Message 1 "Your Flawed Standing" Acts 9:1-2 Your standing is so flawed that: 1. No résumé can fix it. Saul's résumé was lacking, no matter his: Heritage Hometown Home life Headmaster Head knowledge Hard work While all of this is commendable, Saul was known for his: Hatred 2. No amount of religious fervor can change it. Saul's religious fervor: Consumed his every desire. Led him to chase every disciple. Convinced him to destroy Christianity. 3. Only a relationship founded in Christ can transform us. This transforming relationship: Begins at a different place for each person. Is initiated at a certain point in time. Centers on a person. Evokes a powerful response. Points to Ponder: No matter our posturing, we are all broken. No matter our past, we are never beyond hope. No matter our problems, Christ allows for new beginnings.
COMING SOON!!! Malachi 4:1-3 The day of the Lord means: 1. Judgment for the sinner (1). This judgment: * Involves a certain day in the future. * Will be characterized by God's fury. * Will involve an all-consuming fire. * Will cut down the faithless. 2. Jubilation for the saint (2-3). This coming day will be: * Glorious. * Joyous. * Victorious.
"Who Ya Gonna Call???" Psalm 86:7-13 VBS Sunday In our day of trouble we must: 1. Be open to God's deliverance. Our willingness to trust God involves a: * Systematic Comparison * Settled Conclusion 2. Be obedient to God's direction. This obedience involves: * Knowing God's decrees * Making your decision 3. Be one with God in your devotions. This oneness involves: * A proper reverence towards God * Passionate rejoicing for who God is * A personal relationship with God * God's powerful response to us
"Are You a Hall of Famer?" Malachi 3:16-18 Part 13 A Hall of Fame life involves: 1. A personal commitment to exalt God. Fearing the Lord involves the understanding that: * God can hurt us & * We can hurt God. 2. Participation in a community that edifies others. Community is important because: * God warns us against solo Christianity. * We wander away from God at times. * Other witnesses of God's grace help grow our faith. Community involves a common: * Attitude * Activity * Association 3. A powerful conclusion that should encourage us. We are encouraged because the Lord: * Receives us as his own. * Responds when we pray. * Regards us as His treasured possession. * Remembers us on the Day of Judgment.
"What Do You REALLY Think About God?" Part 12 Malachi 3:13-15 Do you think: 1. Doing God's work is unfulfilling? (14a) This mindset: * Reflected a fanciful notion * Resulted in a false statement 2. Submitting to God's will is unrewarding? (14b) This belief comes from a wrong: * Attitude * Assessment 3. God's word is unreliable? (15) This approach to God's word allows for: * Hypocritical actions * Hateful accusations
Bearers of God's Heart Psalm 146:5-10 1. Bold Proclamation Luke 4:16-21 -Blessed Generosity Deuteronomy 14, 15 -Blind Guides Matthew 23:23-28 -Breaking the Yokes Isaiah 58:6-10 2. Be Doers James 1:22 -Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-10 -Brothers of Christ Matthew 25:37-40
Are You Robbing God? Malachi 3:6-12 Part 11 Robbing God involves our: * Attitudes * Actions * Assets If we desire to find victory in the area of giving we must: 1. Remember what God has done for us (6). God is completely trustworthy in: * The promises He has made to us. * The plans He has for us. 2. Return to God (7). Our return involves: * Acknowledging our departure. * Admitting our sin. * Asking for His forgiveness and guidance. 3. Realize the importance of giving (8-9). This involves understanding: * The significance of giving. * The systematic nature of giving. * The strategy of giving. * The submission that is shown in giving. 4. Rejoice in God's blessing (11-12).
I Do Not Change!!! Part 10 Malachi 3:6-7 The immutability of God means that He is unchanging in His being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet God does act and feel emotions, and he acts and feels differently in His response to certain situations. Our text declares that this immutability involves: 1. God's character Which involves His: * Perfection * Personhood * Promises * Plans 2. God's covenant The covenant with Jacob proved: * His faithfulness * Israel's faithlessness 3. His Compassion This compassion allows for: * God's redemption of humanity * Our return to God