26
April
2009
20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 20:25 The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!”
20:26 Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe.” 20:28 Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!” 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”
20:30 Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 20:31 But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:24-31 NET
Key Point: In order to grow we have to move from solving our problems to fulfilling Jesus’ mission
What’s your problem?
Problem = G _____________
We’ve got global problems!
<Economic
<Political
<Psychological
Problem = lack of solid G_______________
Don’t just analyze – do something positive!
Don’t blame – change!
Focus on mission and many problems will just go away
What’s our G_____________
Thomas – never needed proof when he had Jesus’ presence
Became missionary to India!
Story: “We never thought to ask?”
We must:
<Develop a sense of urgency – why change? (or die!)
<Develop a vision/strategy for change – how to change?
“Each 1 reach 1″
“Each 1 give +1%”
What will it take?
rochcov 
Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons 
Comments (0) » |
20
April
2009
16:13 When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 16:14 They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 16:15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 16:17 And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 16:13-18 NET
Key Point: To be an obedient follower of Jesus Christ, we have to be willing to change in order to make a positive difference
What is the difference between a sponge & rock?
What is “normal”?
Peer pressure & peer jealousy
What will it mean for Jesus to say, “Follow me!”?
Which way do we look?
Horizontal perspective = __________
Vertical perspective via Divine guidance = __________
Jesus’ new creation = Change from inside out; from sponge to rock
One change you know you have to make to be obedient?
How will you know you’re different?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
13
April
2009
1 Peter 1:3-9
Key Point: If we are willing to accept the reality of the Resurrection and by asking Jesus to take control of our lives, we will experience our past sins forgiven, joy for today and life everlasting tomorrow.
False death experience?
If Resurrection is true why don’t more people believe and follow Jesus?
External barriers
Internal barriers
What’s your barrier?
Sincere belief and loving behavior - common to all human religions
Key unanswered question! How are my sins forgiven?
Source = neither mind nor emotions
Irrefutable fact of the Resurrection
Why?
What is faith?
Why faith?
Why live a life of faith?
What’s your choice?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons, Easter Comments (0) » |
5
April
2009
Exodus 2, 14, Numbers 20, Deuteronomy 34
Key Point: We are called to be faithful on our faith journeys even if God’s promises are not completed in our lifetimes
*********
1st person reflections
*********
When have you lost your temper or become angry with God?
What discourages you most about God’s people?
When have you seen promises slip away from your grasp?
What would it mean for you to journey “home”?
How might you need the gift of faith found in between the promise and its fulfillment in your life?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
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