Sermon Notes – Bayside Church

Three Life-Changing Commitments

Commitment #1 PUT GOD FIRST WITH MY TIME

A DAILY TIME WITH GOD

The Purpose:

“…Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” JAMES 4:8

The Practice:

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a

solitary place, where He prayed.” MARK 1:35

The Promise:

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners

take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who

meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which

yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” PS 1:1-3

The Power of Spending Time With God…

Reconnects you with God – JAMES 4:8

Rekindles your Hope – ISAIAH 6:1

Renews your Confidence – PS 34:4

Renews your Perspective – PS 73:16-17

Releases your Anxieties – 2 CHR 20:1, 12

Restores your Joy – NEHEMIAH 8:10 | PS 16:11

Commitment #2 PUT GOD FIRST WITH MY MONEY

A WEEKLY TITHE TO GOD

The Purpose:

“…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” MATTHEW 6:21

The Practice:

“On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an

offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.” 1 COR 16:2

The Promise:

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running

over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured

back to you.” LUKE 6:38

“I shovel it out, and God shovels it back—but God has a bigger shovel.”

– R. G. LETOURNEAU (who tithed 90% of his income to Christian causes and lived on 10%)

“A checkbook is a theological document. It tells who and what you worship.”

– BILLY GRAHAM

Commitment #3 PUT GOD FIRST WITH MY RELATIONSHIPS

BEING REGULARLY INVOLVED

IN FELLOWSHIP

THE POWER OF CONNECTING…

How Will Small Groups Equip Me For Life?

The Purpose:

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together….Instead, let us ENCOURAGE each other…”

HEBREWS 10:25

The Practice:

“They met day after day in the temple courts and from house to house.” ACTS 5:4

The Promise:

“Two are better than one, because together they are more effective. If one falls down, the other

can help him up.” ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” PROVERBS 27:17

A GROWTH COVENANT

“…We are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing,

and our spiritual leaders are affixing their seals to it.”

NEHEMIAH 9:39

LUKE 10:38-42

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.”

EPHESIANS 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when (not if) the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Winning Life’s Most Important Battles

1. Don’t be : I have an !

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Ephesians 6:11

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion

looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” John 10:10

Battle for

He said to the woman, “Did God really say…?’ Genesis 3:1

Battle for

“She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Then the eyes of both of them were opened Genesis 3:6-7

Battle for the

“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Matthew 16:18

Battle for

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 2:2

2. Don’t be !

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:11-12

His Tactics:

“…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

2 Corinthians 2:11

He wants to…. You You You

The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin, God knows your sin but calls you by your name. – Ricardo Sanchez

3. You are not !

There are steps to !

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians. 6:13

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 5:6-7

Six Essential Parts of the Armor of GOD

#1 THE BELT OF TRUTH

Fight Deception With Truth

with the Belt Of Truth buckled around your waist,

WINNING SPIRITUAL VICTORIES

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him beglory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 5:15-16

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 5 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 4:1-6

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 2:1-10

CITY PROFILE – EPHESUS

Beautiful, Multicultural, Pluralistic, Sophisticated, Wealthy, Pagan & Hostile

Chapter 1

ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH

Verses 1–14 give Paul’s PRAISE.

Verses 15–22 give Paul’s PRAYER.

Chapter 2

ACCELERATE THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1. Ephesians 2:1-3

2.Ephesians 2:4-5

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

3. Ephesians 2:6-9

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

4. Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

ACTS: 18 FINDING FREEDOM FROM FEAR…..FOREVER

“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.” V. 1

BACKGROUND FACTS

WELCOME TO CORINTH –THE ORIGINAL SIN CITY

GREAT LOCATION:

• Attractive – Geographical Center of Greece

• Affluent – Business Center of Greece – a wealthy place to do business; Athens was the intellectual center; Corinth was the business center

• Heavily Populated – “Corinth …was a wide-open boomtown. San Francisco in the days of the gold rush is perhaps the most illuminating parallel.”

• Sexually Saturated – Like most ancient Greek cities, Corinth had an acropolis (lit. “a high city”), rising 2,000 feet, used both for defense and worship. Its most prominent edifice was a temple to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Some 1,000 priestesses (“religious” prostitutes), lived and worked there and came down to Corinth in the evenings to offer their services to male citizens and foreign visitors

• Entertainment Center – Had a stadium where athletic games were held every other year (Isthmian Games) – held in the spring of A.D. 50, Paul may have attended.

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titus Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.” 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off. 17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

ANTIDOTE TO FEAR —

GET STRONGER

23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

GOD STRENGTHENS US WHEN WE…

1. Believe There Are No (2-6)

HOPE

“There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome….When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'” VS. 2-6

2. Quit

Because of Critics

FOCUS

“But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'” V. 6

3. Listen for the

PURPOSE

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” VS. 9-11

4. Make and Keep

COMMITMENT

“Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.” V. 18

5. Are Saturated by the

DIRECTION

“So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” V. 11

For every fear that we have there is a corresponding attribute of God – something about His character, his nature that corresponds to each and every fear. All of our fears come from not understanding or trusting aspects of God’s character. If we want to get over our fears the secret is to get to know God. Because when we understand what God is like – we discover that we don’t have anything to be afraid of!

Finding Purpose in Light of Eternity

PSALM 90

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place

throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the whole world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn people back to dust,

saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

4 A thousand years in your sight

are like a day that has just gone by,

or like a watch in the night.

5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—

they are like the new grass of the morning:

6 In the morning it springs up new,

but by evening it is dry and withered.7 We are consumed by your anger

and terrified by your indignation.

8 You have set our iniquities before you,

our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath;

we finish our years with a moan.

10 Our days may come to seventy years,

or eighty, if our strength endures;

yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11 If only we knew the power of your anger!

Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

12 Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,

your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

establish the work of our hands for us—

yes, establish the work of our hands.

1 PETER 1:6-7

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

ROMANS 5:3-5

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17

17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

ROMANS 8:18

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

JOHN 11:35

35 Jesus wept.