Dan Gould

Author: dgould77

  • Sunday AM Remix – 9.25.11

    * Question: Do you know why good people don’t go to heaven? Because there are no good people.

    “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Romans 10:10-12 (ESV)

    Today, we are going to spend some time talking about what it means to be a loving church.  Jesus says that people should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you love.

    “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV)

    * TRUTH: People will know that we are Christians not by the fish on the back of our car or the Jesus is my Homeboy shirt that we wear, they will know we are Christians by the love that we share!

    * We cannot truly love others without the power of God.

    At Harvester, we want to be a loving church. In order to do this as a church we must be loving people individually. Paul writes about what this looks like in Romans 12:9-16. We learned on Sunday that first part of Romans reveals Gods love by showing us How God saves people. The second part of Romans reveals Gods love by showing us how saved people are to act. Let’s take some time to look at this a little closer.

    FBCH WILL BE A LOVING CHURCH IF EACH OF US WILL BE …

    1. SINCERE with our LOVE.

    “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (NIV)

    * Don’t let you love be hypocritical by saying one thing to someones face and then another, when they aren’t around.
    * Don’t wear a mask, be authentic.

    “There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (NLT)

    * TRUTH: The more you love, the more you hate sin!

    * QUESTION: How sincere is you love for others? How sincere are you when you talk with people?

    2. ATTENTIVE to others people’s NEEDS.

    “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:10, 13 (NIV)

    * Sadly the English language only has one word for love, and we use it to describe everything. However, in the Greek there are 4 words for love.

    Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē) means “love” (unconditional love)

    Éros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing

    Philia (φιλία philía) means friendship or brotherly love

    Storge (στοργή storgē) means “affection”

    * The Words BE DEVOTED combines the Greek words Storge & Philia and is defined like this – To lovingly love with all brotherly love.

    * REALITY: God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.

    * QUESTION: How well are you sharing the things God has blessed you with? Why is it difficult or easy to share these things with others?

    3. ENTHUSIASTIC in our SERVICE.

    “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 (NIV)

    * Spiritual Fervor means to be on fire with the Spirit. However, many of us have lost our fire.

    “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

    * THOUGHT: The most loving people tend to be the most energetic.

    “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men . . .” Colossians 3:23 (NKJV) 

    * TRUTH: If you have passion in your heart … it has to come out!

    * REMINDER: We serve for the Lord, not for the people we serve. Often times this is forgotten. However, when we serve for the applause or appeasement of people, when we don’t get that, we often quit in disappointment.

    4. POSITIVE, PATIENT and PRAYERFUL when Trouble hits.

    “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV) 

    “Rejoice evermore” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

    *FAST FACT: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is the shortest verse in the Bible. – Shorter than “Jesus Wept” by two letters when looking at the Greek.

    * DEEP THOUGHT: Many of us get depressed because we try to make Earth Heaven.

    “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

    5. WISE with our TONGUES.

    * SAD REALITY: Only the Christian Army is the one who shoot it’s wounded. Typically, its with their mouth.

    “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14 (NIV) 

    * Bless means to speak well of.

    * QUESTION: Are you more likely to bless with your words, curse with your words?

    “Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.” James 4:11 (NLT)

    6. SYMPATHETIC to each others FEELINGS.

    “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)

    * REALITY: It’s easier to mourn with mourners than it is to Rejoice with Rejoicers.

    * QUESTION: When was the last time you celebrated another persons success or promotion.

    “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

    7. COURTEOUS with everyone and CONCEITED about nothing.

    “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:16 (NIV)

    “Let us not be conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:26 (NIV)

    * TRUE STORY FROM TONY CAMPOLO

    A few years ago Tony flew to Hawaii to speak at a conference. The way he tells it, he checks into his hotel and tries to get some sleep. Unfortunately, his internal clock wakes him at 3:00 a.m. The night is dark, the streets are silent, the world is asleep, but Tony is wide awake and his stomach is growling.
    He gets up and prowls the streets looking for a place to get some bacon and eggs for an early breakfast. Everything is closed except for a grungy dive in an alley. He goes in and sits down at the counter. The fat guy behind the counter comes over and asks, “What d’ya want?”

    Well, Tony isn’t so hungry anymore so eying some donuts under a plastic cover he says, “I’ll have a donut and black coffee.”

    As he sits there munching on his donut and sipping his coffee at 3:30, in walk eight or nine provocative, loud prostitutes just finished with their night’s work. They plop down at the counter and Tony finds himself uncomfortably surrounded by this group of smoking, swearing hookers. He gulps his coffee, planning to make a quick getaway. Then the woman next to him says to her friend, “You know what? Tomorrow’s my birthday. I’m gonna be 39.” To which her friend nastily replies, “So what d’ya want from me? A birthday party? Huh? You want me to get a cake, and sing happy birthday to you?”

    The first woman says, “Aw, come on, why do you have to be so mean? Why do you have to put me down? I’m just sayin’ it’s my birthday. I don’t want anything from you. I mean, why should I have a birthday party? I’ve never had a birthday party in my whole life. Why should I have one now?”

    Well, when Tony Campolo heard that, he said he made a decision. He sat and waited until the women left, and then he asked the fat guy at the counter, “Do they come in here every night?”

    “Yeah,” he answered.

    “The one right next to me,” he asked, “she comes in every night?”

    “Yeah,” he said, “that’s Agnes. Yeah, she’s here every night. She’s been comin’ here for years. Why do you want to know?”

    “Because she just said that tomorrow is her birthday. What do you think? Do you think we could maybe throw a little birthday party for her right here in the diner?”

    A cute kind of smile crept over the fat man’s chubby cheeks. “That’s great,” he says, “yeah, that’s great. I like it.” He turns to the kitchen and shouts to his wife, “Hey, come on out here. This guy’s got a great idea. Tomorrow is Agnes’ birthday and he wants to throw a party for her right here.”

    His wife comes out. “That’s terrific,” she says. “You know, Agnes is really nice. She’s always trying to help other people and nobody does anything nice for her.”

    So they make their plans. Tony says he’ll be back at 2:30 the next morning with some decorations and the man, whose name turns out to be Harry, says he’ll make a cake.

    At 2:30 the next morning, Tony is back. He has crepe paper and other decorations and a sign made of big pieces of cardboard that says, “Happy Birthday, Agnes!” They decorate the place from one end to the other and get it looking great. Harry had gotten the word out on the streets about the party and by 3:15 it seemed that every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. There were hookers wall to wall.

    At 3:30 on the dot, the door swings open and in walks Agnes and her friend. Tony has everybody ready. They all shout and scream “Happy Birthday, Agnes!” Agnes is absolutely flabbergasted. She’s stunned, her mouth falls open, her knees started to buckle, and she almost falls over.

    And when the birthday cake with all the candles is carried out, that’s when she totally loses it. Now she’s sobbing and crying. Harry, who’s not used to seeing a prostitute cry, gruffly mumbles, “Blow out the candles, Agnes. Cut the cake.”

    So she pulls herself together and blows them out. Everyone cheers and yells, “Cut the cake, Agnes, cut the cake!”

    But Agnes looks down at the cake and, without taking her eyes off it, slowly and softly says, “Look, Harry, is it all right with you if…I mean, if I don’t…I mean, what I want to ask, is it OK if I keep the cake a little while? Is it all right if we don’t eat it right away?”

    Harry doesn’t know what to say so he shrugs and says, “Sure, if that’s what you want to do. Keep the cake. Take it home if you want.”

    “Oh, could I?” she asks. Looking at Tony she says, “I live just down the street a couple of doors; I want to take the cake home, is that okay? I’ll be right back, honest.”

    She gets off her stool, picks up the cake, and carries it high in front of her like it was the Holy Grail. Everybody watches in stunned silence and when the door closes behind her, nobody seems to know what to do. They look at each other. They look at Tony.

    So Tony gets up on a chair and says, “What do you say that we pray together?”

    And there they are in a hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon, half the prostitutes in Honolulu, at 3:30 a.m. listening to Tony Campolo as he prays for Agnes, for her life, her health, and her salvation. Tony recalls, “I prayed that her life would be changed, and that God would be good to her.”

    When he’s finished, Harry leans over, and with a trace of hostility in his voice, he says, “Hey, you never told me you was a preacher. What kind of church do you belong to anyway?”

    In one of those moments when just the right words came, Tony answers him quietly, “I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning.”

    Harry thinks for a moment, and in a mocking way says, “No you don’t. There ain’t no church like that. If there was, I’d join it. Yep, I’d join a church like that.”

    * Don’t we all want to be a part of a church that loves one another in a way than compels people to be a part of what God is doing?

    * QUESTION: What are you willing to do, to help FBCH become a church that is known for its love?

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    As Bob mentioned on Sunday, the take-away from this weekends Sermon is not that we would have more information but that we would have better evaluation.  Will you take the risk and do a deep evaluation of your heart and be willing to share with your group the things you are doing well and the areas you need some prayer, encouragement and accountability?

    1. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the outward signs of love instead of the inward commitments that love require. As Christ Followers, our love for others should come out of our love for God. What would it look like if we lived out Deuteronomy 6:4-8?

    2. Romans 12:10 says, “BE DEVOTED to one another in love.” We learned that Being Devoted in the Greek literally means to be lovingly loving with all brotherly love.  In the last 6 months what events, situations, excuses have kept you from Being Devoted to others?

    3. Have you ever lost your passion to serve? What drained your passion? How do you keep your passion to serve well and faithfully? What does it mean to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” as stated in Romans 12:11. Reminder why we serve Colossians 3:23

    4. When your life is squeezed like a tube of toothpaste, what tends to come out reveals the real us. When your life is squeezed by stress, circumstance, and situations, what do you think others see being revealed by you?

    5. Our words can both build people up and tear people down. The words we use say a lot about us. How might your family and the people closest to you describe your words to them and to/about others?  What is the lesson for us to learn from James 3:1-12?

    6. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” What is your typical reaction when someone prosper? Why is it difficult to celebrate with our friends success?

    7. Whether it is intentional or not, sometimes we get uncomfortable around people who may be different from us. When you heard or read the true story from Tony Campolo what were some of the feelings that stirred within you? Are you allowing yourself to be used by God in a way like this? Why or Why not?

    8. What are you willing to do to help FBCH become a church that is known for its love?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    Love The Lord – Brewster

    Come Thou Fount – Williams

    The Wonderful Cross – Smith

    All The Way My Savior Leads – Tomlin

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 9.18.11

    We started a brand new series this weekend titled Refresh. Over the last year, we have embraced these three words as a church … worship, love, go. During this series, we will be casting vision as to what each of these words look like for us as a church and what they mean for us as individuals.  Here are my notes from the first week of Refresh

    Refresh
    “Worship”
    Isaiah 58:1-9

    Worship can be described in a lot of ways.  We want to be a church were Worship happens.  However, there are some things that we need to understand about it so we can fully engage in it.

    * Worship isn’t about where you are physically but where you are spiritually.

    * Singing is the movement of your mouth, Worship is the movement of your heart.

    “The Lord says, ‘These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.  Their worship of Me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.’” Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)

    * We can do many things without totally putting our heart into what we are doing.

    ** Singing without heart is not Worship, it’s simply music.

    ** Preaching without heart is not Worship, it’s simply a lecture.

    * If we can get excited about temporal things, how much more should we get excited about eternal things?

    * REALITY – Many people attend church services but never worship.

     “‘Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God.’” Isaiah 58:1-2 (ESV) 

    * Getting caught up in the routine of righteous things is not what pleases the Lord, He desires a righteous heart seeking Him completely.

    * SCARY THOUGHT – God doesn’t go to every church! Some church have been going through the motions for so long they haven’t even noticed He was missing.

    * The fire in the pew never burns hotter than the fire in pulpit.

    * The Pastor is the thermostat for the people they are leading.

    1.  GOD IGNORES OUR WORSHIP WHEN WE ARE…

    • SELFISH

     “Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all you workers” Isaiah 58:3b (ESV)

    * QUESTION – Who are you doing worship for?

    * We can’t have everything we want and throw God in on the side. Because we grow to where we don’t need Him. In this we grow restless and complacent.

    * We must realize that worship has never been about us, it has always been about Him.

    “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.”  Psalm 66:18 (NKJV)

    * TEST – When was the last time you  turned everything off and focused on God? Yes this includes your phone, e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. OUCH!

    * REALITY – Many of us never shut down our stuff even for a Worship Service

    * QUESTION – Am I here for God or am I here for myself?

    • STRIFE-FILLED 

    “Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist.  Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.”  Isaiah 58:4 (ESV)

    * Jesus said that people will know that we are His Disciples by the way we love one another.

    * If we can’t love the people we can see, how can we love the one we can’t see?

    “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”  1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV)

    “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.  Treat your wife with understanding as you live together.  She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life.  Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”  1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)

    * Just because we do the right things, does not mean God listens.  He has instructed us on how to live, yet we still want to do it our way and have Him adjust to us.

     

    • SUPERFICIAL

    * TRUTH: It’s easier to focus on the externals and look good on the outside than it is to do the hard work of changing from the inside out.

     “Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself?  Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?  Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?”  Isaiah 58:5 (ESV)

    * Burlap & sackcloth were signs of brokenness. It was displaying on the outside the dirtiness that was being felt on the inside. However, over time, this just became routine.

    * QUESTION: What externals have you allowed to become routine?

    * REALITY – We can do all the externals and never leave eternally changed or different.

     

    2.  GOD IGNITES OUR WORSHIP WHEN WE …..

    • Experience the FREEDOM OF CHRIST.

    “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”  Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)

    * The idea here is being freed from the bondage of sin … we could spend all kinds of time naming and listing these sins, but you know the one that really seems to keep you trapped.

    * When we are set free from sins bondage we don’t surrender to it anymore.

    “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

     * TRUTH – “Whoever the Son sets Free, is Free Indeed.” John 8:36 

    * Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 (ESV)

    • Express the COMPASSION OF CHRIST.

     “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”  Isaiah 58:7 (ESV)

    We are called to show compassion to the …

    • HUNGRY (Others)
    • HOMELESS (Others)
    • HELPLESS (Others)
    • HOMESTEAD (Family)

     

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD SHOWS UP?

    “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.  Then you shall call, and the Lord with answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’” Isaiah 58:8-9a (ESV)

     1.  LIGHT 

    * God will shine His Face on us so we can be the light of the world.

    2.  RECOVERY

    * Healing will Happen

    3.  RIGHTEOUSNESS

    * Because of Christ we have Victory!

    4.  PROTECTION

    * The Glory of the Lord shall be your rear God … God’s got yo back.

     5.  PROVISION

    * You shall call on the Lord and He will answer you.

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  What is your favorite part of a worship service?  Why?  What is your least favorite?  Why?

    2.  Read Isaiah 29:13.  What is God’s indictment of the Israelites?  How could you apply this to your worship life?

    3.  What does passionate, heartfelt worship look like to you?

    4.  Read Isaiah 58:1-5.  God says He ignores worship that is selfish (verse 3), strife-filled (verse 4), and superficial (verse 5).  What does it mean for God to ignore our worship?  How do you see these three problems in the church or in your own life?

    5.  Read 1 Peter 3:7.  How does marital problems hinder worship?  Why does God force us to get along with our spouse in order to have a close relationship with Him?

    6.  Read Isaiah 58:6 and Galatians 5:1.  How do these two verses go together?  How should our worship be a celebration of freedom?  What have you been freed from through the cross of Jesus?

    7.  Read Isaiah 58:7.  God says one way to prepare ourselves for great worship is to diligently with four groups of people: the hungry, the homeless, the helpless, and the homestead.  How are you doing in these four areas?  How could you do better?  How could your group work together to help others and improve corporate worship?

    8.  Read Isaiah 58:8-9.  God promises four blessings of powerful worship: light (verse 8), healing (verse 8), righteousness (verse 8), protection (verse 8), and provision (verse 9).  Which one of those excites you the most?  Which one do you need most in your life right now?

    9.  What area of your worship life needs the most improvement?  What steps are you going to take to make adjustments?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    Awesome Is The Lord Most High-Able

    Your Grace Is Enough-Maher

    One Thing Remains-Jesus Culture

    Be Thou My Vision-Glorious Unseen

    Christ Is Risen-Maher

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 9.11.11

    Why Would a Good God Allow
    Innocent People to Suffer?
    September 11, 2011

    If I could ask God ….? Have you ever thought or said something like this? Let’s be honest, we all have things that we don’t understand, things that cause us to question. Even some of the greatest people in the Bible asked Why? Listed below are just a few:

    (Gideon) “…if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Judges 6:13

    (David) “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?  Why do you hide Yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1

    (Jesus) “At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice… ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” Matthew 27:46

    George Barna asked people if there was one thing they could ask God what would it be? The number one question was this: “If God is a loving God, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world today?

    Many of us would probably agree to this also. I mean look around us, things don’t seem to be getting better.  Maybe some more questions to ask would be: Why do babies, children, and teenagers die at young ages? Why do good people fail, and bad people succeed? Why do people have brain tumors, cancer, and other ailments that limit their life? Why is there so much violence in the world? Why do 1/3 of the kids in the world today go to bed hungry?

    These are all questions that we want answers for, and sadly, when we can’t find the answers we want to place the blame.  However, these questions cause us to respond in one of two ways.

    WAYS TO RESPOND TO SUFFERING

    • THE SKEPTICS RESPONSE TO SUFFERING:

    Many times when bad things happen and we look to place blame on someone or something, we place our blame on God.  However, we must remember that Christians believe that God exists, that He is all good, all powerful, all knowing, and that evil exists. We become skeptics when we believe …

    1.  God is not POWERFUL ENOUGH to help me.

    This has been coined as Open Theism. Open Theism is the belief that there is a God, but he can’t help us because He doesn’t know the future and in this has limited power.

    The Bible however says,

    “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

    “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good” Proverbs 15:3

    2.  God is not CARING ENOUGH to help me.

    We see this differently when we look at the truth of scripture.  The Bible describes and says this about God,

    “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

    “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7

    • 4 BIBLICAL RESPONSES TO SUFFERING:

     1.  GOD HASN’T TOLD US EVERYTHING.

    This isn’t a copout!!! Have you ever known a know-it-all? They aren’t very fun to be around are they? God has intentionally not told us everything. There is a mystery to life whether we like it or not.  In fact, if God told us everything, we still wouldn’t understand.

     “Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

    Circle the words but then.  But Then means that one day we will see perfectly. This only happens when we are in the presence of God in Heaven.

    “Life can only be understood backward, but must be lived forward.” Soren Kierkegaard.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 

    Heres the Truth – you will either put your trust in your own knowledge and understanding or you will put your trust in the Lord. It’s better to be the one who trust that God has all the answers then to be the one who needs all the answers.

    2.  GOD ISN’T THE AUTHOR OF EVIL.

    When God created all that we have seen and yet to see he describes it as excellent!

    “Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was excellent in everyway.” Genesis 1:31

    If this is so, where did evil come from? Great question! What separates Humans from all of Gods other creation is the fact that we have the ability to choose. Animals live by instinct but humans live by a series of choices.  In fact, we can override, hide, and ignore deep feelings if we choose too. He has given us an element of free will.  The reason God has done this is so we can choose to Love Him in the same way He has loved us. He wants us to choose to love Him because if He forced us to love Him it wouldn’t be love,  it would be duty or obligation.

    WHERE DOES SUFFERING COME FROM?

    SINFUL choices.

    “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

    Truth: People starve people and God gets the blame. People hurt people and God gets the blame. Our sinful choices impact all areas of our life and we see it lived out in the world today

    SATAN.

    “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

    “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10

    NATURAL LAWS of a broken world.

    Truth: Everything is affected by Sin!

     “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are.  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse.  But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”  Romans 8:19-22

    3.  GOD CAN USE PAIN TO PRODUCE GOOD.

    “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son…” Romans 8:28-29

    Will you circle the word everything. God uses everything in our life to bring Glory to His name. We have to understand that happiness doesn’t always lead to Holiness. Gods intent is to always make us Holy, then happiness tend to follow.

    “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8

    Some of our deepest learnings and most heart wrenching prayers happen in times of great need. I’m not talking about the spare tire prayer we pray when something happens, I’m talking about the pursuit of God in a time when we realize how great our need is for Him.

    One person described pain and suffering as Gods way of revealing Himself to the world. Every time an unbeliever gets cancer or a life threatening illness or ailment, a believer gets that same ailment to show Gods great power through their journey and Faith.

    The Bible records this story in John 9,

    “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’ 3 ‘It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,’ Jesus answered.’This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.’”

    4.  GOD WILL BRING AN END TO EVIL AND SUFFERING.

    “I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne.  And the books were opened, including the Book of Life.  And the dead were judged according to what they had done…” Revelations 20:12

    “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look the home of God is now among His people!  He will live with them, and they will be His people.  God Himself will be with them.  He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  For the old world and its evil are gone forever.’” Revelations 21:3-4

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  List five national events that are so memorable that you remember exactly where you were when you heard the news. (examples: Pearl Harbor bombing, Challenger space shuttle explosion)

    2.  Where were you when the planes hit the Twin Towers on 9/11/01?  How did it affect you?

    3.  Read 1 Corinthians 13:12.  What things are difficult for human beings to see clearly?  What are you currently struggling with that forces you to trust and depend on God even when you don’t understand?

    4. Do you think we have a free will to choose to love God or not, or do you believe God picks out those who will love Him?  How does the power of choice lead to sin, evil, and suffering in the world?

    5.  Read Romans 8:28-29 and Hebrews 5:8.  How have you seen God take something ‘bad’ from your life and make something ‘good’ out of it?  What are some of the more difficult/ ways God carves people into being more like Jesus?

    6.  One writer wrote, “I believe for every unbeliever who gets cancer, God allows a believer to get cancer so that the world can see the difference.”  What do you think about this statement?  Have you ever seen this?

    7.  Read Revelation 20:12.  How will non-believers be judged by God?  How will believers be judged by God?

    8.  Read Revelation 21:3-4.  What excites you about heaven and eternity?  Are you eager or reluctant for Christ to return to end the world as we know it?  Why?

    9.  How has this study impacted your thoughts on evil and suffering in the world?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    It Is Well

    Rescue/Everything by Sojourn Community

    Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

    How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 9.04.11

    HEROES
    Jonah: When You Don’t Want To Go

    * Jonah is a reluctant Hero: A person God calls, but who reluctantly went.
    * 2 Reasons why Jonah is literal

    ** Because of the Resurrection
    ** Because Jesus says so.

    * The book of Jonah isn’t as much about a fish (mentioned 4x) or of Jonah (mentioned 18x) but about God (mentioned 38x).

    * Nineveh – very mean people who caused others to be terrified and even commit suicide if the town heard the Ninevites were coming.

    “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” Matthew 12:40-41 (NKJV)

    * When we refuse to share Christ we have the Jonah attitude.

    5 SCENES THAT STAND OUT

    • SCENE 1: GOD’S PASSION FOR SOULS.

    “The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’” Jonah 1:1-2 (NLT)

    “But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.” Jonah 1:3 (NLT)

    * Jonah was a racist and realist that doesn’t want to go where the Lord is telling him to go.

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)

    “As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
    Romans 10:11-13 (NIV)

    * These are the only 2 cities mentioned in the book of Jonah and represent these 2 realities

    * Nineveh = The Will of God

    * Tar-shish = The Will of Man

    • SCENE 2: GOD’S PENALTY FOR SIN.

    * Our sin is either paid for by the cross of Christ or by us in Hell.

    * Sin will take you further than you want to go, teach you more than you wanted to know, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to spend.

    “‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’” Jonah 1:2 (NLT)

    * Sin affects more than Just you. It affects every part of your life!

    “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 (NLT)

    * Disobedience always brings Discipline.

    “He said,  ‘I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!’” Jonah 2:2 (NLT)

    * The word dead here is the Hebrew word Sheol. Sheol in Hebrew = Hell.

    * If we would get a glimpse of what Hell is really like … we would share more passionately!

    • SCENE 3: GOD’S PATIENCE FOR SURRENDER.

    * TRUTH: Some of our best prayers happen in the valley not on the mountain.

    * TRUTH: There is a time when God’s patience runs out.

    “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish.” Jonah 2:1 (NLT)

    “Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time:” Jonah 3:1 (NLT)

    “On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’” Jonah 3:4 (NLT)

    * FACT: One of Nineveh’s god’s was a fish. When Jonah is spit up on the beach by a giant fish, you know the word traveled fast!

    * TRUTH: God always prepares people for the message they hear.

    • SCENE 4: GOD’S POWER TO SAVE.

    “The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” Jonah 3:5 (NLT)

    “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah 3:10 (NLT)

    * There is no forgiveness for being sorry!!!! Forgiveness only happens with repentance!

    “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

    * Jonah 3:10 and 2 Peter 3:9 shows the true heart of God.

    • SCENE 5: GOD’S PROBLEM IS SAINTS.

    * Too many refuse to share the Good News … BE DIFFERENT!!!

    * Be different in the things you say, the way you act, and things you stand for.

    “This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.2 So he complained to the Lord about it: ‘Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.’”
    Jonah 4:1-3 (NLT)

    * Many of us are guilty of misguided emotion.

    * QUESTION: What circumstances have caused me to be angry at the wrong things?

    TRUTH: You can tell a lot about a person by what they laugh at, cry about, and get angry over.

    “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (NLT)

    What a great way to end this series!!! If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.


  • Sunday AM Remix – 8.14.11

    What a great day at FBC Harvester!!! Pastor Bob was back from vacation and we had several first time guest join us today. Shout out to Malach and his 10+ football buddies who attend the 9:00 service today! Today, as we continued our Heroes series, we took a look at the life of Daniel! From a young age to old age Daniels example is powerful and one to learn from. Here are a todays notes provided by Kyle King, one of our interns.

    HEROES
    Daniel: When They Call for the Lions
    Daniel 6

    * There was 15-30 lions in the lion’s den in Daniel’s day.
    * Daniel made the decision that he would rather die than deny the Lord–we all have to make this decision
    * Genuine followers of Christ will experience pain and persecution for your faith

    “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

    * It is a fact that we will face persecution

    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 (NKJV)

    * Heaven is for those who are persecuted on earth
    * The Gospel will cost you something
    * If you are not facing persecution than there is something wrong with your walk with Christ
    * Everything worth something costs you something
    * Is your Christian walk costing you anything right now?

    ‘Remember the word that I said to you, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you …”’ John 15:20a (NKJV)

    “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: ‘King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Daniel 6:1-9 (NKJV)

    *Satraps = Jealous Joes
    *We cannot change our values or beliefs in the face of persecution–we have to stand strong

    WHEN THE THREAT OF PERSECUTION COMES YOU SHOULD . . .

    1. Keep on BEING what you’ve BEEN.

    * Daniel was 90 years old at the time the story in Daniel 6 happened

    ➢ Daniel had an outstanding ATTITUDE.

    * It is easier to be negative than positive–It takes work to be positive
    * The more you are in God, the more enthusiastic you will be

    “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” Daniel 6:3 (NKJV)

    ➢ Daniel had unblemished INTEGRITY.

    “So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.” Daniel 6:4 (NKJV)

    * Daniel was so deep in his relationship with God that his attitude was different than everyone else
    * Our private life affects our public life–our private life will always come out

    “(God) is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” Proverbs 2:7 (NLT)

    * God does not protect us when we are in sin. He will allow the consequences of sin to come and He will be there to help us put the pieces back together. Throughout this whole process, God never stops loving us, He just stops protecting us.

    “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”
    Daniel 6:10-11 (NKJV)

    2. Keep on DOING what you’ve DONE.

    “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

    * In the face of persecution we need to keep living like a Christian
    * Our Biblical disciplines are not created in crisis, they are exposed
    * We face a crisis one of three ways, panic, pity, or prayer
    * We need to duplicate Daniel’s prayer life
    * We should have the attitude that we cannot wait to get to church
    * When we are persecuted, it reveals which team we are on!

    ** KEYS TO A DYNAMIC PRAYER LIFE:

    • Get a SPECIFIC PLACE.

    “. . . And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem. . .” Daniel 6:10b (NKJV)

    “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 (NIV)

    • Get in a DEVOTED POSTURE.

    * The phrase, “head bowed and eyes closed,” is not found in the Bible

    “. . . he knelt down on his knees . . .” Daniel 6:10c (NKJV)

    * We need to have a devoted posture when we pray
    * Our posture is an indication of where our heart is

    • Find a REGULAR ROUTINE. 

    “. . . three times that day. . . as was his custom since early days.” Daniel 6:10d, f

    * It is better to be in the lion’s den with God than be in the palace alone
    * When we fill our lives with anything other than God, we will never be satisfied

    “And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, ‘Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’ So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.’ Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.” Daniel 6:14-23 (NKJV)

    3. Keep on TRUSTING whom you’ve TRUSTED.

    ‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33 (NIV)

    * God over and over again saved and helped Daniel and so when the events in Daniel 6 happen, Daniel is just trusting the God who has always been there for him
    * Daniel did not have his eyes on the lions but on the Lord

    If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 7.31.11

    Have you ever had it all and then in a flash lost it?  Have you ever had one bad thing happen after another causing you to ask God, “Why”? This is exactly what happened to Job!  In the book of Job we see and incredible journey of faith.  It’s not a story of easy faith.  It’s a story of faith that survives one bad situation after another.  It’s a faith that draws Job closer to God, when everything in his life seemed to try to pull him away.  It’s a real life story that allows us to see the spiritual battle over one of Gods faithful! But it’s also a story that leaves us asking questions … the hard questions about our own faith.  Here are my notes from today’s message!

    HEROES
    Job:  God Does Not Waste Our Suffering
    Job 1:21

    ** Job had a great life, but tragedy came knocking and turned his life upside down.

    ** TRUTH & REALITY: The accuser (Satan) is always looking to test the faith of Believers!

    ** When tragedy happened Job never stopped trusting God!

    *** When tragedy happens, how do you respond? Do you tend to blame God or question Him?

    *** Why God. Why would you let that happen?

    *** It’s easy to ask why God questions when we don’t understand why things are happening!

    ** TRUTH: In our selfishness, it’s easier to blame others than to cry out to God for help!

    ** REALITY: God doesn’t promise to answer every problem, but he does promise to be with us in every situation.

     

    LESSONS LEARNED FROM JOB

    1.  God INITIATES the testing of Job. 

    “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where have you come?’ Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?’” Job 1:6-8 (ESV)

    Note:  Purpose is not to test Job as an end to itself; rather it’s an opportunity to honor God.  God is proving a point to Satan, Satan could not break someone’s faith regardless what he did to the person.

    2.  Job BLESSED the name of the Lord rather than CURSE it as the accuser had hoped. 

    “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’” Job 1:20-21 (ESV)

    * QUESTION: If I was to lose it all like Job, what would my immediate reaction be? HONESTLY!!! It’s easy to say worship, until it really happens!!!

    * Job had Boils with pus oozing out all over his body. Thanks for the visual Chris Chapman!!!

    Note:  Christians are to submit to trials and still worship God, not because they see the reasons, but because God wills them and has His own reasons, which believers are to trust.

    3.  Job’s friends have a simple theology, those who PROSPER must be righteous, and those who SUFFER must be wicked.

    “Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: ‘How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a great wind? Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right? If your children have sinned against Him, He has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.’” Job 8:1-4 (ESV)

    * REALITY: It’s easy to focus on the circumstances and the things seen instead of focussing on the things unseen and trusting God.

    * TRUTH: One day God will restore all things.

    * QUESTION: The question isn’t where is God, the real question is where do I put my faith?

    * Jobs friends have an if … Then … theology?

    Note:  Religion is when circumstances in my life go wrong I am angry with God or myself, since I believe, like Job’s friends, that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life.  Gospel is when circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle but I know all my punishment fell on Jesus and that while He may allow this for my training He will exercise His Fatherly love within my trial.

    * When things are tough in my life, do I fall back on religion or the Gospel. It’s a Works vs Faith situation.

    4.  Elihu’s counsel . . . Job, “in this you are not RIGHT.  I will answer you, for God is GREATER than man.” Job 33:12 (ESV)

    Note:  Though the righteous suffers, the sovereign Lord is just, He does not waste our suffering and is worthy to be exalted.

    * My opinion doesn’t matter when compared to scripture.

    ** The Truth found in Scripture is the only thing that can change any person or situation.

    “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 (ESV)

    “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11 (ESV)

    “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

    * TRUTH: The Gospel is not a formula … it’s a lifestyle.

    * REALITY: If you’re not growing you are dying!!!

    * TRUTH: Growth happens most on an individual level! But sadly, many people rely only on corporate worship experiences for growth.

    5.  “The LORD said to Satan, ‘have you CONSIDERED my servant Job?’. . . Then the LORD ANSWERED Job out of the whirlwind and said: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?’” Job 1:8 . . . 38:1-2 (ESV)

    Note:  In Job’s suffering he felt abandoned, yet through this test God gave him personal attention.

    6.  God silences Job.  Job constantly wanting to ask questions of God; Job asked 114 questions searching for answers.  God responds by becoming the questioner, He asked 72 questions. 

     “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.  Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Tell me, if you have understanding.  Who determined its measurements—surely you know!   Or who stretched the line upon it?’” Job 38:1-5 (ESV)

    * God silences Job and basically tells him to man up!!!

    Note:  God never told Job the reason for Job’s suffering; He questioned Job if he were eternal, great, powerful, wise and perfect.

    * In this moment, Job realizes his greatest need is and always will be God!!!

    7.  How we RESPOND matters. 

    “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ’I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.  Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.  I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’” Job 42: 1-6 (ESV)

    Note:  Job repents and confesses . . . God’s power and purpose will not fail.

    Where are you in this story? Have situations caused you to question God?  Maybe the voices of others have caused you to distance yourself from God. Wherever you are, God is not far away!

    Remember, the accuser is testing us to see if our faith is real, and to see if we will remain faithful. We have to realize that there is more to our battles than what are seen.  The next time the accuser (Satan) tests you, will you resist him … or will you give into the temptation?

    If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 7.24.11

    Have you ever done the right thing even when it felt wrong?  Or better yet, have you ever had expectations and then saw God answer them in a different way? Naaman did.  This is a powerful story of one mans pride and Gods healing!  It’s a picture of ourselves and our battle with sin.  Here are my notes from todays message.

    HEROES
    Naaman: When the right thing seems so wrong
    2 Kings 5:1-15

    QUESTION: Would you pray more if you saw immediate answers?

    * The answer is probably yes! However, God would become like a genie & he would become our instrument instead of us being His.

    * We must realize that God will do things His way, in His time and many times it will not make sense to you and I!

    * If you have a God who is limited to your understanding, you’re in trouble, and you have a God that’s only as big a you are.

    “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

    * God is saying His perspective on or with our life is far more extensive than what you and I can understand.

    * Our life can be described with a puzzle. We see one puzzle piece at a time when God sees the whole masterpiece.  Sadly, many times we try to make decisions on our life based on the puzzle piece we see at the time instead of the masterpiece God sees.

    * TRUTH: God sees our life from beginning to end!

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

    * The over arching theme of this series has been the fact that – We have limited knowledge but God has all the knowledge.

    WHEN YOUR LIFE SEEMS TO BE TURNED UPSIDE-DOWN WHAT DO YOU DO? 

    “The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.” v. 1 (NLT)

    * Naaman was a mighty man, a man of valor, who has it all, BUT he has leprosy. Leprosy doesn’t care how popular you are … it’s still going to kill you!

    * Naaman has a death sentence.

    * TRUTH: Death brings life into clarity.

    * God uses Naaman’s leprosy to give him a sense of urgency.

    “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)

    * REALITY: Death brings clarity to what’s important.

    “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37 (NKJV)

    * FAST FACT: Leprosy in the bible represents sin.

    * Leprosy and Sin are both fatal, incurable, and causes isolation.

    “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” 1 John 1:9-10 (NLT)

    * Naaman’s only hope is God!

    * All of us are like Naaman because of our sin disease and our only hope is Christ!

    “At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” v. 2-3 (NLT)

    * God loves to take the weak and humiliate the strength of the strong.

    “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT)

    * God uses this insignificant little girl to help Naaman in his greatest time of need.

    * This little girl, did the right thing even when it seemed so wrong. She could have easily with held this info and resented Naaman!

    * BIG IDEA — *God can use anyone at any time if they are willing.

    “So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said.” v. 4 (NLT)

    * 6 months earlier Naaman would have never listened to this little Girl.

    * God is orchestrating the hearts of others to be ready to hear what we have to share … we just have to be obedient … We share, God saves.

    “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”

     7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.” v. 5-7 (NLT)

    * In todays lingo Naaman took anywhere between 1-4 million dollars with him.

    * The king sent Naaman to another King to be fixed.

    * TRUTH: God always brings us to a point where we can’t do it on our own.

    * By doing this God is inviting us to step down from our kingdom and enter into Gods kingdom.

    * God always brings us to a point of being powerless. The problem is that many of us don’t want to step down from our Kingdom to experience His Kingdom

    “But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

     9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” v. 8-10 (NLT)

    * Elisha hears that the King has his panties in a wad and tells the king to send Naaman to him so he can prove there is a Living God.

    “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NLT)

    * Naaman shows up in all his pride expecting to buy his healing

    * REALITY: there are people today who are trying to buy their salvation instead of receiving it freely.

    * TRUTH: If you get the privilege 2 go 2 Heaven it has 2 be done Gods way – Jesus!  You can go 2  Hell anyway you want!

    * Elisha sent a message to Naaman 2 go wash 7 times in the river.

    “But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.” v. 11-12 (NLT)

    * Because of his pride, Naaman gets mad that Elisha sent a messenger to him instead of coming out himself.

    * Naaman almost missed the whole thing because God’s expression was not his expectation.  Our expectation isn’t always gods expression.

    * If we limit God to doing things that only we can understand we are toast and have a small God.

    * God can do, and does, things we don’t expect!!!

    * Naaman’s mad because he doesn’t only want to be healed, he wants to be honored. (pride)

    * God will not honor you until you humble yourself.

    * God has to humble us before he will Heal us.

    * THOUGHT: Maybe God is revealing himself in ways we may not be expecting.

    * TRUTH: Naaman was either going to die in his pride or to his pride

    * REALITY: Many times it’s our pride that keeps us from the Lord.

    “But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” v. 13 (NLT)

    * Naaman listens to the soldier and does what the prophet said he should do.

    * With each dip Naaman humbled himself.

    * What seemed foolish and easy to Naaman is what Healed him.

    * TRUTH: Salvation seems foolish and too easy for some people. They aren’t healed because of their pride.

    “So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!

     15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” v. 14-15 (NLT)

    * Half obedience is full disobedience.

    * FAST FACT: The word Jordan means decision or judgement. Naaman was told to go to the Jordan to dip 7 times. Throughout the Bible we see this true of the Jordan River

    * Naaman says, after humbling himself and obeying,  Now I know that there is a God! Even though God shows up in a way he never thought possible and even a little foolish!

    There is a lot we can learn from the life and story of Naaman.  The major question we have to wrestle with is this: What area is God wanting to heal in my life? What decision do you need to step out in faith, humility, and obedience in today?

    If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 7.17.11

    Have you ever felt like you were up against something that you couldn’t defeat? Maybe you have tried, but somehow have failed. Maybe you feel like there is something you are supposed to do, but the comments of others is keeping you trapped from doing what you know you are supposed to do.  We all have Giants! Today, by looking at the story of David and Goliath, we are going to talk about how we can take a stand against the giants we face so we can begin to see the victory we so eagerly desire!

    HEREOS
    “David:  When You Face a Giant”
    1 Samuel 17

    * God tends to use the least, the last, and the lost, the most! Why? Because HE gets the Glory & Praise because everyone understands that there is no-way they could have done that on their own!
    * No-One is too small for God to use!
    * The story of David and Goliath is the John 3:16 of the Old Testament because many people have heard it!

    TO DEFEAT A GIANT IN YOUR LIFE …

    1. Identify Your GIANT.

    “The Philistines now mustered their army for battle and camped between Socoh in Judah and Azekah at Ephes-dammim. Saul countered by gathering his Israelite troops near the valley of Elah. So the Philistines and Israelites faced each other on opposite hills, with the valley between them. Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield. Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. ‘Why are you all coming out to fight?’ he called. ‘I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!’ When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.” 1 Samuel 17:1-11 (NLT)

    * Your Giant might not be named Goliath, it may be named … lying, cheating, gambling, busyness, over-eating, laziness, pornography, smoking, sniffing, shooting, drinking, … and the list goes on!
    * Your Giant may not flaunt itself in the valley but in, the bedroom, in the work place, at the gym, in the refrigerator … and the list goes on!      You know where you are tempted most!!!
    * Your Giant will keep you hostage!
    * You must identify the giant, because you can’t kill a ghost!

    2. Ignore The NAY-SAYERS.

    “One day Jesse said to David, ‘Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers. And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing.’ David’s brothers were with Saul and the Israelite army at the valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines. So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. Soon the Israelite and Philistine forces stood facing each other, army against army. David left his things with the keeper of supplies and hurried out to the ranks to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel. As soon as the Israelite army saw him, they began to run away in fright. ‘Have you seen the giant?’ the men asked. ‘He comes out each day to defy Israel. The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!’ David asked the soldiers standing nearby, ‘What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?’ And these men gave David the same reply. They said, ‘Yes, that is the reward for killing him.’ But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. ‘What are you doing around here anyway?’ he demanded. ‘What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!’ ‘What have I done now?’ David replied. ‘I was only asking a question!’ He walked over to some others and asked them the same thing and received the same answer.” 1 Samuel 17:17-30 (NLT)

    * Man looks at the outward appearance but man looks at the heart!
    * When was the last time you put yourself in a situation where God had to rescue you?
    * There is a difference in looking like a Christian and being a Christian!
    * We will always have critics who say we cant do it!
    * We have a Goliath to go after, but many times we spend our energy in what others say we can’t do!
    * A Leader who keeps his ear toe the ground leaves his rear open for attach.

    3. Refuse To PROCRASTINATE.

    “Then David’s question was reported to King Saul, and the king sent for him. ‘Don’t worry about this Philistine,’ David told Saul. ‘I’ll go fight him!’ 1 Samuel 17:31-32 (NLT)

    * David asked several people why they were not stepping up to fight!
    * This was Saul’s fight not Davids, but Saul missed his opportunity see God use him in a powerful way.
    * Procrastination is the assignation of motivation.
    * David didn’t wait around, if he had, he probably would have become like everyone else!
    * Many times we want God to adjust to us instead of us making the needed adjustments God has led us to.

    4. Stay With Your STRENGTHS.

    “‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ Saul replied. ‘There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.’ But David persisted. ‘I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,’ he said. ‘When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!’ Saul finally consented. ‘All right, go ahead,’ he said. ‘And may the Lord be with you!’ Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. ‘I can’t go in these,’ he protested to Saul. ‘I’m not used to them.’ So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:33-40 (NLT)

    * You are the only one that can be you and get it right!
    * He took 5 stones to kill Goliath because Goliath had 4 brothers and he was going to kill them all!
    * You can’t fight your battles with someone else’s strength or stuff!

    5. Trust Only IN THE LORD.

    “Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. ‘Am I a dog,’ he roared at David, ‘that you come at me with a stick?’ And he cursed David by the names of his gods. ‘Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!’ Goliath yelled. David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and He will give you to us!’” 1 Samuel 17:41-47 (NLT)

    * You never know how great God is until you have been rescued by Him.
    * Faith is believing and repeating what God has already said.
    * The size of your Giant is determined by the size of your God. Big giant, small God. Big God, small giant!

    6. Move Toward The GIANT.

    “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.” 1 Samuel 17:48-49 (NLT)

    * The longer you look at, analyze, and strategize, the more difficult it is to defeat your giant!

    “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.” Psalm 119:60

    7. Finish The JOB.

    “So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.” 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (NLT)

    * Many times we fight against the giant but never finish the job! YOU MUST KILL THE GIANT!
    * Whatever battle you face today it’s not about you, it’s all about God.

    “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple. For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.” Psalm 27:1-5 (NLT)

    * God wants you to triumph so you can tell others about Him and what He has done!
    * What Giant are you facing?

    The greatest Giant we all face is the giant of being lost. The only way I can defeat this Giant is by trusting Jesus, inviting Him into my life, and living with Him as Lord. When I do this, He defeats the giant of lostness and return, gives me salvation through the cross and the resurrected Christ. If you would like more info on this, please click here!

    If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our new website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans soon to join us at FBC Harvester  next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can.

  • Bible Challenge – Genesis 18

    “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” v.14 (NLT)

    What a great question! The obvious answer is, “Of course not!!!!” Because we have other verses that answer this for us. Here are two examples,

    “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NLT)

    “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NLT)

    However, sometimes we don’t take things to GOD that really need to be taken to Him.  In fact, we should take everything to Him because He delights in hearing from us!

    This question reveals much about God. Make it a habit to insert your specific needs into the question.  Example, “Is this problem in my life too hard for the Lord?” “Is this habit that I am trying to break or trying to develop, too hard for the Lord?” “Is the communication problem I am having too hard for Him?” “Are my feeling and sometimes lack of confidence too hard for Him to sort out and build up?”

    Asking the question this way reminds us that we need to talk to God more often.  It also reminds us that God is personally involved in our life and has the power to help in any situation we find ourselves facing … we just have to include Him in the situation, and trust Him with the details and results.

    Today, what are you facing that seems to big for you to handle? Have you asked God help?

  • Sunday AM Remix – 7.10.11

    Another strong day as we continued in our series titled Heroes. In this series, we are revisiting many of the Bible Stories we’ve heard and even learned from a young age, to find that these were ordinary people that God did extraordinary things through and with. This week we looked at the life of Samson a HE-MAN with a SHE-WEAKNESS! Here are my notes from yesterdays time together.

     

    HEROES
    “Samson:  When You Have a Bad Hair Day”
    Judges 13-16

    * God made each of us differently! There are no cookie cutter Christians or cookie cutter experiences.

    * The story of Samson, is different from the other stories we have looked at so far.  The others, God took someone weak and made them look strong through His strength.  With Samson, God takes someone strong and makes them weak to accomplish His greatest work.

    * We must understand that it is not about our ability, it’s about our availability.

    * If you are a child of God and prostitute Gods blessings, consequences will follow!

    THREE BIG THINGS WE NEED TO SEE IN SAMSON’S LIFE

    1.  Samson’s  SUPER START.

     “Again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord handed them over to the Philistines, who oppressed them for forty years.   In those days a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan lived in the town of Zorah. His wife was unable to become pregnant, and they had no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and said, ‘Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son. So be careful; you must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food.  You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.’”             Judges 13:1-5 (NLT)

    * Your giftedness doesn’t trump your need for Godliness.

    * Many times God can’t use our strength because Satan is using our weakness.

    * Reality: 1 out of 3 American couples deal with infertility.

    – He had a divine PRONOUNCEMENT.

    * Only 4 people in the Bible had a Public pronouncement of their birth.

    – Jesus, Isaac, John the Baptist, & Samson

    – He had dynamic PARENTS.

    * It’s possible to have Godly Parents & have Godless Children.

     – He had a definite PURPOSE.

     * There were three things to a Nazarite Vow

    – No razor could touch their hair.

    – No touching of anything dead.

    – No eating/drinking of anything made from grapes

    2.  Samson’s MASSIVE MISTAKES.

    – 3 Major Flaws of Samson:

      • SELF-INDULGENT

    * Lack of self-control and discipline

    “One day when Samson was in Timnah, one of the Philistine women caught his eye. When he returned home, he told his father and mother, ‘A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye. I want to marry her. Get her for me.’   His father and mother objected. ‘Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?’ they asked. ‘Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?’   But Samson told his father, ‘Get her for me! She looks good to me.’ His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.   As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it. When Samson arrived in Timnah, he talked with the woman and was very pleased with her.   Later, when he returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to look at the carcass of the lion. And he found that a swarm of bees had made some honey in the carcass. He scooped some of the honey into his hands and ate it along the way. He also gave some to his father and mother, and they ate it. But he didn’t tell them he had taken the honey from the carcass of the lion.” Judges 14:1-9 (NLT)

    “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

    * Samson’s name = Sun Light/Sunshine

    * Even though his name meant Sunshine he lived like darkness.

    * In every sin the DNA is pain.

      • HOT-TEMPERED

     * Anger, Resentment, Revenge.

    “As his father was making final arrangements for the marriage, Samson threw a party at Timnah, as was the custom for elite young men. When the bride’s parentssaw him, they selected thirty young men from the town to be his companions.

    Samson said to them, ‘Let me tell you a riddle. If you solve my riddle during these seven days of the celebration, I will give you thirty fine linen robes and thirty sets of festive clothing. But if you can’t solve it, then you must give me thirty fine linen robes and thirty sets of festive clothing.’  ‘All right,’ they agreed, ‘let’s hear your riddle.’   So he said: ‘Out of the one who eats came something to eat;out of the strong came something sweet.’   Three days later they were still trying to figure it out. On the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, ‘Entice your husband to explain the riddle for us, or we will burn down your father’s house with you in it. Did you invite us to this party just to make us poor?’   So Samson’s wife came to him in tears and said, ‘You don’t love me; you hate me! You have given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.’  ‘I haven’t even given the answer to my father or mother,’ he replied. ‘Why should I tell you?’ So she cried whenever she was with him and kept it up for the rest of the celebration. At last, on the seventh day he told her the answer because she was tormenting him with her nagging. Then she explained the riddle to the young men.   So before sunset of the seventh day, the men of the town came to Samson with their answer:’ What is sweeter than honey?   What is stronger than a lion?’   Samson replied, ‘If you hadn’t plowed with my heifer, you wouldn’t have solved my riddle!’  Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. He went down to the town of Ashkelon, killed thirty men, took their belongings, and gave their clothing to the men who had solved his riddle. But Samson was furious about what had happened, and he went back home to live with his father and mother. So his wife was given in marriage to the man who had been Samson’s best man at the wedding.” Judges 14:10-20 (NLT)

    * The Devil likes to put something sweet into something disgusting.

    * There is always something sweet in the sin of the moment.

    * Truly strong people can control/restrain their anger!

    “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”  Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

    “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”  Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)

      • CARELESS 

    “One day Samson went to the Philistine town of Gaza and spent the night with a prostitute. Word soon spread that Samson was there, so the men of Gaza gathered together and waited all night at the town gates. They kept quiet during the night, saying to themselves, ‘When the light of morning comes, we will kill him.’   But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the doors of the town gate, including the two posts, and lifted them up, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the top of the hill across from Hebron… Samson replied, ‘If I were tied up with seven new bowstrings that have not yet been dried, I would become as weak as anyone else.’. . Afterward Delilah said to him, ‘You’ve been making fun of me and telling me lies! Now please tell me how you can be tied up securely.’   Samson replied, ‘If I were tied up with brand-new ropes that had never been used, I would become as weak as anyone else.’. . .

    Then Delilah said, ‘You’ve been making fun of me and telling me lies! Now tell me how you can be tied up securely.’ . . .

    Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. ‘My hair has never been cut,’ he confessed, ‘for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.’. . .

    So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison.”  Judges 16:1-3, 7, 10-11, 13, 17, 21 (NLT)

    * Samson became so careless & comfortable that he didn’t realize God had left him.

    * He Looked, Lusted, and fell in Love – this proves that you can fall in love with anyone, that’s why it’s so important to guard your heart.

    “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

    * When you allow temptation to wear you down to will power, you are in trouble – sin is blinding, binding, and grinding

    3.  SAMSON’S SECOND CHANCE.

    “But before long, his hair began to grow back.”  Judges 16:22 (NLT)

    “Then Samson prayed to the Lord, ‘Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.’  Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, he prayed, ‘Let me die with the Philistines.’ And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.”  Judges 16:28-30 (NLT)

    * This is the first time we see Samson humble and repentant.

    *Samson stood between to pillars with outstretched hands pushing against them. Very similar to the picture we see of Jesus on the cross with outstretched hands to be nailed for our sin.

    * Samson died with his enemies! However, God did more through Samson’s weakness than Samson was able to do his whole life on his and in his own strength.

    “How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.”  Hebrews 11:32 (NLT)

    * Your failures do not have to define you, God is a God of second chances.

    If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our new website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans soon to join us at FBC Harvester  next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service from our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can.