MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can follow the Lord by noting the actions of the wise men.

The wise men recognized God’s signs.

Matthew 2:2 NKJ “saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”  2:11

Notice the importance of worshiping King Jesus!

Timing was of utmost importance.

Matthew 2:7 NKJ “Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.”

The wise men put action to what they believed.

Matthew 2:2 NKJ “…For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”

They obeyed immediately!  They did not miss the window of opportunity.

Faith without works is dead!

James 2:17 NKJ “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

20 “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

The wise men gave gifts that were crucial.

Matthew 2:11 NKJ “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The wise men obeyed the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 2:12 NKJ “Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

Lessons to learn from the Wise Men

Pay attention to the signs God places before you.

God knows we are not rocket scientists.  He makes His way clear as we seek Him and stay in His Word.

 Keep the worship of Jesus foremost in your life.

If your love for Jesus gets out of focus, all of life gets out of focus.

Delayed obedience is disobedience.  Obey now!

God is waiting for you to give.

It meets needs and benfits you.

 Be alert to the Holy Spirit’s direction.

If your heart desires to obey and do God’s will, the Holy Spirit will speak to you so you understand.

 We are a Spirit-led people.  God is speaking and we need to listen and hear!

Revelation 2-3 – Seven times this phrase is repeated:

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…”  Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can understand Jesus’ mission by recognizing the meanings of His title, the Messiah.

Matthew 1:16 NKJ “And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

17  So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows…”

Jesus was the anointed One sent from God.

Messiah: “The Christ” (Greek) and “the Messiah” (Hebrew) both mean “the Anointed One.” (NIV Study Bible, Matt. 1:17)

Luke 4:16 NKJ “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.  And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,”

19 NIV  “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 NKJ “Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.  And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

21  And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Has Jesus done the above to you?

Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him to work in your life.

 Jesus came to be the King of planet earth.

Matthew 2:1 NKJ “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

2  saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’

3  When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”

“That Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah-King of the OT is a fundamental confession of NT faith.  Jesus is confirmed as Messiah no less than 280 times.  The double title Jesus Christ is actually a confession: Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Messiah.  This is the oldest Christological confession of a Jewish background.” (“The Complete Biblical Library,” page 527)

Is Jesus your King today?

Are you seeking first His Kingdom before anything else?

Are you living in God’s Kingdom right now?

Are you certain that you will enter God’s Kingdom?

At this Christmas season, how can you show to Jesus that He is your King?

Jesus: the King and His Kingdom  NKJ

King / Kingdom are mentioned over 130 times in the New Testament

 Matt. 2:2  the King of the Jews

Matt. 3:2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Matt. 4:17  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matt. 4:23  Jesus was preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

Matt. 5:3  poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven  Luke 6:20

Matt. 5:10  persecuted for righteousness…the kingdom of heaven

Matt. 5:19  least/great in the kingdom of heaven

Matt. 5:20  enter the kingdom of heaven

Matt. 6:10  “Your kingdom come…”   Luke 11:2

Matt. 6:13  “Yours is the kingdom…”

Matt. 6:33  “”But seek first the kingdom of God…”  Luke 12:31

Matt. 7:21  “enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will…”

Matt. 8:11  in the kingdom of heaven

Matt. 8:12  “the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness.”

Matt. 9:35  Jesus…preaching the gospel of the kingdom

Mt. 10:7  “And as you go, preach…’The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Matt. 11:11  least in the kingdom of heaven

Mt. 11:12  “kingdom of heaven suffers violence…violent take it by force”

Matt. 13:11  the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven  Luke 8:10

Matt. 13:19  “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom…”

Mt. 13:24  “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed”

Matt. 13:21  “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”

Matt. 13:33  “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven…”

Matt. 13:38  “the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom…”

Matt. 13:41  “His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom…”

Matt. 13:43  “the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom…”

Matt. 13:44  “the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…”

Matt. 13:45  “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking…pearls”

Matt. 13:47  “the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet…”

Matt. 13:52  “the kingdom of heaven is like a householder…”

Matt. 16:19  “the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

Matt. 16:28  “…see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” (Mark 9:1)

Matt. 18:1  “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Matt. 18:3  “unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 18:4  “…the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 18:23  “the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king…”

Matt. 19:12  “eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake…”

Matt. 19:14  “little children…for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 19:23  “…it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 19:24 (impossible) “…for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matt. 20:1  “the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…”

Mt. 20:21  “…Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”

Matt. 21:5  “…’Behold, your King is coming to you…”

Mt. 21:31  “tax collectors…harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.”

Matt. 21:43  “the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”

22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a…king who arranged a marriage…”

23:13 “…scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…you shut up the kingdom…”

Matt. 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached…”

Mt. 25:1  “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins…”

Mt. 25:14  “the kingdom of heaven…like a man traveling to a far country”

Mt. 25:34  “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come…inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:’

Mt. 25:40 “the King will answer…as you did it to one of the least of these”

Matt. 26:29  “I will not drink of this fruit…until…My Father’s kingdom.”

Matt. 27:11  “‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ So Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’”

Matt. 27:29  “they…mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”

Mt. 27:37  “the accusation… THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’”

27:42  “‘If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down…cross…”

Mark 1:14  “Jesus came…preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,”

Mark 1:15  “‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.’”

Mark 4:11  “know the mystery of the kingdom of God…”

Mark 4:26  “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed…”

Mark 4:30  “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God?…”

Mark 9:47  “…better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye”

Mark 10:14  “little children…for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Mark 10:15  “receive the kingdom of God as a little child…”

Mark 10:23  “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

Mark 10:24  “…how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Mark 10:25 (impossible) “…for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Mark 11:10  “Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!”

Mark 12:34  “‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’”

Mark 14:25 “I will no longer drink…until…the kingdom of God.”

Mark 15:18  “and began to salute Him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”

Mark 15:26  “His accusation was written…THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

15:32  “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross…”

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea…was…waiting for the kingdom of God.

Luke 1:33  “…and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Luke 4:43  “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Lk. 7:26  “but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Luke 8:1  “…bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:2 “He sent them to preach the kingdom of God…to heal the sick.”

Lk. 9:11  “the multitudes…He…spoke to them about the kingdom of God”

9:60  “Let the dead bury their own dead…you go…preach the kingdom”

Luke 9:62  “….looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 10:9  “…say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

Luke 10:11  “‘…the kingdom of God has come near you.’”

Luke 12:32  “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Luke 13:28  “when you see…all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.”

Luke 13:29  “….sit down in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 14:15  “”Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

Luke 16:16  “Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.”

Luke 17:20  “when the kingdom of God would come…’The kingdom of God does not come with observation;”

Luke 17:21  “For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 19:38  “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Luke 23:2 “…accuse Him, saying…’that He Himself is Christ, a King.’”

Luke 23:42  “‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’”

John 1:49  “Rabbi, You are the Son of God!  You are the King of Israel!”

John 3:3  “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5  “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

John 6:15  “they were about to…take Him by force to make Him king…”

John 12:13  “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”

John 18:36  “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world…’”

John 18:37  “‘Are You a king then?‘ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king.  For this cause I was born…”

Acts 1:3 “…He also presented Himself alive…speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Acts 1:6  “‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’”

Acts 8:12  “Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ…”

14:22  “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Acts 17:17  “…saying there is another king — Jesus.”

19:8  “he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months… concerning the things of the kingdom of God.”

Acts 20:25  “among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God…”

Acts 28:23  “he explained…solemnly testified of the kingdom of God…”

Acts 28:31  “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ…”

Romans 14:17  “for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”

1 Cor. 6:9-10  “…the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…”

1 Cor. 15:50  “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God…”

Ephesians 5:5  “has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

Colossians 1:13  “translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,”

1 Thess. 2:12  “walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom”

2 Thess. 1:5  “that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God…”

1 Timothy 1:17  “Now to the King eternal…”

1 Timothy 6:15  “He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,”

2 Timothy 4:1  “…at His appearing and His kingdom:”

2 Timothy 4:18  “the Lord will…preserve me for His heavenly kingdom…”

Heb. 1:8  “…a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”

Heb. 12:28  “…we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken…”

James 2:5  “Has God not chosen the poor of this world…to be heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

2 Peter 1:1  “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord…Savior Jesus Christ.”

Rev. 11:15  “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Rev. 15:3  “the song of the Lamb…O King of the saints!”

Rev. 17:14  “…He is Lord of lords and King of kings…”

Rev. 19:16  “…KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Matthew 1:22 NKJ “Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:

23 “‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

Isaiah 7:14 NKJ “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can keep Jesus foremost by understanding the reasons for His name, Immanuel.

The Virgin Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1:18 NKJ “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.”

19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20  But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’”

23 “‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

Luke 1:31 NKJ “‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.’”

34 “Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’

35  And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’”

1 Peter 1:23 NKJ “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,”

God’s Closeness to us through Immanuel

Matthew 1:23 NKJ “…they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

God is with us!

 Matthew 28:20 NKJ “‘…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen.”

Psalm 23:4 NKJ “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Hebrews 13:5 NKJ “Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

John 14:23 NKJ “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

 The Holy Spirit lives inside us!

 1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJ “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

Ezekiel 36:27 NKJ “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

John 14:17 NKJ “even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

Romans 8:9 NKJ “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

10  And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

2 Corinthians 6:19 NKJ “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

2 Corinthians 6:17 “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

We don’t ever have to pray again,

“Lord, please be with me.”

“Father, thank You for sending Jesus, my Immanuel, God with me!  Please, thoroughly convince me of Your Presence in my life so that I never doubt Your nearness again!  Amen!!“

                                                                                                           Community Thanksgiving Service

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can be encouraged to give thanks by copying the actions of Daniel.

 Daniel 6:10 NKJ “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home.  And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”

Daniel had regular times of prayer and thanksgiving daily.

Daniel 6:10 “…as was his custom since early days.”

Daniel prayed and gave thanks even though he knew the consequences.

Daniel 6:7 “thrown into the lions’ den”

What happens to me if I don’t give thanks?

 Daniel’s prayers & giving of thanks were done “in faith.”

Daniel 6:10  “before his God”  Jesus – John 11:41-43

Much more of our praying should be thanking.

Who & what God is;  His promises;  Who I am in Christ

Levels of Thanksgiving

(More faith is needed to progress down the list.)

Mark with an X at every level where you are.

 ____  I thank God when I receive a blessing.  Luke 17:11-16

____  I give thanks for some circumstances in my life.

____  I give thanks for good situations & people.  James 1:17

____  Whether or not I receive a blessing, I give thanks.   Habakkuk 3:17-18

____  I give thanks for circumstances when I can see how God is using them for good.   Romans 8:28

____  I thank God for the good that will come out of all circumstances.   Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20

____  I thank God that He is sovereign & in control in all situations.   Psalm 24:1; 103:19; 145:13

____  I give thanks to God always, at all times.  Psalm 34:1; Ephesians 5:20;  Philippians 4:4

____  In all circumstances (in everything), I give thanks.   1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15

____  I am thankful that no matter what I go through, the Lord is with me.  Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5

____  In every situation, I am thankful for God’s goodness  love, gentleness and kindness.  Psalm 92:1-2; 107:1

____  I thank God for victory over the devil in every situation.   Romans 8:37; Luke 10:19; 2 Corinthians 2:11, 14

____  I give thanks to God the Father for everything, good or bad, because I know He is in control.    Eph. 5:20; Job 1:21; 2:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 1:12-18

Daniel was not ashamed to let others see his devotion to God.

– upper room

– with his windows open toward Jerusalem

– He knelt down on his knees three times that day.

– He prayed and gave thanks.  Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; Philemon 1:4

Daniel received deliverance from death!

Daniel 6:19-22, 26-27

Give Thanks – WHY?

Ps 107:1  God is good.  His love (mercy) endures forever. 106:1 Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31  God’s unfailing love

Psalm 105:1  what He has done

Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31  His wonderful deeds for men

Psalm 75:1  God’s Name is near.

Psalm 119:62  for God’s righteous laws

Psalm 136:2, 3, 26  because He is the God of gods, Lord of lords

Acts 27:35  for food and drink  Mt. 14:19; 1 Cor. 10:30; 1 Tim. 4:3-4

Mark 14:22-23  for the bread & cup of Communion

Acts 28:1-5  for other believers  1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9

2 Corinthians 2:14  for our triumph in Christ

2 Corinthians 9:15  for God’s indescribable gift!

Colossians 1:12  We are qualified to share in the inheritance.

Col 2:7  We are rooted, built up in Him, strengthened in faith

Col. 3:15  peace of Christ rules in our hearts; members of body

2 Thessalonians 1:3  because believers’ faith is growing

2 Thessalonians 1:3  believers’ love for each other is increasing

2 Thessalonians 2:13  God chose you to be saved.

1 Timothy 1:12  for strength

Heb. 12:28  We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Rev. 4:9  God sits on the throne and lives forever and ever.

Give Thanks – HOW?

Psalm 116:17  “…and call on the name of the Lord.”

Psalm 119:62  “At midnight I rise to give You thanks…”

Daniel 6:10  When things go badly

John 11:41  Thank God in faith before circumstances change.

Isaiah 12:4  Make known among the nations what He has done.

Isaiah 12:4  Proclaim that His name is exalted.

Philippians 4:6  Present your needs to God with thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:17  Whatever you do or say, give thanks.

Colossians 4:2  Be devoted to prayer, be watchful and thankful.

1 Thess. 5:18  Give thanks in all circumstances; It’s God’s will.

Ephesians 5:20  always giving thanks to God for everything

 My Thankful List – 2011

Philippians 4:6 NKJ “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”

1 Timothy 2:1 NKJ “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be    made for all men,”

Philemon 1:4 NIV “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,”

Colossians 2:1-10 Pastor Tom Squashic

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can overflow with thankfulness by recognizing all our blessings through Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:1 NIV “I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

3 in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,

7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and OVERFLOWING with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the head over every power and authority.”

We can be encouraged in heart. Colossians 2:2

We can be united in love. Colossians 2:2

We can have the full riches of complete understanding…

Colossians 2:2 NIV “…so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding…”

We are able to know the mystery of God, namely, Christ

Colossians 2:2 NIV “…they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”

We realize that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV “…Christ in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.“

We have received Christ Jesus as Lord, and we continue to live in Him. Colossians 2:6-7

Colossians 2:6 NIV “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,

7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught…”

rooted – “being connected to Christ”

built up in Him – “allowing God to continue His work of construction in a believer’s life”

strengthened in the faith – “firm…stable

Now we can OVERFLOW with thankfulness.

Col. 2:7 NIV “…and OVERFLOWING with thankfulness.”

We have been given fullness in Christ. 2:9-10

Colossians 2:9 NIV “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the head over every power and authority.”

Joshua 3-4 Pastor Tom Squashic

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can become a crossover person by paying attention to the commands of Joshua.

BACKGROUND: Imagine what it would be like to be a 40+ year-old adult who had been marching in the wilderness your whole life time. Now you stand on the banks of the Jordan River, which is overflowing its banks at flood stage. You are anticipating entering the Promised Land, a promise given to your relative, Abraham, some 700 years before. Will I actually cross over this huge river and enter the land of Canaan? Or will I give way to unbelief and become just like my mother and father?

The words “cross over” used 17 times in Joshua 3:1 to 5:1.

Crossover “something with tremendous epic significance”

– crossing a boundary – physical, political, moral

“Crossing over the Jordan meant entering a new kind of life in the Promised Land, a decisive transition – inheritance and finding ‘rest’.”

– dangerous moments of a new beginning – emphasizes the decisive nature of this moment in the history of the Hebrew people and distinguishes it from everything that had gone before.

– opportunities fraught with tremendous potential difficulties (Jordan at flood stage)

“Move out from your positions and follow it.”

Joshua 3:3 NIV “giving orders to the people: ‘When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.’”

Position of being “in Christ” – Ephesians 1:3

Ephesians 1:3 NKJ “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”

Position of your authority as a believer

Ephesians 2:6 NKJ “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”

Position of order – 12 tribes arranged by God to move as a unit

Position of submission – willing to take their places

Move out…and follow. – Time to get out of your rut

Individual Crossover Times

birth – from womb to the world

childhood crises – bike stolen, hit on head with a rock

teenage years – crowd you chose to run with

salvation experience – from death into life

baptism in the Holy Spirit – into a new supernatural power

healing – Dad’s healing – changed him

college – moral decisions

job

marriage

crisis experience – accident, fired from job,

40th / 50th birthdays – a milestone

divorce

disease

death – The final crossover!

“Then you will know which way to go.”

Joshua 3:4 NIV “‘Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before…’”

Knowledge / understanding follows obedience, not before.

Psalm 111:10 NKJ “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who DO His commandments. His praise endures forever.”

“‘Consecrate yourselves…the Lord will do amazing things among you.’”

Joshua 3:5 NIV “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’”

God can only lead a holy people.

To Be A Crossover Person, You Must…

Think forward. Don’t get stuck in the past or the present.

Let go of bitter experiences. forgive, let go, give it over

Have a focused outlook. eyes on Jesus, off tail-spin people,

dwell on possibilities with God, promises / power of God

Be obedient. You do not have to understand what God tells you. Just do it! (“Stand in the river.”)

Stop negative mind chatter. Talk back with faith-filled words.

“I am walking in faith!” 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:17; Gal. 3:11

“I am not afraid!” Psalm 3:6; 27:1; 56:3, 11; 112:7

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Phil. 4:13

“I have abundance of grace…” Romans 5:17

“By God’s grace, I am able.” 2 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 4:16

“The Lord is my Helper.” Psalm 30:10; 54:4; John 14:16, 26; 16:7

Fill yourself with Scripture.

Colossians 3:16 NKJ “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

Be saturated with God’s thoughts and ways of thinking.

]]> http://tfaog.org/2011/10/becoming-a-crossover-person-part-1/feed/ 0 http://tfaog.org/2011/06/dads-be-like-the-holy-spirit/ http://tfaog.org/2011/06/dads-be-like-the-holy-spirit/#comments Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:33:18 +0000 admin http://tfaog.org/?p=1015 John 14:26              Pastor Tom Squashic                         Father’s Day

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer (and Father) can help others by acting in the same ways the Holy Spirit does.

Much of how we relate to God as our heavenly Father comes from our relationship with our earthly father. A negative father image may produces a negative image of God. Praise God, that can be repaired!

John 14:26 NKJ “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Helper (Comforter, Counselor) is the Greek, parakletos “one who comes alongside to help”

The Holy Spirit teaches all things.

teach “teach” (my definition) educate, inform, train, disciple, tutor, enlighten
“…The disciples were promised they would be tutored even more by the Holy Spirit…” [than they were by Jesus]
John 13 – Jesus taught by example how to serve – washed disciples’ feet.

all things “everything we need for life and godliness” – manners, motives, attitude, servant’s heart, integrity

2 Peter 1:3 NIV “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

The Holy Spirit reminds us of what Jesus said.

John 14:26 NIV “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

remind “remember, bring to remembrance, put in mind, remind of, mention, suggest” Used 6 times

Luke 22:61 NKJ “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’”

2 Timothy 2:14 NKJ “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.”

Titus 3:1 NKJ “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,”

2 Peter 1:12 NKJ “Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.”
Jesus – “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Jude 1:5 NKJ “But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.”

Why do we need to be reminded? We forget so easily. 34 times – Don’t forget!

Deuteronomy 4:9 Don’t forget the things your eyes have seen. Don’t let them slip from your heart.

Psalm 78:8 Don’t forget what God has done. Psalm 106:13

Deuteronomy 4:23 Don’t forget the convenant of the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 6:12 Don’t forget the Lord. (8:11, 14, 19; 32:18; Judges 3:7; 1 Samuel 12:9; Psalm 106:21; Isaiah 17:10; 51:13; Jeremiah 2:32; 3:21; 13:25; 18:15; Ezekial 22:12; 23:35; Hosea 2:13; 13:6)

Deuteronomy 9:7 Never forget your disobedience to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 9:7 NIV “Remember this and never forget how you provoked the Lord your God to anger in the desert. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord.”

This is not for guilt purposes, but to remind us of our capabilities to disobey the Lord.

Deuteronomy 26:14 I have not forgotten Your commands. Psalm 119:61, 83, 93, 109, 141,153, 176

Psalm 103:2 Don’t forget all God’s benefits.

Isaiah 43:18 NIV “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

Philippians 3:13 NIV “…But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”
Don’t be burdened by your past!

Hebrews 12:5 NIV And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you,”

Hebrews 13:16 NIV “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

James 1:25 NIV “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.”

2 Peter 1:9 NIV “…has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

2 Peter 3:8 NIV “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

[The Holy Spirit] “will remind you of everything I have said to you”

Does this mean that we do not need to read,
study & memorize God’s Word?

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJ “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Hebrews 4:11 NKJ “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.”

Hebrews 11:6 NKJ “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 12:15 NKJ “looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;”

2 Peter 1:10 NKJ “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;”

2 Peter 3:14 NKJ “…looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;”

Dads, train your children and remind them of a godly way of living.
Take advantage of the Holy Spirit’s help! Listen, pay attention, be still on the inside.

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can experience the ministry of the Helper by recognizing the ways He assists believers.

INTRO: How many of you have had a friend that walked with you through a difficult time in your life?
death of a loved one, illness, operation, break-up in a relationship,
financial crisis
What difference did that make in the midst of your problem?
How did that help to stabilize you? Keep your sanity?
What would you call a person who helped you through a rough time?
A Friend – that is exactly what the Holy Spirit is to us!

John 14:16 NKJ “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever,”
26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

John 15:26 NKJ “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”
(Amplified Bible – Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby)

John 16:7 NKJ “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to people, then enables them to do their work with excellence.

Bezaleel & Aholiab

Exodus 31:2 NKJ “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.”

Exodus 31:6 NKJ “And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:”

Exodus 36:1 NKJ “And Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded.”

The Holy Spirit wants to help you do your job with excellence!

Your job matters to God. You are placed strategically to reach certain people.

Singers & Musicians in the Tabernacle

1 Chronicles 9:33 NKJ “These are the singers, heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night.”

1 Chronicles 15:22 NKJ “Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful;”

1 Chronicles 25:6 NKJ All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king.
7 “So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.”

1 Chronicles 15:16 NKJ “Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.”

2 Chronicles 5:12 NKJ “and the Levites who were the singers, all those of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, clothed in white linen, having cymbals, stringed instruments and harps, and with them one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets –
13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,
14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

Ministry gifts in the Church – to equip God’s people

Ephesians 4:7 NKJ “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8 Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’”
11 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”

The Holy Spirit makes ordinary believers extra-ordinary.

Philip – deacon to evangelist (Acts

Stephen – deacon to defender of the faith to martyr (Acts 6-7)

Mark
Acts 12:25 NKJ “And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.”

Acts 15:37 NKJ “Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.”
39 NIV “Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;

Colossians 4:10 NKJ “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),”

2 Timothy 4:11 NKJ “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.”

The Holy Spirit fills believers so they can live supernaturally!

The fruit of the Holy Spirit – so believers can live like Jesus
Galatians 5:22 NIV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

The gifts of the Holy Spirit – so believers can minister like Jesus
1 Corinthians 12:4 NKJ” Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

CONCLUSION: The Holy Spirit wants to make a difference in your life. But He must be invited in, welcomed to be a part of your life.
Tongues are just a way to learn to plug in to God’s supernatural power (which is so far beyond your human thinking)

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can have a biblical perspective about the Holy Spirit by agreeing with God’s desires for us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJ “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit’s dwelling.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV “But we have this treasure in jars of clay…”

treasure – v. 6 “…the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:13 – Moses veiled face)

2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJ “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’”
(All you/your words plural in following verse)

1 Corinthains 3:16 NKJ “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (Ephesians 2:21-22)
17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

Ephesians 2:21 NKJ “in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.”

My body is holy.

1 Corinthians 3:17 NKJ “…For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”
1 Corinthians 6:15 NKJ “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!
16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘The two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’
17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

SAY IT: “My body is holy.”

My body is a living sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 NKJ “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

God wants me to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 NKJ “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”
Greek: “be being filled with the Spirit”
Greek: The verb is: Present (an ongoing process)
Passive (God has to do it) I must YIELD.
Imperative (not an option)
(“The Complete Biblical Library,” Ephesians, page 155)

“carries the meaning in Greek of ‘repeatedly being filled’”
(Full Life Study Bible, Ephesians 5:18 note, page 1834)

If we as believers are not growing closer to God, more deeply in love with Him, more desirous to live in His Word & more obedient to His will, then let’s not kid ourselves to think we are filled with the Holy Spirit!

The Spirit’s power can work through me mightily.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Ephesians 1:19 NKJ “and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power”

Ephesians 3:20 NKJ “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

God’s power can equip me to do mighty deeds in His name.

transformation, being changed, being more like Jesus, fruit of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 – be witnesses
Acts 2 & 4 – care for others
Acts 3 – healing
Acts 4 – boldness
Acts 5 – fear of God Acts 7 – face martyrdom

The Spirit of God took simple disciples (fishermen, tax collector, zealot), filled them, and gave them opportunities to grow their faith, then used them in mighty ways beyond their imaginations.

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can walk powerfully in the grace of Jesus by following the reasons given in 2 Timothy 1-2.
2 Timothy 2:1 NKJ “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

“You therefore, my son…”
…because of your tender heart  2 Timothy 1:4
…because of your genuine faith passed down from your Mother and Grandmother  2 Timothy 1:5
…because of God’s gift upon your life 2 Timothy 1:6
…because of God’s provision to overcome fear 2 Timothy 1:7
…because of suffering for the gospel that you will go through
…because of God’s saving and calling us  2 Timothy 1:9
…because of our Savior Jesus Christ’s victories 2 Timothy 1:10
…because of knowing Jesus and His keeping power 2 Timothy 1:12
…because of the good deposit that was entrusted to you 2 Timothy 1:14
…because of the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us 2 Timothy 1:14

2 Timothy 1:14 NIV “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

“Be strong…”

2 Timothy 2:1 NEB “Now therefore, my son, take strength from the grace of God which is ours in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 6:10 NKJ “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Proverbs 18:10 NIV “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Jeremiah 50:34 NIV “Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is His name…”

1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJ “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

“in the grace…”

2 Timothy 2:1 NLT “Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus.”

grace – “a free gift to those who deserve the exact opposite”
Mercy closes the door to hell.  Grace opens the door to heaven.
Mercy withholds what we have earned.  Grace provides blessings we have not earned. (“Captured by Grace,” David Jeremiah)

“Grace is the bridge over a chasm that seemed infinite – the canyon between our depravity and His holiness.  That bridge is wide and sturdy and sure, beckoning to us to cross over into a life too wonderful for us to imagine.” (“Captured by Grace,” David Jeremiah, p. 22)

Mercy runs to forgive the Prodigal Son.  Grace throws a party with every extravagance. – unmerited favor

“that is in Christ Jesus.”

Everything that a believer has is because he/she has been transferred from Satan’s domain and been seated “in Christ Jesus.”
(“in Christ” used some 130 times in New Testament)

2 Timothy 1:1 NKJ “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”

1:9 “…His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,”

1:13 “… in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

How To Grow in Grace

Thank God daily for His grace given to you.
Romans 5:17  abundant grace

Admit your complete inability to please God by any works you can do.

Ask God to “establish your heart by grace.”
Hebrews 13:9 NKJ “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.  For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.”

Ask the Lord to help you to “grow in grace…”
2 Peter 3:18 NKJ “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever.”

Sing songs about the grace of God. (Remind yourself of God’s grace.)

Living in God’s Grace

God loves me – I don’t know why, I can’t explain it, but I receive His love for me.

Now that I am “in Christ,” I am pleasing to God.

I cannot please God with anything I can do in my own strength or my good works.

I am resting fully on God’s kindness towards me.

I accept that God’s special favor is on my life.

Every day I am leaning on God’s love for me.

I will never again attempt to earn God’s love.

All of God’s wonderful blessings on my life are unmerited gifts.

Daily I depend on God’s enabling power (His grace).