Wesleyan College Chapel Notes

Subject...(A topical message on life's purpose)
Discovering Who God Created You To Be

Springboard Statement: After your salvation has been possessed, it must be expressed as sign to the world that you're no longer the same.

Transition: The scriptures are clear on what our lives, as children of God should reflect...

Scriptural Meditation:
James 2:17 "So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."

John 13:35 "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Luke 6:44 "A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes."

An Introspective Question: What are you known for? Based on the above verses, I believe that God's children should express the following characteristics...

-A proven faith...stable and strong

-An infectious love...unconditional and unbelievable

-A bright light...guiding and glorifying

-Good deeds/fruit...'the proof is in the pudding'

Sermon Notes...Step It Up! Affection (3 of 4)

Series... Step It Up!

Subject...Step Up Your Affection (3 of 4)

Scriptural Text (New Living Translation)... Deuteronomy 10:12 "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul."

Introduction: God's love for you is insanely intense (verse 15 says we're the chosen objects of God's love) and he desperately wants for you to love him back (verse 16 says we shouldn't be stubborn about it), in a pure, passionate and personal way.

Transition: Since God's love for us is unchanged but we've ventured away from him, here's how our affection can Step It Up!

Exposition: God desires your affection to be expressed in at least these three ways...

1) Purely...our love for God shouldn't be contaminated by animalistic instincts, to get what we need without reciprocation. REFERENCE First John 4:19

2) Passionately...love makes no sense; it's indescribable. It will make you do things that no one else really understands. Affection is the root of action in a relationship. REFERENCE First John 5:3

3) Personally...your soul is to valuable to attempt to eternally secure it, through vicarious means. Give God quality time; intentional investment; not what's left of you. REFERENCE John 15:7

Sermon Notes...Step It Up! Attitude (1 of 4)

Series... Step It Up!

Subject...Step Up Your Attitude     (1 of 4)

Scriptural Text (New Living Translation)... Deuteronomy 10:12 "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul."

Introduction: In Genesis God made humanity and called mankind good. Of our own will and volition, good went bad, and the only way for man to be good again is if bad yields to God. God is calling us in this series to Step It Up! and return to good, by returning to God.

Transition: Covenant promises aren't received without a commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities as the people of God. That identity alone, bares the incredible weight to Step It Up!

Exposition: God requires for us to get a grip on our attitudes with ourselves, with God and with other people...

1) With Ourselves...At some point in our lives, it becomes urgent for us to accept responsibility for our own attitudes. If not, we become internally toxic, waiting to self-destruct. A high view of God, causes us to have a healthy view of ourselves.

2) With God...We aren't to be terrified of God, but we should reverence/honor God. Without question, God deserves our honor because of his track record. This is reason enough for us all to live for God with humility.

3) With Other People...The respect that we have for God, should be translated into progressive relationships with other people. If we truly love God, we would treat everyone (good or bad) in a respectful way.

Next Sunday, we'll explore how we can Step It Up! with our Actions

Mulberry Street UMC/Macon Outreach Sermon Notes...Lessons From Nature

Scriptural Text...New Living Translation Psalm 1:2-3 "But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do."

Introduction: Our God is incredibly amazing! There's absolutely no God like our God! Creation's forensics boasts his finger prints and his signature 'Made by God' is seen throughout nature.

Transition: The Psalms are personally poetic, powerfully portrayed and passionately penned. Psalm 1 is a lesson in discipleship, taught by nature, on how to maximize our meager existences.

Exposition: Since nature declares the handiwork of God (according to Psalm 19), let's listen to what it has to teach us...

1. Posture (planted)
If the tree was potted, it's development would be limited. Being planted allows for limitless possibilities to progress. The word of God is what makes the tree so stable.

2. Position (riverbank)
There is no excuse for the tree to be dry/malnourished. It should soak up the word for it's growth.
*story of little atheist boy

3. Production (fruit)
The responsibility of the tree isn't to merely pig out on the word, but to use it to give back. We grow to give!

4. Prosperity (never wither)
The word of God is a preservative. In Deuteronomy 29:5, God kept clothes and shoes from deteriorating while they wandered in the wilderness. Your prosperity is found in God alone!
*story of little boy in the general store

Step It Up!!!

Without a doubt, our God is incredibly amazing, wonderful and great. Since we know that to be the truth, and we are aware the we were created in that same God's image, a legitimate question is, why are we (God's own children) so comfortable with mediocrity?

For the next four Sundays in the month of October, we will be challenged by the scriptures to Step It Up! It's important that the church of Jesus Christ returns to dedicated discipleship, by focusing our hearts on loving God and our hands to do the work of God. Nothing just happens! Anyone that is successful, spent quality time and made significant investments in their desired results. Let's make up our minds to passionately follow Jesus, and grow into who God wants us to be.

We'll see you this Sunday in Café Grace at 10:45 a.m. as we get ready to Step It Up!!!

Wesleyan College Sermon Notes...Molded By Moments

Scriptural Text...New Living Translation
Genesis 11:27-32 ²⁷ This is the account of Terah’s family. Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot. ²⁸ But Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, the land of his birth, while his father, Terah, was still living. ²⁹ Meanwhile, Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah. (Milcah and her sister Iscah were daughters of Nahor’s brother Haran.) ³⁰ But Sarai was unable to become pregnant and had no children. ³¹ One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there. ³² Terah lived for 205 years and died while still in Haran.

Genesis 12:1-9 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” ⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. ⁵ He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, ⁶ Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites.
⁷ Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. ⁸ After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. ⁹ Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.

Introduction: Our life experiences are responsible for shaping our attitudes and actions. Positive experiences shape our optimism and our will to be victorious. Negative experiences shape our faith and our decision to allow life to destroy us or develop us.

Transition: The story of our text is interesting, because everyone is relatively familiar with the end story of Abram, but not with the moments that molded him to be Abraham. Coincidently, most people know your glory but not your story!

Exposition: There are at least four movements of this passage, that allows us to know what moments matter the most in our lives...

1) Connections
Abram's father Terah, was ambitious but without steady focus. His name means wanderer; loiterer.

2) Challenges
After Terah's death, God approaches 75 year old Abram and tells him that he can be lifted if he leaves.

3) Covenants
Beware of relationships where you're chief of the sacrifices. God offers Abram a deal that he couldn't refuse.

4) Consecration
Our response to God's investment in us, should be total devoted diligence.

Sermon Notes...Penitentiary Philosophy

Scriptural Text...Genesis 25:27-34 (New Living Translation) As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. ²⁸ Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob. ²⁹ One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. ³⁰ Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”) ³¹ “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.” ³² “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?” ³³ But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob. ³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

Introduction: Prison is less of a place, and more of a mentality, a philosophy, a way of life. It has it's own language (void of help and hope) and it's own look (slave to struggling).

Transition: Esau and Jacob are twin brothers, who both in their own way possess a penitentiary philosophy. Esau works hard and doesn't pay attention to details. Jacob is a strategic thinker, who is always looking for an easy come-up.

Exposition: Let's pick your brain, and see if we can liberate your thinking...

1) You have a penitentiary philosophy when you're moment minded
-Age doesn't guarantee that you'll think critically.
-Esau wants to fill a legitimate void, but refuses to wait for a quality solution and makes a debilitating decision.

2) You're dealing with someone who has a penitentiary philosophy when they manipulate moments
-Jacob's character is trickery, but you wouldn't think of him conning his own brother. That was a dysfunctional decision.
-Immaturity will cause you to trample over people, to get what you want at their expense.

Conclusion: How do you get free from the penitentiary? Forgive!!! In Genesis 33, Esau and Jacob meet. Both were doing well apart from each other, but Jacob was blessed while burdened with guilt. Once forgiveness flowed, Jacob was free to build (verses 17/house and 20/altar).

*** Song credit to Erykah Badu: Listen to Erykah Badu sing Penitentiary Philosophy here ***

Sermon Notes...Molded By Moments

Scriptural Text...New Living Translation
Genesis 11:27-32 ²⁷ This is the account of Terah’s family. Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot. ²⁸ But Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, the land of his birth, while his father, Terah, was still living. ²⁹ Meanwhile, Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah. (Milcah and her sister Iscah were daughters of Nahor’s brother Haran.) ³⁰ But Sarai was unable to become pregnant and had no children. ³¹ One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there. ³² Terah lived for 205 years and died while still in Haran.

Genesis 12:1-9 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” ⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. ⁵ He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, ⁶ Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites.
⁷ Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. ⁸ After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. ⁹ Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.
Introduction: Our life experiences are responsible for shaping our attitudes and actions. Positive experiences shape our optimism and our will to be victorious. Negative experiences shape our faith and our decision to allow life to destroy us or develop us.

Transition: The story of our text is interesting, because everyone is relatively familiar with the end story of Abram, but not with the moments that molded him to be Abraham. Coincidently, most people know your glory but not your story!

Exposition: There are at least four movements of this passage, that allows us to know what moments matter the most in our lives...

1) Connections
Abram's father Terah, was ambitious but without steady focus. His name means wanderer; loiterer.

2) Challenges
After Terah's death, God approaches 75 year old Abram and tells him that he can be lifted if he leaves.

3) Covenants
Beware of relationships where you're chief of the sacrifices. God offers Abram a deal that he couldn't refuse.

4) Consecration
Our response to God's investment in us, should be total devoted diligence.

Sermon Notes...I Pledge Allegiance

Subject: I Pledge Allegiance...The Tug of War Between God and Country (A conversation spurred by the stance of Colin Kaepernick)

Introduction: There's an uncomfortable tension in the air, emotions are high and the stage for volatile eruptions is set. The hot but touchy topics of politics, the police, the economy, healthcare and race is the blame. Colin Kaepernick is lucky number seven for the San Francisco 49ers, but has become a household name because of his refusal to stand at games for the national anthem...

Overwhelming Observations: things about this story that leap out, that's noteworthy...

1) Right- America boasts of being the "home of the free" with a constitution whose First Amendment empowers him to sit when he pleases. This is simply a peaceful protest.

2) Reason- Civil rights has long been a historically tense issue. It's not a color problem but a human one. Inequality still exists and none are free until we all are! It's a  noble cause.

3) Responsibility- Influence and wealth should be used for good. At age 28, he's arrested the attention of the nation (positive and negative), for a cause that's greater than himself.

Transition: Humanity doesn't know how to balance well, because we're typically extremists. God is tugging on our heartstrings for our allegiance, but we continue to give it away to a world/system that continually let's us down. How doe's the scriptures bring this controversy to a calm?...

Exposition: Scriptural insight on why we should pledge our allegiance to God over country...

1) God is stronger...First Kings 18:1-40
In the face of fake politicians (Ahab and Jezebel), false prophets (450 of Baal; 400 of Asherah) and fickle people, God proved to be the true and living God!

2) God is smarter...Second Chronicles 1:7-12
Solomon requests wisdom from God. God grants his request by making Solomon the wisest man to ever walk the earth. How wise is the God that made Solomon wise (Isaiah 55:8-9).

3) God is deserving...Exodus 20:2
Prior to revealing the commandments of the covenant, God reminds Israel of why their allegiance is due to God alone, because it was God who delivered them!

Conclusion: God is tugging for your attention (prayer), allegiance (posture) and action (practice). Good Christians make good citizens!

Sermon Notes...Tales From The Hood (Part 2 of 3)

Scriptural Springboard...John 1:46a (New Living Translation) " “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

Subject...Something Good From The Hood (Player Hating)

Introduction: The hood is normally categorized by crime, corruption, drugs and prostitution. But many of us are products of the hood and we've got different stories to tell. It's a story of hope, hard work and people who never made it out of the hood but made sure that we did! What I'm suggesting today is boldly optimistic and is an aggressive truth, that something good can come from the hood! Bellevue, Unionville, Alphabet City, Pleasant Hill and Village Green! Philippians 1:6 says "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Transition: Nazareth, Israel and Macon, Georgia have some similarities: small, economic struggles, religious strengths and they both are familiar with having a bad rap...

Overwhelming Observations: Things that leaped out of the text and wouldn't leave me alone...

1) Sometimes your motives doesn't match what comes out of your mouth
     -Player Haters aren't necessarily bad people they just don't process feelings before they speak

2) A friendship brought Nathanael to Jesus
     -"Come see" is the invitation and the implication is that Nathanael wasn't doing anything

3) Don't allow apprehension to keep your stuck in the shade, instead of living in the SON
     -Being cool is of no comparison to being warmed by the love and grace of God

4) The hood is an incubator for innovation
     -Don't allow where you are to limit who you can become

Sermon Notes...Tales From The Hood (Part 1 of 3)

Scriptural Springboard...Joshua 2:18 (New Living Translation) "When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house."

Subject...A Red Light District Rescue (Prostitution)

Introduction: Stories help us to connect with each other... The stories of this series will help connect us to God, with the understanding that the pain, problem or predicament you're plagued with is just a platform for God to display power over it.

Transition: The bible has some interesting characters who have some interesting chronicles. Prostitutes, pimps and player haters. Let's start with the story of Rahab the prostitute...

Exposition: Please pay attention to three aspects of this prostitute's life that she got extremely right...

1. Rahab didn't allow her history to control her destiny (verses 1-11)
    -She helped the spies by hiding them not having them.
    -Her profession didn't stand in the way of her prayers.

2. Rahab heard opportunity knocking and she opened the door (verses 12-14)
    -Help is only available for those that are hungry for it.
    -She made sure that she opened the door for a guest and not a visitor.

3. Rahab understood that salvation is meant to be shared (verses 14-21)
    -Your salvation must not be contained. Compel (by any means) them toward Jesus!
    -Who's in your house that needs to hear the helping word of the gospel? It's you they're waiting on!

*Please share this flyer on your social media pages, as an invitation to next week's Café Grace*

Sermon Notes...The Truth About Trouble

Text...John 16:33 (New Living Translation) " I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Introduction: Often, our disruption of peace because of problems, are due to our intentional actions. Following Jesus has consequences...
Out of all the places, people and predicaments that causes us trouble, Jesus reminds us that his word is what helps us find peace in him! When we're in trouble, it's not time to franticly run or to be frozen in fear, that the time to stand strong in faith, because peace is in Jesus and no place else!

Transition: Let's cause trouble some trouble, and pay it a visit in it's own context (where it is) and examine it's calling (what it doe's)...

Exposition: If we're to know the truth about trouble, it's necessary for us to listen in on this lesson that Jesus is teaching...

1) The Place of trouble... "Here on earth"
Be warned, that this planet is sinful soil and the atmosphere is polluted with evil. As long as you're here, trouble will be a good friend of yours.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
John 12: 31 "The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out."
John 14:30a "I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches."
 
2) The Promise of Trouble... "you will have"
Trouble is inevitable (you can't avoid it). No amount of strategic planning or good deeds, can keep trouble away from you. It's not even something that you have to look for, it finds you. All mortals have a contract with confusion... Job 1:6-12 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ⁷ “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” ⁸ Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” ⁹ Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! ¹¹ But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” ¹² “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.
3) The Problem of trouble... "many trials and sorrows"
A trial is a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something. Don't give up on something that's not going to be over soon!
Sorrow is a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others. But you can defeat it! Philippians 4:13 says "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Conclusion: Here's what Jesus had to say about the trouble that's been troubling us, "But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Hear this praise point, trouble doesn't last always, because it's already been defeated!

Sermon Notes...The Ministry of the Mirror

Introduction: Modern TV and magazines have fed our obsession with image. We are more concerned with what we portray as opposed to what we are.

Transition: God made us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). The simple implication of that statement is that God intends for us to look and live like him.

The template for the creation of man was God's own self, by God's own hand. God looked in the mirror to find the pattern to make people, and found perfection!

Exposition: The function of the mirror is to...

1) Remind us of reality...Genesis 3 (READ HERE)
-We professionally lie to ourselves, but the mirror forces us to face the truth.
-The truth causes us to hide from the one who can restore the image that we've lost.

3) Ready us for the real world...James 1:22-23 ²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. ²⁴ You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵ But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
-There's an acceptable look for the house, then there's an outside look that's a different kind of acceptable. The problem has been, that some don't care that they bring the house look into the real world.
 -What the mirror exposes is a command to correct! ~A Walkerism

3) Recover the hidden image of God...2nd Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
-God's word is our mirror, that's sometimes harsh but it's always helpful to our recovery of God's purpose for our lives.
-Sometimes the mirror is our cheerleader (primes), but in most cases it's our coach (pushes).

Sermon Notes...Saved People SOW (3 of 3)

Scriptural Text... Luke 10:30-37 (New Living Translation)  Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. ³¹ “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. ³² A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. ³³ “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ³⁴ Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ ³⁶ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. ³⁷ The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Introduction: Everybody that's talking about heaven, isn't going there! Saved People do much more than talk about heaven; they live on earth with the quality of a citizen of heaven. Our actions are predicated on the law of sowing (planting) and reaping (harvesting). We believe that if we do good things, that God will be pleased with the way we live and that our well will never run dry.

Transition: This familiar story is told by Jesus, in response to a question from a biblical expert about how to get to heaven. Jesus sets the scene by telling us about a group of people that talked about heaven but wasn't going there; one person who lived like he was already in heaven and was going there and one person who was in need of life-saving ministry.

Exposition: Our text exposes in the least, two powerful principles about how and where Saved People SOW...

1) SOW from our possessions generously
-Ministry done in excellence, requires kind hearts, willing minds and open wallets!
-You shouldn't talk about what could and should be done, if you won't invest in your interest.
-We give to men (innkeeper) for men (victim)...Men in this context isn't masculine but speaks of humanity.

2) SOW into other people selflessly
-The good Samaritan is such a serious sower, that he stopped what he was doing (passion), got off of his beast (common ground), and he sows good seeds by offering a harsh solution (wine that burns) and then a healing salve (oil that soothes).

Conclusion: Who are you sowing into and what ministry is operable because of your investment?

Sermon Notes...Saved People SERVE (2 of 3)

Luke 22:21-27 (New Living Translation) “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. ²² For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” ²³ The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. ²⁴ Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. ²⁵ Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ ²⁶ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. ²⁷ Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

Introduction: Humanity is innately geared to serve. Matthew 6:24 says “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money." We've been designed to serve God, yet, we serve other things and other people, with the knowledge that God is jealous (Exodus 20:5).

Transition: Saved People SERVE! We serve with the understanding that it doesn't make us weak, and it's not demeaning in any way. Christian service glorifies God, while growing us up spiritually (from getting to giving) and socially (from church members to family members).

Exposition: Let's unpack this passage, so we can learn how to improve our serve...

The Escalation (verses 21-24) At the Last Supper, Jesus is talking with his disciples. Jesus mentions the presence of his betrayer in the room and the disciples took that topic and allowed it to morph. It shifted from asking questions of each other to arrogance arising, and finally into a full blown argument. They argued over who was the greatest, but greatness is not boastful it's humble (Acts 20:19).

The Intervention (verses 25-27) Apparently a grown up had to get involved, since twelve grown men were acting so childish. Jesus intervenes and explains to them that Christian greatness isn't gauged by status but by service.

The Illustration (verse 27) Jesus is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) and there's no better example to emulate than him. Even Jesus, the son of God and the savior of the world, served! What Jesus understood was that his title meant nothing without his towel (John 13:3-4).

Conclusion: If service ever gets beneath you, then success will never belong to you.

Sermon Notes...I'm Doing the Best I Can

Scriptural Text... Mark 9:14-29 (v. 24) The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (New Living Translation)

Introduction: Society's appreciation for mothers is great and it should be. However, there seems to be a public under-appreciation for fathers. This isn't a battle of the sexes, but this is a message that recognizes men and not males; that teaches males how to be men.

Transition: Mark chapter nine is the location of a really familiar story. Normally, we only deal with this text from the viewpoint of the disciples, the demoniac boy or Jesus. Since it's Father's Day, let's examine these verses through the lens of the boy's father...

Exposition: The text is tailored to teach three principles, to help every father to do the best they can...

1) When you're frustrated, get help not a high...verses 14-22 When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. ¹⁵ When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him. ¹⁶ “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. ¹⁷ One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. ¹⁸ And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” ¹⁹ Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” ²⁰ So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. ²¹ “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. ²² The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
-Your life vices won't eliminate the issues you face.
-Do you know who to go to, when you're dealing with something that's to big for you?

2) Don't allow your testosterone to hinder your faith...verses 22-24 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” ²³ “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” ²⁴ The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
-Faith (the positive and strong belief that things will change) coupled with action, makes the impossible possible.
-The exposure of your shortcomings doesn't make you less of a man; only when you don't want help does.

3) After you've positioned your children for greatness, fade into the background...verses 25-29
When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!” ²⁶ Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. ²⁸ Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” ²⁹ Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”
-There comes a time when you have to be confident and comfortable with your parental work.
-You can advise (being a voice without a vote) when necessary but not dictate (control).

Sermon Notes...Be Cool

Scripture Text...Daniel 6

Introduction: Pressure, problems and pain doesn't develop your character, as much as it exposes it... The story of your ability is told as you struggle. Sometimes you're in a struggle and aren't even aware.

Transition: When you know the principles, you don't have to be afraid of the problem...

Exposition: Here's three action steps to help you 'Be Cool'...

1) Prayer has to be a priority...verse 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
   -1 Thessalonians 5:17 Never stop praying.
   -If you only pray when you're in trouble, you're in trouble!
   -Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

2) Live like you're leaving...verse 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”
   -"Life isn't about your duration, but your donation." ~Jim Cowart (Reference verses 1-3)
   -Daniel understood that life was designed to glorify God by how he lived. Even the king knew   that he was serious about his relationship with God.
   -King Darius does not know God, but he knows Daniel and seeds have been planted in him and he didn't know it.

3) Keep your faith grounded...verse 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
   -Don't allow the current direction of your life to separate you from God (Reference Romans 8:38-39).
   -Don't allow the lions of life, to scare you off course and make you feel trapped (Reference 1st Peter 5:8).
   -Don't act like you've made it on your own (Reference 1st Corinthians 15:10).

Conclusion: We've explored how you should 'Be Cool' but let's culminate this study with why you should 'Be Cool'. Psalm 37:1-3 says "Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
² For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. ³ Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper." Daniel's enemies were cut off in verse 24 of Daniel chapter 6 and Daniel prospered in verse 28!

BIG NEWS!!!

Good morning and may the Lord be with you today! Here's the BIG NEWS!!!...

*Today from 10am to 12noon, Lucretia Taylor will be at the church for those of you that want to donate items for this Saturday's yard sale. Remember that the yard sale will be in the front paling lot from 7am to 12pm.

*Our prayer call tonight at 7pm is a don't miss! Peanut (Fred Taylor, III) will be leading us. Call (641) 715-3836 and use access code 131337. Please make every effort to be on the call and once it begins me your phones, so there won't be any distractions for the leader.

*Sunday morning, I'll be preaching a message titled 'Be Cool'. Be busy inviting folks to come with you this week at 10:45am.

*I'm in Tifton, Ga today through Saturday, for the yearly meeting of our conference of churches. Pray for my wife and I, as we represent you to best of our ability. It's my life's privilege to be your pastor and I want to make you proud of my work. Remember that church growth is not a one man show. I need every one of you to do your part, to make Grace Corner "The most caring, covenant community of Christians the world has ever seen!"

Sermon Notes...GCC 101: Explaining the Vision

 *This is a topical message, where various passages of scripture will be used to support the topic.


Objective: The goal of this teaching, is to remind you of Grace Corner's mission and vision, to recharge you for the task and to see a resurgence of evangelism efforts in our church.

Introduction: Grace Corner is a unique church, that's not for everybody but we are a church for anybody. We don't want to be like everybody, we just want to be like Jesus and welcome anybody!

Transition: Periodically, goals have to be revisited so we don't forget our purpose. Without a reminder, we end up overly concerned with the wrong things...

Exposition: Three questions must be asked and answered, in order to properly explain the vision of the Grace Corner Church...

1) Who are we? 1st Peter 2:9 "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

~A people that's been chosen by God. There's a sense of humility and responsibility that comes with being God's chosen people.

~We've been called by God out of living in darkness, to living in the wonderful light. This wonderful light makes us different, so we can make a difference!

2) Why do we exist? Ephesians 4:12 "Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ."

~The preparation of God's people is our purpose. We're to educate, encourage and exemplify life in Jesus Christ.

~Our preparation is for the construction of the body of Christ. We accomplish that through invitations (get people in here), retention (keep people here) and education (teach them to live like Jesus, so they can lead people to Jesus).

3) What's next for us? Acts 2:42 "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer."

~Excellence in these five areas, is what will make us a strong and significant faith community.

~Devotion (a great commitment) to these things, leads to the addition of people by the Lord's doing! Acts 2:47b says "And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."

***Here's how you can help this week:

1...Pray for our church, that we fulfill God's plan for us. And pray with our church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. by calling (641) 715-3836 and use access code 131337.

2...Invite your friends and family to church next Sunday, and keep a few church cards with you so they'll have the necessary information. Invitations can be as simple as forwarding the daily text to someone; tagging friends on Facebook in an invite message with a link to the church's page or leaving a church card with your tip at a restaurant.

3...Get involved in a ministry. This builds relationships and makes sure that none of our members get lost in the shuffle of the crowd. If you're interested in helping with the youth, being a greeter, set-up for Café Grace, clean up of the building, office support, the prayer ministry or anything not mentioned that you feel drawn to, please text Pastor Walker TODAY!!!

4...Contribute a financial gift, that's from your heart to help the ministry stay alive. Your giving is how Grace Corner is able to function. God really doe's give blessings to blessers! We're not try to get rich, we're trying to get all we can so that we can give all we have, to the glory of God!

Big News!!!

Good morning! You are more than your job! You are not a slave to it, and there is much more to you than what you bring home in your pay check. God has chosen you for himself as his own people! You're a royal priesthood, that's smart, strong and sensitive to God's spirit! Let that sit in you spirit today and marinate in you mind, because God doesn't make junk...you're God's prized possession, the apple of his eye! Now live like you're loved and have been lifted!!!

Here's the BIG NEWS!!!

The lades of GCC are asked to be on a planning conference call tonight at 7 p.m., to organize our women's ministry. Please be a part in this call, to help make our faith community more exciting and empowering. Remember, that you only get of something, what you've put into it!

This Sunday at 10:45 a.m. we'll celebrate 1 year of being a merged church! Bring your family and friends to help us make turning 1 unforgettable! Pastor Walker will be preaching a celebratory message titled 'GCC 101: Explaining the Vision'. It's going to be a great time of reflection and celebration that you just don't want to miss!

Sermon Notes...A Lot: Blessed Burdens

Text...Genesis 13 and 14:1-16

Scriptural Springboard...Genesis 13:5a "Lot, who was traveling with Abram,"

Introduction: Life will unexpectedly heap circumstances (beyond your control) upon you, that cause you to exhibit strength that you didn't know you had.

Transition: Everyone has a lot! Lot is more than a person, lot is pressure. Pressure to be, to become, to behold, to bear a burden...

 

Exposition: When dealing with 'A Lot' keep these principles in mind...

 

1) If the relationship is going to survive, you need space (Genesis 13:5-9) Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents. ⁶ But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together. ⁷ So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.) ⁸ Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! ⁹ The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”

*Sometimes you have to feed people with long handled spoons.

*No animosity is harbored, this arrangement just isn't working out.

*Our connection has blessed you financially, but what have you learned from me about faith that will sustain you?

 

2) A sinful spot isn't a good place to stay (Genesis 13:10-13 & reference 14:1-16) Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) ¹¹ Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. ¹² So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. ¹³ But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.

*It's crap that keeps the grass green; sin was beneath the soil.

*When you change connections, you change consequences.

*Thank God for bailouts for those in bondage!

 

3) You can't hear God with a lot around (Genesis 13:14-18) After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. ¹⁵ I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. ¹⁶ And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! ¹⁷ Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” ¹⁸ So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord.

*Who or what is around you, that's keeping you from hearing God's voice?

*The way you handled that 'lot' let's God know that you can handle a who 'lot' more!

*Stay faithful and blessings will follow you. The burden is just to remind you that you still need God!



Sermon Notes...When Helping You Is Hurting Me

Scriptural Text...1st Samuel 3:11-14 (New Living Translation)  Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. ¹² I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. ¹³ I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. ¹⁴ So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.”

Introduction: When mentally and emotionally healthy, humanity has the general proclivity to help when they see others in need. Being of service isn't a bad thing, except when the provider or the recipient doesn't have good sense. Often the provider doesn't recognize that at some point they cease being of help and become an enabler and a crippler. They're so hyped by helping, that they need to be needed and just can't stop. On the other hand, the recipient doesn't know they've been crippled and are taking advantage of the provider's good will and mercy.

Transition: There's no clearer portrait of helping other people, that in turn hurts the provider of help, than the story of Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas...

Exposition: In hindsight, let's learn from Eli's mistakes of enabling and crippling his sons. He was helping them but it was hurting him...

1) Ignoring the truth won't change it...1st Samuel 2:22 " Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle.^"

-God is watching how you're going to handle this. Your ailments (which everyone has) aren't a pass on being responsible.

-Past good has no bearing on present evil.

2) Allowing people to keep what they don't deserve or didn't earn is detrimental...1st Samuel 2:23-25 "Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? ²⁴ You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord’s people are not good. ²⁵ If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the Lord was already planning to put them to death."

-When it comes down to self preservation or helping someone with a hard head, that's a nonnegotiable! I choose me!

-Sometimes it's family that's the most trifling! However, friends may not have your blood but they can have your heart. Reference 1st Samuel 2:26 " Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people."

3) Crazy actions lead to captured anointing...1st Samuel 4:19-22 " Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth. ²⁰ She died in childbirth, but before she passed away the midwives tried to encourage her. “Don’t be afraid,” they said. “You have a baby boy!” But she did not answer or pay attention to them.²¹ She named the child Ichabod (which means “Where is the glory?”), for she said, “Israel’s glory is gone.” She named him this because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and husband were dead. ²² Then she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured.”

-The greatest hurt of all, is the removed presence of God from your life. NO ONE is worth the absence of God!!!
-Don't be so attached to people that you can't let them go, so that you can go with God!