God’s Love is One of Kind – week 2 – Pastor Dan (notes/video)
One of a Kind – Series on the Love of God
Week 2 – Love Your Neighbor
Matt 25:35-36 NIV
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Matt 25:40 NIV
Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
1 John 4:11 NKJ
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Matt 22:37-39 NIV
“Love the Lord Your God” …and “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
BFF series week 3 – Pastor Dan (notes/video)
BFF series week 3
Part 3: Be Filled with the Spirit by: Pastor Dan
Sunday April 21, 2013
(Ephesians 5:18 NLT) – “…be filled with the Holy Spirit”
The Holy Spirit helps us to…
- Be effective in _________. (Romans 8:26-27)
- Have _______to overcome obstacles. (Galatians 5:22)
- Have a deeper understanding of God’s _____. (Revelation 2:29)
- Have __________ to witness. (Acts 1:8)
- Overcome _________. (Galatians 5:16)
- Have greater demonstration of spiritual _________.
(1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
(Acts 10:38 NKJ) “…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.”
Three Baptisms
First Baptism – ________________– baptized into the Body of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 12:13 NLT) “We have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit…”
Second Baptism – ____________ Baptism.
(Matthew 28:19 NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Third Baptism – Baptism in the _________ __________.
(Acts 1:4-5 NLT) “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
We receive the promise of the Spirit through _________.
(Galatians 3:14 NKJ) …that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(Acts 1:8 NLT) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
(Acts 2:1-4 NLT) “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
Be _________with the Holy Spirit.
(Ephesians 5:18 NLT) “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit…”
(Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJ) “…but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…”
Mind Games “Know Who You Are” by: Pastors Dan and Sarah (notes/video)
KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Pastor Sarah & Dan Gardner – December 2, 2012
Intro: Today we are concluding our series on the subject of MINDGAMES. It’s time to stop listening to the devil’s lies. As Pastor Sarah says, “He is a bad devil, but God is a good God”. So, today we declare, “GAME OVER!”
Each day, we have many, many thoughts; 12k minimum up to 50-60k thoughts a day. For many people, 70-80% of those thoughts are negative. What do you think happens to a person that thinks 48,000 negative thoughts a day?
Our patterns of thinking significantly impact our lives. As Christians, learning godly patterns of thinking based on His Word brings about true life change.
Here is a truth we know…
“Whatever we think, that is where we go”.
Jesus 1st msg.
Matt 4:17 “Repent…” –
Not = change behavior (do’s dont’s)
But… change the way you THINK
Our behavior will change if we change the way we think.
Paul picked up on that in
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know (LEARN) what God wants you to do.
Look what it says in the Message Bible…
Romans 12:2 (MSG)
…fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you (LEARN), and quickly respond to it (APPLY).
Important concepts here: LEARN and APPLY; then you GIVE WHAT YOU LEARN TO OTHERS.
Right thinking+ God alive in us = Changed Life
As Christians our goal is to become like Jesus.
LEARNING TAKES TIME and EFFORT ON OUR PART
We move from MINDGAMES to Right Thinking by LEARNING WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST…and keep it before US intentionally.
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST?
Let’s talk about it.
Cigarette Story -
When I was a teenager, if you didn’t smoke cigarettes, you were looked at as weird. I grew up in a Christian home, and never even had a thought about smoking.
At 16 yrs old, I had a part time job in an office bldg. In it, there was a cigarette vending machine.
I walked by that vending machine many months like it was not even there. Then this one day, this thought popped in my mind…”what would it hurt to try smoking”?
The next couple of weeks were really difficult – I wrestled with this thought. I had serious mind games going on. Then, one day, I finally decided, to give in to that thought.
I went to the vending machine. There they were – the Marlboros. I took my coins and was about ready to put them in…then, a voice rose up inside me and said,
“This isn’t who you are!!” (2x)
I was trying to fit in, wanting to do what everyone else was doing, but God was looking out for me, because now we know even more about how harmful smoking is to us.
So, our question to you today is…
“DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?”
I am amazed how much God loves you.
I was going to speak about 1 John 4:17 that says, “As He is, so are we in this world”, but when I woke up on Tuesday morning, God spoke to me right away. He said to speak on 1 Peter 2:9.
You are special people because God went out of His way to give me a special word for you. He wants you to really know who you are in Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
9 …for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Let us explain what chosen people means.
It means “whosoever” will receive Jesus, becomes God’s chosen person.
How many of you received Jesus in your heart?
So this is who you are; you are a chosen people.
And if some of you have never made Jesus Lord of your life, this is the time.
ALTAR CALL
My God in Jesus’ name, I come to you, take me as I am. Wash me in the blood of Jesus, that I can become your child.
Give me power to live by your Spirit, with a holy mind, and a healthy body; for your glory. Amen.
So let’s get back into the message.
Now we know we are God’s chosen people by simply receiving Jesus in our hearts.
It is like when James received my daughter Tracy as his wife, immediately he became chosen in the family. Even if he didn’t do things just like the rest of the family, we extended much grace to him.
It is the same way with God. Once we receive Jesus, we become His chosen.
Say – I am a chosen person.
Now, let us explain what royal priesthood means.
Notice that Peter picked up what we find in Exodus 19:5-6 (NLT)…
5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be to me a kingdom of priests (or ministers), my holy nation.’
God’s original plan was for Israel to become a “kingdom of priests”. In the New Testament, God fulfilled his original plan; whosoever receives His Son, becomes a minister.
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?
You are a minister. Ministers are not only people with titles. Ministry is part of WHO WE ARE.
Say – I am a minister of God’s.
Now, let us explain what holy nation means
To be holy means to be separated. He called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Just like the people of Israel, they were taken out of Egypt (the world) to the Promised Land (God’s kingdom).
The reason why the nation of Israel was separated unto God is that they were to learn from God and give what they were learning to the other nations.
That is why I believe that we are born of God, not just to be saved and go to heaven!
Not just to be healed. Not just to be prosperous. But that we would believe who we are and reveal His righteousness, His heart, His character, His love on earth to others.
As 1 Peter 2:9 says, we “show others the goodness of God”. That is our part.
God has done his part by providing His Son so we can receive Him and become people of God.
So this is who you are in Christ; you are a holy people.
Say – We are holy people.
We LEARN, we APPLY, we GIVE WHAT WE LEARN TO OTHERS.
Let us explain what it means to be His possession.
We are bought with a price…the blood of Jesus. He chose us and made us His own. We belong to Jesus.
We are fully accepted in the beloved.
The more we change our thinking, believing we belong to him, and not ourselves, the less and less selfish we become, and the more and more like Jesus we become. Our lives get better and it’s easier to represent Christ to others.
So this is who you are in Christ; you are His possession, His very own
Say – I belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to me.
I will LEARN this, APPLY what I am learning, and GIVE to others what I have learned.
We move from MINDGAMES to Right Thinking by LEARNING WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST and keep it before US intentionally.
Let’s declare one more time that that we win over MINDGAMES. Say it – “GAME OVER!”
Homework for Thursday –
Read 2 Peter, the 1st Chapter and we will learn together.
Jesus is doing His work in me
I have been sick most of my life, but for the past 24 years my health has
even gotten worse. I have been in and out of the hospital 2 – 3 times a
year for the better part of those 24 years. I was told that my heart was
enlarged and that I had, at best 6 years to live. That was 19 years ago.
I was told that I needed surgery to remove most of my intestines because
of constant internal bleeding, which consistently threatened my life.
Even though neither of those things happened, I still suffered from a list
of 25 illnesses which I was told could not be cured. I have learned,
through Life Christian Church teachings that I don’t have to suffer from
those things. That by Jesus’ stripes I have been healed and made whole!
I wasn’t really sure, but I started proclaiming those words over my body
and my life and speaking to my body that even though the medical reports
said I was sick, I could speak to my body that it doesn’t have the right
to be sick because of what Jesus did. I have so far been able to cut down
on two of my major medications, one of them for pain has gone down to a
little less than half. The other one that I have taken for 24 years,
prednisone, has kept me from bleeding to death internally and also kept me
from dying from asthma, or so I thought. I am down to 1/4 of what I have
taken for most of those years and fully expect to be totally off of this
medication by this summer. I claim that in Jesus’ name! More testimonies to come!
Back pain gone
At the Wednesday night Healing Service, Pastor Leonard Gardner did an
alter call for everyone that needed healing. I went forward and was
praying with my hands together. When he came to me he told me to raise my
hands. I rose my hands and closed my eyes again. I felt his hands on the
sides of my neck. The next thing I knew, I was waking up on the floor.
I got up and immediately realized that my back pain that I had for the past
25 years was gone! I moved around after sitting for a bit, checking to see
if I could feel any pain at all…none, nada, no pain. I was sharing this
miracle with Pastor James after most everyone had left and the gentleman
that was behind me when I was slain in the Spirit and caught me to gently
put me on the floor told me that he saw my body raise up, as if I was on
my toes and my back was aligned. I didn’t realize any of that, or even
that someone was behind me and caught me. PRAISE GOD!!! No back pain
today either and my left shoulder, which has been sore for months is so
much better now as well. Who says miracles don’t happen today? I have
experienced several in just the past few months.
My time at Life Christian
I have been attending this church since Life Christian (LCC) took over. I was part of the Fisherman’s Home Church congregation prior as well. God has blessed me financially and personally since my salvation.The one blessing that stands above any personal or financial blessing is how God is building a relationship with me. The message at LCC is grounded in building a personal relationship with God. My early training in “religion” taught me about a judgmental God. My earthly father continued to be a judgmental dictator who was critical of most everything I did. I learned to tune out fathers.
I now look forward to starting my day in God’s presence. Praising and asking for His guidance to perform His will in my life. My days start happier, I am more receptive to what is given to me and I do not dread another day on the job.
I am grateful to LCC for introducing me to a father who not only says He loves me, but also acts like He loves me. I can feel His love, and I look forward to each day so that I can grow in that relationship with Him.
Keeping God First – a note from Pastor Sarah Marie
My Beloved,
It’s the Christmas season. There’s extra shopping, cooking, decorating, and parties. These things are not bad; however, let’s not allow these things to compete with us receiving enrichment from God. Martha was doing good things for Jesus, but she was not receiving nourishment from Him.
Right now, you are soaring in your walk with God and seeing the results of all you’ve learned and applied throughout the year. Prepare now to let go of things that are unnecessary so you can continue to let the love of God shine through you to your friends and relatives.
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”.
Don’t forget; YOU are the light. Start now to be nourished from these scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-7 – Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
With all my love,
Heroes Series “David” notes & video – Pastor Dan 11/20/11
DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
The theme of messages this fall is on HEROES. Ordinary men and women became extraordinary when they became men and women of faith in God. We concluded that because Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God are in you, there is a HERO inside of you. Our prayer is that your faith is increased to believe it each day.
Who is your Hero?
David – Hero of the Faith (approx 1,000 years Before Christ)
- Prominent Ancestor of Jesus Christ
- Matt 1:1 – The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
- Greatest King of Israel – united Judah and northern kingdom as one
- Mighty Warrior and Military Commander – Slew Goliath, in the streets the people cheered “Saul slain thousands, David his ten thousands”
- Prophet – coming of Messiah, coming of new system of worship
- Priest – catalyst to shift priesthood from Levi to Judah (praise)
- Master Poet and Songwriter – most of Psalms written by David and protégés – known as Sweet Psalmist of Israel
Hebrews 11:32-34 NIV …And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about (THE HEROES) Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Hebrews 11 – note that the HEROES accomplishments were through faith
Hebrews 11:39 – These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised (JESUS COMING). 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Do you believe God has something better planned for us?
Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God (heart faith) – know that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Are you ready to become a HERO for God to someone else?
David’s life is an example of how we become HEROES for God. Here are my observations:
- A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
- We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
- We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
- In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
1982 DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART – MUSICAL DRAMA
1. A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
David – Man after God’s own heart
Acts 13:22 – “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
What does this mean?
*We go after what we understand about God’s heart, but that can be misdirected if we don’t understand God’s heart.
What is God’s heart? – goodness, redeem, restore, heal, extend his benefits…
PSALMS
- Psalm 27:13 – I am confident I will see the GOODness of the Lord in the land of the living
- Psalm 23:6 – surely GOODness and mercy (love) will follow me all the days of my life
- Psalm 31:19 – How great is Your GOODness
- Psalm 103 – Forget not all His benefits: He loves, heals, forgives, redeems
- Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD and his mercy (love) is everlasting
2. We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
My Testimony -Worship Leader – spent much of my life leading others to God’s presence
But, how do we get to the place of God’s presence?
What is there for us once we get there?
Psalm 24:3-5 KJV – 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
3.We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
Here is how the Psalmist emphasizes it:
Psalm 92:1-2 – It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.
Worship, prayer, Word God had given was picture of David’s life in God
“And the Spirit of the Lord was upon him after this…”
What made David a hero – the consistency and evidence of God’s Presence.
The proof when it was there, the proof when it was not there.
David with Presence – supernatural
David without Presence – Superman in the presence of Kriptonite
4.In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
David’s Anointing – HERO preparation included heart development and anointing…as you pursue God and His presence, He anoints you for His plan and purpose.
1 Sam. 16:12-13 – “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
David was anointed to worship and free Saul from torment, to face Goliath, to take on the Philistine army, to lead Israel, to inspire them to follow God. That anointing didn’t end with DAVID…but it also came upon the SON OF DAVID
Jesus – Son of David, Son of God, The Word and Heart of God made flesh
Isaiah 61 – AMPLIFIED
1 THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
WE ARE ANOINTED – David, Jesus – Son of David/Son of God, and now us as Sons and Daughters of God…
DAVID was a HERO because he tapped into the anointing that flows out of worship, prayer, Word…God’s Spirit and presence caused him to walk in the strength of the Lord.
God’s Spirit and presence will cause you to walk in the strength of the Lord!
The Power of God’s Presence…the Spirit of the Lord is in you.
11/20/11 David – Pastor Dan Gardner from Life Christian Naples Campus on Vimeo.
