Wednesday’s Lesson Notes Aug. 21, 2013

Below is the outline I will be using during tonight’s lesson. I have been working over the last couple of months from an outline template that was passed down from Pastor Kemp. He has posted a helpful post  detailing the process he goes through when preparing a sermon/lesson HERE. This system, when I stick to it, helps my thoughts flow better and also helps me to stay on topic. Another benefit is that it keeps me within a reasonable time frame which shows respect for those who have taken the time to come out and hear the word. Here’s the thing. I have had more positive feedback from those in the congregation about how they were impacted by the message when I have taken the time to present the message in this fashion.

I am posting the basic outline here on the blog as a trial. I will start by giving a brief recap of Sunday’s message and then spend a few moments amplifying it. This method on Wednesday nights impacted me greatly in my journey with Christ while attending Central Church, Hilton Head during MIP. Maybe those who are making plans to attend service at North Aiken Church of God during our Wednesday Worship Service will find it helpful.

Go and Sin No More [Amplified]
Proverbs 16

The essence of this message is Jesus’ death on the cross was the place where he set the example and displayed compassion toward us. For those who believe in Him and commit to following him; we have to make a conscious decision to walk away from the sin he delivered us from.

The goal of this message is to point out 3 things from Proverbs 16 that can help you to continually walk in the freedom of Christ.

I see each of us renewing our commitment to Christ and developing the following habits in our daily life;
Releasing ownership to Jesus Christ,
Removing arrogance from our life, and
Reviewing each path available to us and choosing the one which reflects wholeness in Jesus Christ.

What You Need to know?

Success comes by committing what I do to the Lord.
Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV) – Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

My way is not the best way
Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

What seems right isn’t always the right way.
Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV) – There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

What You Need to do?

Release Ownership
Remove Arrogance from your life and establish that we are all a mess apart from Jesus.
Review each Path before you; choose only the one that leads you closer to Christ.

Your Personal Declaration:

I will not go back to who I was before Christ.
I will not allow my life to be controlled by the sin that separated me from Christ.

I will release ownership of all to Jesus Christ; Jesus you own all the rights, profits, and I just work for you. I trust you as sole owner to provide all I need.

I will remove all arrogance and will refuse to exalt self or my own works. I will point all things back to Jesus Christ.

I will review each road before me; the course that best reflects the standards (and your will) from your word will be the one I follow.

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Who’s Writing that I Need to be Reading

It’s simple,

Who do I need to reading as it relates to online content such as blogs?

Who are you reading and how are they impacting your life through their blog?

Let me know by leaving a comment with their blog and web address. Also, don’t forget to point me to your blog if you have one.

4 Promises for a Troubled Heart

John 14:1-3 (NKJV) – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

I remember a particular weekend in my first semester of college I was stressed. Honestly, I felt like everything was caving in on me. I felt I had so much to complete with little time to do it. It was a Saturday morning. I was four hours away from home. I had been pacing my small dorm room back and forth for what seemed like hours in order to keep my mind from racing. It didn’t help. Then it hit me, I can call home and get some guidance.

At that moment I picked up the phone and called home. I spoke with my Mom. As I began to express the anxiety and pressure I was feeling, my mother said, “George pack up your books and drive home. You can enjoy the evening here, study, then attend your home Church for Sunday’s service, and head back to school.” Within a matter of minutes I packed up my books and began my 4 hour journey home. With one simple statement,

“I knew there was a place where I can find solitude and rest and I knew how to get there.”

I can’t imagine the anxiety level as the disciples were sitting with their Teacher and more importantly Savior for what would be the last time before his crucifixion. All of a sudden with his words, Jesus pointed them to action. Do not let your heart be troubled. Why, because as they have believed in God they can also believe and place their trust in Him. Jesus then gave four promises.

There’s more than enough room for all
He was going to prepare a place
He is going to come again and bring his own to where He is
He made plain where he was going and how to get there.

Today I would like you to take a few moments and remind yourself. These promises weren’t just for a few select people a few centuries ago. As believers today be encouraged. There is still more than enough room for those who believe in Him. Jesus has prepared a place for you. Jesus is still going to come again and transition you from this earth to where he is. The path is clear, we know where he went and you know how to get there.

Keep Pursuing!