on the Cornerstone - Cornerstone Community Church

Advent - TellGo Tell It On The Mountains!Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
 Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the coastlands. Isaiah 42:11-12Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. The shepherds feared and trembled, When lo! Above the earth, Rang out the angels chorus That hailed the Savior’s birth. Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn.Answering the great questions of lifeOrigin – Where did I come from?Meaning – Why am I here?Morality – How do understand what is right or wrong?Destiny – What happens to me when I die?Living ReadyReady to see Jesus! Ready to face the world, to occupy until He comes. Ready to respond to life “in season and out of season.”Ready to make a defense for my faith.Ready to give an answer for the hope dwelling within me.Ready to face the world as Jesus’ ambassador.And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20Christianity has changed our world for the good!God is Creator God is loveGod is with us God’s wisdom is life Humanity is God’s designThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

Advent - KnowMary, did you know?Isaiah 9:6-7The Light Has ComeAdvent Candles1st Prophecy – Hope2nd Bethlehem – Faith3rd Shepherd – Joy 4th Angel – Love5th The Christ – AnointedBut the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. Luke 2:10-14And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:21-32For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?This Child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.Mary, did you know?Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?And when you kiss your little baby you kiss the face of God.Mary did you know?Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I AmThere will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7

Advent - O Come!A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:25-32O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O IsraelImmanuel Has ComeRomans 8:23 — We still “groan within ourselves”1 Corinthians 1:7— We still “wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ”1 Thessalonians 1:10 — We still wait for final deliverance “from the wrath to come”Galatians 5:5 — We still “wait for the hope of righteousness”Already and Not Yet!Ephesians 1:7-8; 4:302 Corinthians 6:2-10“The Christian life oscillates between these two poles: the overflowing joy of the “already” redeemed and the tearful yearning of the “not-yet” redeemed. Not that we ever leave the one or the other in this life. We are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” – John Piper –Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, 
and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14The Messianic Titles <Latin>O Sapentia (Wisdom)O Adonai (God)O Radix Jesse (Stem or root of Jesse)O Clavis David (Key of David)O Oriens (Dayspring)O Rex genitium (King of the Gentiles)O Emmanuel (God with us)This Latin acronym S.A.R.C.O.R.E.Read in reverse is ERO CRAS = “I will be with you tomorrow”O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go.O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o'er the grave.O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death's abode.O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light.O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5Advent Candles - The Light has come1st Prophecy – Hope2nd Bethlehem – Faith3rd Shepherd – Joy 4th Angel – Love5th The Christ – Anointed

Advent - Hark!Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. Luke 2:14Joy To The World
Psalm 98Last Sunday we considered this Christmas carol as Isaac Watts “imitation” of the last half of Psalm 98This Psalm is a call to Praise the Lord for His RighteousnessG.K. Chesterton - “The serious business of heaven is joy”Hark The Herald Angels SingOriginally titled “Hymn for Christmas Day”Written in 10 short stanzasBy Charles Wesley in 1739Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the new-born King!”Christ, by highest heaven adored:Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come,Offspring of the favored one.Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;Hail, th'incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,Jesus, our Emmanuel!Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the new-born King!”Hail! the heaven-born Prince of peace!Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings,Risen with healing in his wingsMild he lays his glory by,Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the son of earth, Born to give them second birth.Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”Come, Desire of Nations, comeFix in Us thy humble HomeRise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring SeedBruise in Us the Serpent’s Head Now display thy saving Pow’rRuin’d Nature now restoreNow in Mystic Union joinThine to Ours, and Ours to ThineAdam’s Likeness, LORD, effaceStamp thy Image in its PlaceSecond Adam from aboveReinstate us in thy Love Let us Thee, tho’ lost, regainThee, the Life, the Inner ManOh! to All Thyself impartForm’d in each Believing HeartThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

Advent - JoySeason of AdventJoy To The WorldBut the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11Psalm 98This Christmas carol is Isaac Watts “imitation” of the last half of Psalm 98This Psalm is a call to Praise the Lord for His RighteousnessThe music is from George Fredrick HandelJoy To The World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.Joy To The World, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.Mary’s JoyAnd Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38Mary’s Joy = “may it be done to me according to your word.”This is called a “fiat” from <Latin> = “let it be done”A fiat is an arbitrary/uncertain or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree. (i.e. A royal fiat or a presidential fiat)It is an authorization, permission or (official) sanction. (i.e. A government fiat or to rule by fiat.)Luke 1:35“The angel’s fiat – “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”Blaise Pascal “Not only do we only know God through Jesus Christ, we only know ourselves through Jesus Christ; we only know life and death through Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus Christ we cannot know the meaning of our life or death, of God or ourselves.”

Grateful For The FleasI love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise,
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad. Psalm 100To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17Rejoice always; 
pray without ceasing; 
in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4Rekindle a heart of gratitudeFor God remedy for our failures – Genesis 3:15For God’s light—His truth in our livesFor God’s grace in the storms of lifeFor Jesus’ churchFor the people who make a differenceCount your blessings!Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
 Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
 Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears; 
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean; 
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
 Count on God instead of yourself.

Living Ready - Part 4No Victory without a Battle No Testimony without a test!Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25-25Real LifeActs 14:19-23“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”Real life includes:Trials & TestsDifficulties & TribulationsIrritations & FrustrationsMysteries & MonstersRomans 8:28“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”“The man who has not suffered, what does he know anyway?” --- Rabbi Abraham Heschel “Never trust a Christian leader who does not walk with a limp.” --- A.W. TozerConsider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Living Ready - Part 3Matthew 5:13-16

Salt of the earth

Light of the WorldThe Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,
but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17Matthew 5:1-12Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall bne called sons of God.Blessed are those who have been persecuted
for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Living Ready - Part 2Selected by the Father
Sprinkled by the Son
Sealed by the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:1-8Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:154 PropositionsGod existsGod is all powerful God is all-goodEvil existsWhat many believe!The Church is an organized religion with a political agenda.The Church is judgmental and negative.The Church is dominated by males and oppresses females.The Church is homophobic.The Church arrogantly claims all other religions are wrong.The Church is full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally.“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart”Be ready to prove zealous for what is good.Be ready to suffer for the sake of righteousness.Be ready to be bold and fearless in the face of their rejection.Be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.Re ready, stay filled with the Holy Spirit, so you will answer with gentleness and reverence.Be ready to “keep a good conscience.”

Living Ready“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:16-17He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20The Rapture of the Church1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren” 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet”Luke 19:11-12 “Occupy until I come”Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Knowing In My Knower - Part 6Thin PlacesFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17Genesis 1 & 2 – Creation storyGenesis 3:8 – walking in the gardenGenesis 28 – Jacob’s open heavenActs 10 – Cornelius & PeterTherefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21How to draw near:Hebrews 4:14; 7:25Philippians 3:7-112 Peter 1:42 Corinthians 1:20-22God is impressed with our faith, not our feats.Hebrews 11:62 Chronicles 16:9Jeremiah 33:3Daniel 11:32God’s invitation for intimacyLike two sides of a coinHis will and/or purposeOur responseJohn 14:21John 14:1Proverbs 3:5-6

Knowing In My Knower - Part 5Face To FaceFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; 
I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28Draw near to God
and He will draw near to you. James 4:8“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21Genesis 32:20Exodus 33:11Deuteronomy 34:10Numbers 12:8Deuteronomy 5:4For now we see in a mirror dimly, 
but then face to face;
now I know in part,
but then I will know fully
just as I also have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12Exodus 33:20 “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!”John 1:181 John 4:12-14Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4

Knowing In My Knower - Part 4The Nearness of GodFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; 
I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28Our walk with God and the intimacy He desires is always tempered by our desire and ability to see Him in life:—in His glory through His creation
—in His works within creation
—in His Word
—in His church (our spiritual family)Draw near to God
and He will draw near to you. James 4:8“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21Walking With GodOur walk with God is a walk of discovery, obedience, and faith.First, God’s general revelation seen:in the beauty of creationthe sensitivity of our conscience that convicts our own hearts.This awareness produces the “awe” and the “ought” within our spiritTwo witnesses that stand and testify of our heart before God.Second, in the specific revelation of God’s Word realized in His Son, Jesus the Christ.Our relationship with God always has two sides in order to produce a sense of intimacy: Like two sides to a coinHis will and/or purpose Our response.The reality of knowing is realized in our relationships:The three key components are time – trust – tendernessFor I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27This is the heart of our intimacy with God — God knows and we respond to know!
Sensing His presence and resonating with His speaking voice is the result.And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”What is the “Spirit of adoption.”How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Knowing In My Knower - Part 3IntimacyFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. Psalm 131Father … AbbaIntimacy With GodFaith in the knowledge of His attributesFaith in His promisesJohn 14:7 – Jesus told Philip “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” John 14:9 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”Walking With God“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”“You will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”“I believe” = “I trust” = “I obey” = “I love”“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”Our walk with God and the intimacy He desires is always tempered by our desire and ability to see Him in life:—in His glory through His creation
—in His works within creation
—in His Word
—in His church (our spiritual family)“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”What is the “Spirit of adoption.”How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Knowing In My Knower - Part 2TrustFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:18-21Walk With God“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”“You will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27This is the heart of our intimacy with God — God knows and we respond to know!
Sensing His presence and resonating with His speaking voice is the result.And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”What is the “Spirit of adoption.”How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Knowing In My KnowerHoly Spirit TestimonyFor all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21

People of Promise  - Part 7Jesus’ Presence“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30Jesus Christ: To Know Him and to Make Him KnownWalk With GodGenesis 5:24 – EnochDeuteronomy 6:5 – the ShemaJob and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, ZopharElihu’s assumptions – Job 33:4-6, 12-13

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 6Jesus’ VictoryMy sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30PromisesWe are a blessed people!We are promised to be blessed and we are blessed to be a blessing!The promise of God is faithfulness! The purpose of God is fellowship.Fear GodFind His promiseClaim our inheritanceTurn the battle over to the LordPraise Him in advanceJesus said, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”1. Consider the revelation of Jesus’ victory over the enemy of our souls.2. Remember Jesus’ promises of His protection.Jesus’ Finished WorkIsaiah 63:8-9Malachi 3:1Revelation 19:11-13Our Enemy BoundRevelation 20:1-3Revelation 1:18Genesis 3:151 John 3:8bMatthew 4:10-11Acts 10:38Luke 11:16-26Matthew 8:28-29I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18Jesus’ Promised SecurityJohn 10:27-301 John 5:18-201 John 2:13Matthew 16:18When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:17-2

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 5Resurrection1 Corinthians 15PromisesWe are a blessed people!We are promised to be blessed and we are blessed to be a blessing!The promise of God is faithfulness! The purpose of God is fellowship.Fear GodFind a promiseClaim your inheritanceTurn the battle over to the LordPraise Him in advanceI Corinthians 15:20-22Death has been defeated!  Jesus is alive!Vss 20-22 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”I Thessalonians 4:13-18Answers About Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:35-38 – Answered in similitude1 Corinthians 15:39-41 – Answered in application1 Corinthians 15:42-50 – Answered in explanation1 Corinthians 15:51-58 – Answered in mystery

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 4Take A Stand2 Chronicles 20I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-1Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-1Jehoshaphat’s ResponseDon’t Respond in fear but in faith!2 Chronicles 20:3Psalm 27:3Faith expressed in creed is “I believe.”Faith expressed in relationship is “I trust.”Faith expressed in reality and love is “I obey.”Find a promise that fits your situation and stand in prayer.2 Chronicles 20:9 King Jehoshaphat remembered Solomon’s prayer of dedication and the Lord’s promise of 2 Chronicles 6.Claim your inheritance and stand your ground.2 Chronicles 20:11 Resist all claim jumpersTurn the battle over to God.2 Chronicles 20:14-17 Do NOT fear or be dismayed!Praise God for the victory in advance.2 Chronicles 20:21-22 Transformed from dreadful fear and alarm to joyful triumph!Take A StandFear GodFind a promiseClaim your inheritanceTurn the battle over to the LordPraise Him in advanceMen do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.~ E. Paul Harvey