Sermon Notes...Finding A Rhythm In Life (Topical)

Introduction: The genius of creation, is God's structured and rhythmic tone, that's seamlessly woven into the order of the universe.

Transition: Humanity is created in the image of an orderly God, and our live's should reflect a healthy and positive rhythm, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Finding that rhythm in life is difficult for most of us.

Exposition: Employ this trilogy of biblical rhythms for your daily use...

1. Know and understand your PURPOSE
1st Corinthians 12:7 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other."

2. Pay attention to when you need to PAUSE
Mark 4:38a "Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion."

3. Remember that a season (good and bad) is a timed PERIOD
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."

Sermon Notes...I Can't But God Can

2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 (New Living Translation) 8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,[b] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Introduction: There is liberation in the truth. Jesus said that "...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)" We're guilty of offering some tales, in the place of truth. "God never puts more on us, than we can bare." That sounds good, but it's not good and sound!

Transition: Our text uncovers human frailty to pressure, and our need for God to be present and active in our lives. We don't know what Paul meant about the trouble he'd experienced in Asia (not the continent we know now). However, just because we don't know what he went through, doesn't mean he didn't go through it!

Exposition: Sometimes to purpose of your struggle, is to let you know what you can't do, to give you the testimony that God can!

   -I can't avoid life's pressure
      -Salvation, smarts and strength aren't barriers

   -But God can and will rescue us
      -Keep the faith
      -Pray for one another
      -Your testimony is a resource

Sermon Notes...When Wine Won't Work

Mark 14:32-42 (New Living Translation) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say. 41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

Context: The Jewish Passover Seder, is an annual dinner which celebrates and remembers, the Israelite exodus from Egyptian slavery. Four glasses of wine are built into the meal's order. However, during the meal, the disciples were distressed (Mark 14:19); and after the meal, Jesus became deeply troubled and distressed/crushed with grief (verses 33-34). Sometimes, wine won't work! 

Introduction: Drinking alcohol is not sinful. Being drunk and unable to function is sinful. The latter issue is a problem that plagues us, and it deserves our attention and action. Knowing and understanding why we drink is important. Some are social drinkers, celebratory drinkers, while others are problem/depression drinkers. Drinking does not make your problems disappear...

Transition: Isn't it interesting that while drinking, and after drinking that depression didn't get lighter but heavier? The disciples heard that there was a traitor at the dinner table and while drinking, depression hits. Jesus has finished drinking four glasses of wine, he's been singing and has taken a walk, but depression hits! What do you do, When Wine Won't Work?

Exposition: Be familiar with these four principles...

-Don't make new friends (Judas is gone and isn't replaced)


-Stick to the proven place and practice (Gethsemane and prayer)

-Elevate God's design above your desire (nevertheless)

-Remember that your flesh isn't a friend to good intentions (body is weak)

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Sermon Notes...Make It Count!

Matthew 16:24  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

Hebrews 12:2-3 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Introduction: Life is a matter of will, not ability. We are able to live amazingly extraordinary existences, but our desire and determination makes the difference.

Transition: These scriptural passages confront us with two significant questions...

   -Aim: What is your life about?
   -Action: How do you live your life?

Exposition: Here's how we all should live our lives, in order to Make It Count!
   -Submissively... according to God's design
   -Steadily... don't quit when it's hard
   -Shamelessly... don't be bothered by people
   -Subsequently... working now with next in mind