on the battlefield that day

1.     The reputation of his God

2.     The reputation of his enemy

                             ii.         Saul was far less mature spiritually and dealt only with what he saw 

1.     1 Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. KJV

                           iii.         Samuel 

1.     Saul 

1.     1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul  came, saying, 16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. KJV

2.     David 

1.     1 Samuel 16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him. 7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. KJV

                           iv.         Hannah

1.     When others thought she was drunk she was praying 

1.     Others may not "get it" when you do

                                                                       i.         School of prophets Elijah/Elisha 

                             v.         Jesus 

1.     Was Jesus ever surprised?

·       He never seemed to be because He knew who He was and had communion with The Father

·       He knew He had contact and a direct line to God should He need direction