Sermon Notes: Nobody Knows You, When You're Down & Out

Title... Nobody Knows You, When You're Down & Out
Text... Matthew 26:31-35 Matthew 26:69-75 (New Living Translation) *Blue scriptures are links*

Introduction: Anthropology is a branch of science, that studies humans, their behavior, how they relate to each other and their evolution. People are interesting...

Transition: Everyone has the proclivity to slip up when the conditions are right...

Exposition: Wisdom is what you do with knowledge; let's learn from Peter and the other disciples...

1) When things are good, people are good
References... Matthew 16:21-22 (Sacrifice), John 13:6-9 (Service)

2) Your struggle isn't their scene (verses 69, 71)

3) The rooster is just a reminder of broken promises (verse 75)

4) Peter always gets the attention for denying, but the deserters were just as bad (verse 31)

5) John (the only disciple around the cross): some things can't be helped, but do what you can
Reference... John  19:25-27

Take-a-way: Life phases people in and out, but don't allow emotional phases to be the end of rich relationships. Know the difference between leeches (connected to subtract) and the loyal (connected to add).

New Bible Study with Lady Nicole!

Sermon Notes... Justice: Speaking Truth to Power

Title... Justice: Speaking Truth to Power

Text... Luke 4:14-30 (verses 18-19)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Introduction: Pentecost (50 days after Easter) isn't merely a celebration of when the church began, but also a recollection of why the church exists. We're not to be fearful, or hide under and behind bushes, or remain silent. Like Christ, whose name we bare, we must be justice seekers! Christians should stand for what's morally right and fair.

Transition: Our text transpires post the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the wilderness (physical deprivation for spiritual development), to fill Jesus with the power to proclaim an old truth in a new time. It's presentation was pleasing, but the application is what made the congregation become violently aggressive.

Exposition: What was it that Jesus was filled for, and what was Jesus led to say?

     1. The poor finally gets Good News
     2. The captives can be released
     3. The blind will be able to see
     4. The oppressed will be set free

Justice is not political, it's biblical! Jesus was on the side of the helpless, hopeless and homeless!

Conclusion: At what time will these injustices will be made right? Now! The Lord's favor/grace has come through Jesus Christ!

Take-A-Way: The Holy Spirit is still leading us and filling us, to be on the right side of justice, by speaking truth to power and by putting feet to the faith we claim to possess!

Mother's Day 2018: Being Mom

Title... Being Mom
Text... Genesis 21:8-21

Introduction... Motherhood is an exclusive, but not passive sorority. Being Mom, requires voluntary activity.

Transition... Our text is tense, drama-filled and is definitely a tale from the hood. Genesis 21 is the forerunner of Jerry Springer and Maury Povich...

Exposition... When a woman is really Being Mom, at least three facts are proven:

1) You become familiar with PRESSURE.
Hagar has been evicted (verse 10) and now she's lost (verse 14). Pressure was building and Hagar was aware; but she didn't think it would end like this. She feels the pressure externally (Sarah), relationally (Ishmael), and internally (Hagar's own thoughts). There's no greater pressure for a woman, than to think she's covered, only to find out that the man she was trusting in has left her to fend for herself.

2) FEAR is something you hide but can't help.
Hagar is so hurt, hot and helpless that all she could do was cry. She's afraid: there's no more water; she doesn't want to witness her son's death; and she feels like a failure. There are no super-moms! From time to time, we all feel afraid, because we've gone as far as we can and don't know what else to do. When you're isolated in the desert of life, understand that children are smarter than you think and that heaven hears everything! (verses 15-17 a)

3) When there's JOY it's divine!
If there was ever any doubt, about God being water in dry places, this should ease your mind! Joy has come to Hagar, and it was the Lord's doing. She doesn't have to die or watch her son die; he has a future that has God's fingerprints all over it. Don't get besides yourself, thinking you've been Being Mom all by yourself. When you thought it was over, God steps in and trades your tears for joy! (verses 17-21)

Must Hear Alert! Give it ALL to God video

Yesterday's message is a must hear! Follow the video link below, and allow this word to bless your socks off! Listen, learn & share!

Give it ALL to God! *Sermon Video Link*

1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

Sermon Notes: Give It All to God!

Title... Give It All to God!
Text... 1st Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

Introduction... The central struggle of human existence is control. Reference... Luke 15:11-24

Transition... Peter has shifted gears from being brash and bossy, to being an inspiring and revolutionary church father. In his conclusive remarks in this letter, he offers an admonition to the church leaders and the young folks connected to the church.

Exposition...
Verses 1-4... The leaders are encouraged to be faithful and fair in their work, and Jesus will give them a forever reward.

Verses 5-6... The younger members are instructed to listen to the elders, learn from the elders and to love each other. Here's a Principle-4-Progress: Only the humble are honored!

Verse 7... Walkerized BE-attitudes
-Be honest; you're worried about something right now

-Be in a hurry; only God wants to take your problems

-Be happy; when you release you're relieved!