Pleasureville SermonCast

Sermon Notes1.) (1-4) Jesus knows and we would do well to observe: don’t simply maintain your life when you could enrich your life with God.2.) (5-7) We do not need to test God. However, we do need to take time to prepare; life will bring plenty of its own tests.3.) (8-10) Jesus was prepared: Jesus' power, ministry, and life are what God has bestowed so that he is equipped to serve. Consider how lent is a season of preparation for you.4.) (11) Evil retreats when it holds no power over you. During this Lenten season, seek to be empowered by God!

Sermon Notes(13-15) Servants in God’s ministry of care are those who can consider and anticipate potential harm. This is a major function for these servants: to care enough about raising disciples by raising the alarm as appropriate.(16-18) When offering support for another’s transformation, the role of the servant has only just begun. The untransformed, those who are peers of the one receiving care, may perceive such a transformation as bad and may challenge the change.(19-20) A servant in caring ministries serve as a kind of channel between God’s grace and people. This also means that a person’s transformation toward accepting the role of a disciple is quite dependent upon your modeling of consistent obedience to God.(21-23) The servants of a caring ministry can retreat once their care recipients have become peers in discernment and can take faithful steps on their own.

1.) (9-12) We know our prayer is off base when we feel justified through our works instead of through grace.2.) (13) Our humility in prayer is evidenced by where we place our recognition and by whom we blame.3.) (14) Our progress after prayer is largely determined by our approach to prayer. Consider where are you in prayer. To what degree do you pray with self-confidence or humility? Which do you believe God prefers more?4.) (15-17) Consider what it looks like for a child to draw near to someone: they are quite vulnerable and yet fully trusting. How might this inform your prayer life as a child of God?

1.) (9-12) We know our prayer is off base when we feel justified through our works instead of through grace.2.) (13) Our humility in prayer is evidenced by where we place our recognition and by whom we blame.3.) (14) Our progress after prayer is largely determined by our approach to prayer. Consider where are you in prayer. To what degree do you pray with self-confidence or humility? Which do you believe God prefers more?4.) (15-17) Consider what it looks like for a child to draw near to someone: they are quite vulnerable and yet fully trusting. How might this inform your prayer life as a child of God?

1.) (11-13) Everyone holds a unique perspective about God which directly influence their prayers and approach to God. For some, they wish to remain close to the few people they trust with rare exceptions made for those whose revealed good character change their perspective.2.) (14) Examine God’s response here: to Go! Witness your restoration as you obey. When you are sent home then return to your community proclaiming God’s work in your life. This is the peculiar nature of prayer: God’s response to our requests come in and through our response to God’s requests.3.) (15-16) Have we been faithful in our relationships to God and one another? For how long should a relationship endure withdrawals when it’s seldom reinforced with open communication, time spent together, and recognizing each other’s ongoing efforts?4.) (17-19) Do you recognize what God has done?! If so, then rise and Go! Seek to be God’s uncommon example. Help others recognize how God has and is an answer to our prayers!

Sermon Notes1.) (25-26) Jesus is NOT endorsing hate. However, Jesus does point out here how others may resent you because you have made faith in God your priority.2.) (27-28) To carry your cross means you have come to terms with the cost of acknowledging and admitting your faith publicly. 3.) (29-30) To be committed means you hold enough knowledge for a comprehensive strategy and the ability to endure. These will emerge after thorough preparation and careful consideration. 4.) (31-33) Choosing your battles means knowing when and what to surrender. Why fight to gain what you later lose forever? Instead, strengthen your faith. Then be the mediator for terms of peace between your neighbors and God.er?

Sermon Notes(49) Fire spreads, consumes, bringing light to the world and fundamentally transforms all of creation. This fire is an allegory for his desire to spread trust and restoration to all the world.(50) We all feel the pressures and demands from an imperfect life. The question is: will you let that pressure be your excuse from God or will this be your reason to seek to be submerged in grace.(51-53) Yes, talking about Jesus can be divisive. However, think about how hurtful and negligent it is to deny your faith. When you do this, are you not avoiding your salvation and theirs?(54-56) How weird is it that our discussions seem to always include the forecast yet seldom include Jesus. Isn’t one more important than the other?

Sermon Notes(32-33) What one values reveals their heart; God has given you grace, access to eternity, the keys to the kingdom which you can build or neglect. It is now up to you: where will you offer your attention and care?(34-37) A heart that anticipates is a prepared heart; a heart that reacts is underprepared, which may cause undue harm as it struggles to meet the sudden demand, and even risks failure.(38-40) True, whole faithfulness in our relationships, to God and one another, requires diligence. Otherwise, we neglect things now and risk more later.(41-44) God does not value procrastination, rather, God wants our treatment toward a broken world to be proactive. Seek first the kingdom of God.

Sermon Notes1.) (13-15) This should be obvious but it bears repeating. Do not demand judgment from God.2.) (16-17) Unfortunately, we are seldom aware of our abundance yet frequent lay aware of what we lack.3.) (18-19) Most of us spend the majority of our lives navigating with self-guidance, and yet so little time discerning what may be required of us. Be careful; do not miss the discernment.4.) (20-21) This text is not primarily concerned about your financial planning, rather, this text is primarily concerned about us capitalizing on our many opportunities. Make sure your life includes a purpose that is bigger than your own demands.

Sermon Notes1.) (38) We all at some point struggle with the balance of demands between serving and being served. However, it helps to remember Jesus, who exemplifies this balance.2.) (39) When you do find time to recuperate, seek that which revives your soul; this is more important than that which revives your body.3.) (40) Be careful when comparing your service with others: God’s plan is complex, and a worldwide reach requires different gifts.4.) (41-42) Jesus points out that if you seek to serve then you need only bring one thing to bear: an empathetic focus.

Sermon Notes(51-53) Adopt Jesus resolve: examine the mission field, test the soil, soften the hardened hearts, remove the barrier boulders, plant, nurture and protect the flock. In this way, we anticipate Jesus by going out to prepare a glorious reception(54-55) As disciples, our first impulse should not be reacting to the culture. Instead, focus on improving yourself so that your actions co-create with God a culture in which others reaction to Jesus is positive.(56-58) Full enthusiasm for Christ does not automatically carry over into a lifetime of commitment. To endure and remain faithful through life’s challenges we must change our priorities.(59-62) Deciding to follow Christ requires that we understand, as best as we can, what it will cost, and know that the demands can easily increase.

Sermon Notes1.) (26-28) For some, the presence of God can be quite painful. For these folks, their negative view of God is all too often because of God’s people.2.) (29-31) To love someone, we must fully understand them. Anything else risks further harm. How many neighbors have we served without knowing them?3.) (32-35) A truly loving Christian works within their limitations. This means, to do no harm, to really doing all we can; this means we must always redirect every circumstance, every bit of recognition, every conversation, and person. Everything, to God be the glory, who is with us always.4.) (36-39) Honor Christ’s crucifixion. God didn’t go out of his way so that you can remain stuck in your own ways. With insurmountable love, God endures all things so that you, yes you, can endure through the discomfort of fully knowing and loving your neighbor.

Sermon Notes1.) (16-21) When you unapologetically serve God, then you serve alongside God’s transformational power and that power may be perceived, by some, as a threat to their power.2.) (22-25) No excuses; the time, the setting, the people, the weather, something will always be imperfect. But that is the point! Knowing imperfection is precisely why you must act. In all circumstances, keep up your faithful practices.3.) (26-30) Should you or another fail in their duty; in the presence of God cloak yourself with grace. Then start again, you’ve been renewed; live within his glory and give glory to God!4.) (31-34) Give glory to God in the highest for he is worthy. Our God of grace is the great equalizer. When he is proclaimed lord of all, then nobody else may lord over you. Only then will we have liberty and justice for all.

Sermon notes1.) (1-4) Pentecost shows us how our successful proclamations of faith can feel inexplicable to us and yet it be undeniable that God gives the words with which to explain.2.) (5-6) It is God who equips his people and it is God who enables the breakthroughs that lead to an understanding of faith.3.) (7-10) God’s grace is irresistible; it can overcome any border. However, this does not mean that anything goes. Rather, the grace of God is held accountable by the presence of God.4.) (11-13) God is available in all places, to all people. Some let god’s availability transform them, while some will explain away the phenomenon…Accepting God’s call is your call.

Sermon notes1.) (6-8) At times, God’s will is revealed with a roadblock and we are directed to serve elsewhere.2.) (9-11) Even when one of us feels called to a particular ministry, God expects of us to use the input and support of a discerning community.3.) (12-14) If your plans are redirected then know that God is still at work. Be patient; consider the whole picture and look to see what God has brought together.4.) (15-16) God is always good, always with us, whose every action is justified, who is the creator of all things and whose love is overflowing! Yet all too often we hold shortsighted expectations of our great God.

Sermon notes1.) (1-3) Gods righteous plans reveal his consistent nature, and yet his plans are also influenced by an adaptive love that strives to remain with you at every step you may take.2.) (4-6) As we remain children of God, we are moved by his love and security, which sends us with courage enough to roam around within the wide boundaries set by God.3.) (7-8) Every successful endeavor can be credited to each person’s familiarity with the plan, to a discipline dictating their every action, and to their commitment to their peers.4.) (9-11) Let the constant presence of God fuel your courage and strength. Your victory is secured by God.

Sermon notes1.) (20-22) New believers are often the most vulnerable and yet often the ones most ready to proclaim their faith.2.) (23-25) Some Christians cling quietly to their faith, fearful of resistance, while others proclaim because they have enough support from their community of faith.3.) (26-28) New faith, if it is to persist and be fruitful, must be sponsored. We must be willing to co-testify to one another’s transformations.4.) (29-31) The most prolific proclaimers enjoy both repeated affirmations of faith and are placed within a fertile context.

Sermon notes1.) (8-10) Your absence is always known to God; God will never stop his search for you.2.) (11-19) We come to our senses, seeking God when we have a hunger that all other sources of the world cannot satisfy.3.) (20-27) You only need to turn around, and God will come running; he will meet your remorse with an overwhelming reception.4.) (28-32) God prioritizes the needs of the repentant above what we or others may deserve.

Sermon Notes(1-3) Hardship in this life may in some way be correlated with sin, however, don’t be too quick to make claims of causality. God alone knows every contributing factor.(4-5) Don’t get caught up in false self-assurance: life is fragile. True repentance should imbue some urgency toward pursuing a transformed life.(6-7) Do not coast through life presuming God’s blessings. Regularly revisit this question: how can I be fruitful with my opportunities?(8-9) God is so gracious that he will even enrich the surroundings of the unfruitful. However, that blessed grace still holds a reasonable expectation for fruitfulness.

Sermon Notes(1-3) Trust in what God your shield has promised to do for you.(4-6) God counts it all, even what we cannot; his holy works are holistic.(7-11) God promises to receive for you; as with any shield, keep God leading before you.(12, 17-18) God's gifts may be arriving under a new situation; you need to think as big as our God.