Sermons About It
HOW DO WE LOSE it? HOW DO WE GET it BACK?
HOW DO WE LOSE it? HOW DO WE GET it BACK? Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 When we meet, is it present? How can we tell? Do first time attenders experience it ? Can it be programmed into our gatherings? Where can I buy it ? If it doesn’t show …well, why not? WHAT is it anyhow? What’s the “slippery slope†to losing IT? (Vs. 7-11) 1. The tendency to cling to the secure and familiar even when the familiar leads eventually to our undoing. (death) 2. Being drawn to the external code (law) which kills - it makes external demands without giving inward power for obedience. How can we be in danger of losing IT? (Verse 12-15) 1. By substituting performance for anointing. 2. By replacing ministry with programs. 3. By trading resources for passion. 4. By being so busy doing the work of God that we drift from God. 5. By believing we can create IT instead of spiritually birthing IT. 6. By playing safe rather than living by faith. Do you know how to get IT back? (Verse 16-18) 1. You might need to start with the confession, I’ve lost IT! 2. You’ve got to be thirsty for the Spirit that brings freedom. 3. You’ve got to invite Jesus to get in your face. 4. You polish the mirror - He will bring change.
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The IT Factor in the Life of Jesus
The IT Factor in the Life of Jesus When we meet, is it present? How can we tell? Do first time attenders experience it ? Can it be programmed into our gatherings? Where can I buy it ? If it doesn’t show …well, why not? WHAT is it anyhow? What is IT? I have come that you might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10) The gift of God eternal life (Romans 6:23) The Spirit gives life (John 6:63) What is IT? IT is LIFE—and not just any life. It is abundant life, life to the full, more and better life than you ever dreamed of. It is life that starts now and is unending! How do I get IT? 1. You’ve got to really want IT Do you want to get well? John 5:6 2. You must pursue IT with absolute single-heartedness The way to life—to God—is vigorous and requires total attention. Matt. 7:14 3. You must be prepared to fight for IT This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy. Matt 12:30 4. You can’t get IT without intimate allies 5. You must be willing to die for IT Crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go. Matt 19:22 6. You must be willing to display IT Shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Phil 2:15-16 (NIV)
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What Contributes to IT
What Contributes to IT? Scripture: Numbers 10:1-10 When we meet, is it present? How can we tell? Do first time attender’s experience it ? Can it be programmed into our gatherings? Where can I buy it ? If it doesn’t show …well, why not? WHAT is it anyhow? Review: From last Sunday"s messag (Exodus 33) "What is IT" The best explanation I can give of what IT is -- are the following unique qualities found in his people: A passion to linger in His awesome presence Faith filled anticipation, reverence, and humility in worship Longing to get to know God's ways better Being desperate to the point of begging to experience more of His Glory The glory cloud is God's deal, hammering out trumpets and then sounding them is our responsibility (Numbers 10:1-10) 1. The blowing of two trumpets calls the whole community together. 2. The sound of one trumpet calls the leaders to meet. 3. A distinct sequence of sounds signals the order of "setting out" on their journey. 4. The clear blast of the trumpet was a call to do battle with the enemy. 5. A different sound was for appointed times of rejoicing. " If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves" Proverbs 29:18 (the Message Bible) Without a clear vision, people will never get IT and keep IT. IT doesn't show up on its own. IT follows a God honoring vision that people are willing to give their lives to. What are the five things we do? We focus all our energy on these five things 1. We believe, preach and teach the Bible is our final authority and moral compass. 2. We celebrate in worship which strengthens us. 3. We build meaningful relationships which connect us. 4. We learn to pray which empowers us. 5. We reach out to the unchurched, nominal Christians and seekers inviting them to become Christ followers.
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What Is IT?
What Is “ITâ€? Scripture: Exodus 33:7-23 When we meet, is it present? How can we tell? Do first time attender’s experience it ? Can it be programmed into our gatherings? Where can I buy it ? If it doesn’t show …well, why not? WHAT is it anyhow? As we begin this sermon series, you may wonder why we would name it, “ITâ€. Truth be told there is an element of curiosity and a deep hunger for “IT†that we hope is stirred up in each of us. We believe this series will acknowledge the difficulty of explaining “ITâ€,to get our hands around “ITâ€; but will challenge us to desire “IT†and to explore the depth and wonder of all that God has for us as we discover what “IT†is. Some evidence that “IT†was in the “tent of meeting†with Moses (Verses 7-11) The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. The "IT" factor - intimate friendship, hearing from God, persoanl guidance. All the people stood at the entrance of their tents worshipping while Moses met with the LORD in the “tent of meeting.†The "IT" factor - respect, reverence, worship, anticipation Joshua, the young aide of Moses, did not want to leave the “tent of meeting†after Moses left. "IT" factor - lingering in the awesome prescense of God Moses is discovering the importance of “IT†(Verses 12-17) “If you are pleased with me, show me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.†(Verse 13) “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.†(Verse 15) “Your presence with us is what will distinguish us from all the other people on the face of the earth.†(Verse 16) Moses begs for more of “IT.†“Now show me your glory.†(Verse 18) This glory radiating off of Moses was never meant to be an Old Testament experience only. Your take home for the week: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you… and His glory appears over you.†(Isaiah 60:1, 2) “Christ in you, the hope of gloryâ€.. (Col. 1:27) You radiate God’s glory and bring an infusion of that glory into your atmosphere!
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Its Time
Jesus is everywhere in the consciousness of our culture. Yet, there is a growing unease about the current version of Christianity in our society. Rather than spending all of our time reacting to religious culture or tradition, what would it look like to honestly engage with the ways of the master – how Jesus lived and what he taught?
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