Dan Gould

Tag: Dan Gould

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.17.11

    This week we continued our Triumph series learning about Being Triumphant over Sin.  What a great day it was at FBCH. The Gospel was preached, people responded and lives were restored.  God is really doing some great things in our midst! Each week I am excited to see what will happen next!  Special thanks goes out to Sean and Mary for sharing their story.  God used each of you greatly!!!

    Here are my notes from today.

    TRIUMPH
    “Over Sin”
    John 19:16-30

    * The Cross is the Crux of Christianity
    * Religion is about man trying to get to God, The Cross is about God descending to man.
    * All of us are born for the purpose of living, Jesus was the only one born with the purpose of dying.

    ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY JESUS FINISHED THE WORK OF . . . 

     1.  Being Our SUBSTITUTE.

    *Substitute = paying my penalty

     “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

    *Jesus didn’t just die for me, He died instead of me.
    *The sinless one died for the sinful ones; The perfect one died for the imperfect ones.
    *It was the Roman Soldiers that nailed Him there, but it was my sin that put Him there, and it was His love for me that kept Him there.

     “Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down.   And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins!   But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.   He was beaten so we could be whole.   He was whipped so we could be healed.   All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.   We have left God’s paths to follow our own.   Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.”  Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT)

    *Jesus was our Substitutional Atonement … Substitutional = paying my penalty, Atonement = making it right.

     2.  Satisfying the LAW.

     “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Galatians 3:13 (NLT)

    *The Law will tell you to fly, but will give you no wings. It will tell you to run, but give no legs. It will tell you to be clean, but give you no soap.
    *The Law Exposes that we are Sinners in need of a Savior.
    *Jesus not only reveals the law, but allows us to satisfy it.

     “The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4 (NLT)

     “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.  As a result, all who believe in Him are made right with God.”  Romans 10:4 (NLT)

     3.  Conquering SIN & DEATH.

     “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.   Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”  Romans 5:17-18 (NLT)

    *Without Christ we have no power over sin.
    *The Sanctification process is Gods power living in me & giving me power over sin. And One day, it will deliver me from the presence of sin.

     “When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.”  Romans 6:10-11 (NLT)

    *As a church we are seeing God radically change people from the inside out.  We are beginning the process of collecting stories of what God is doing in the lives of the people here at FBCH.  Here is the first story that we have captured and want to share with you.

     4.  Defeating the Devil.

     “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT)

    HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?

     *  Repent of My Sin & Trust Jesus to Save Me.

     “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.”  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

    *There is more to repentance than saying, “I’m Sorry.”
    *Repentance includes
    **Confession – Saying the same thing about sin that God does
    **Contrition – mourning over the fact that you have sinned.

     “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”  Romans 3:22 (NLT)

     *  Live in Continual Gratitude.

     “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”  Romans 5:11 (NLT)

     *  Tell Others About It.

    Easter is next weekend, who will you invite? Your invitation could be the invitation they are waiting for? I pray that you will take the opportunity and talk to someone this week about Jesus.

    This is proving to be a great series as we learn to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  If you would missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources. If you still have not taken a spiritual gifts test I want to encourage you to take that by clicking here.

    Lastly, we would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s.  We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.

    Until next week, I pray that you will seek the Lord, and remember that thru Christ, we have Overcome the World!

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 28

    “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” v.18-20 (NLT)

    This passage is known as the Great Commission.  Sadly, this has become the Great Omission by many who claim to be Christ Followers.  This is the essence of the Gospel.  As Christ Followers we have a great responsibility.  With this responsibility come great rewards and great sacrifices.  It’s the sacrifices that trip many of us up, keeping us from living a Great Commission life.

    Today, Are you living a Great Commission Life or a Great Omission Life?  It’s easy to say that we are living a Great Commission Life, but do our actions and intentions prove that what we say is true?

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 27

    “Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’” v.22 (NLT)

    This is the most important question we can ask! How we respond has great impact on our present life, and the life to come.

    Today, how have you answered this question? Have you believed Jesus to be the Messiah? Have you surrendered your life to Him as Lord and Savior? If not please click here for more info.

     

  • Bible Chalenge – Matthew 26

    Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” v 64 (NLT)

    When asked by the High Priest of the Council if He was the Messiah, Jesus remained silent.  He wasn’t silent because He didn’t have anything to say, He was silent because He didn’t have anything to prove! This question still causes people to stumble today.  How we answer it affects who we become, how we live, and where we spend eternity.  Have you taken the time to ask yourself, “Who is Jesus?”

    Today, Your Beliefs, Your Words, Your Attitude, and Your Actions, reveal who you really think Jesus is! Think about it, pray through it, and live it!

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.10.11

    Today we started a three week series that will take us into Easter called Triumph.  In this series we are looking at 3 areas that Christians can stand triumphant because of Christ! Here are my notes from todays teaching.

    TRIUMPH
    “Over the World”
    1 John 5:1-5

    “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

    *Because He (Jesus) is victorious, I can stand in victory!
    *We must realize that as Christ Followers, we fight from victory, not for victory.

    3 MAIN THEMES OF 1 JOHN

    1.  Christians ought to have the proper ATTITUDE.

    “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4 (NKJV)

    *Happiness is based on circumstances, but Joy is based solely on Christ.
    *If your heart is full of Joy and Grace, please notify your face, so others can see that Joy!
    *Many people don’t have relationship with Jesus, they have a religion.

    2. Christians ought to display the proper ACTIONS.

    “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NKJV)

    *Being a Christian doesn’t mean you will be sinless, it simply means you should sin less!
    *The more you walk with Christ, Grow in Christ, and connect with others doing the same thing the less you should sin.

    3. Christians ought to enjoy the proper ASSURANCE.

    “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13 (NKJV)

    *Every Christian ought to KNOW, that they have Eternal Life.
    *If you can have it and not know it, means that you can lose it and not miss it!
    *A Christian shouldn’t walk around slumped over in the shape of a question mark, instead they should stand straight like and exclamation point!

    THE PROOF YOU ARE TRIUMPHING OVER THE WORLD IS YOUR . . .

    “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust  of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

    *Lust of the Flesh is passions that have gone out of bounds.
    *There are times that your eyes lead you out of bounds, hence the saying “Feast your Eyes on this …!”

    1.  BELIEF in God’s SON.

    “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is Born of God . . . For whatever is born of God overcomes the world . . . Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5: 1a, 4a, 5 (NKJV)

    *Profession = I believe in Jesus; Possession = I surrender to Jesus

    “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name . . .” John 1:12 (NKJV)

    *There are too many Alka Seltzer Christians! Someone who once you put them in the baptistry for baptism, you never see them again, it’s as if they disappeared!
    *The evidence that you believe is not in the past, its in the present!
    *The evidence that you believe is that you remain!

    “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

    “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:12-13 (NKJV)

    2.  LOVE for God’s FAMILY.

    “. . . and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.” 1 John 5:1b (NKJV)

    “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

    “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT)

    *Human love says – I love you if …! I love you when …! I love you because …!
    *Gods love says – I love you EVEN …!

    3.  OBEDIENCE to God’s WORD.

    “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. 1 John 5:2-3 (NKJV)

    *The word Keep in this passage literally means to Guard!
    *Are you guarding Gods Commandments?

    “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5 (NKJV)

    (Jesus said) ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments.’ John 14:15 (NKJV)

    This is going to be a great series as we learn how to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  If you would missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources. If you still have not taken a spiritual gifts test I want to encourage you to take that by clicking here.

    Lastly, we would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s.  We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.

    Until next week, I pray that you will seek the Lord, and remember that thru Christ, we have Overcome the World!

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 25

    “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, & all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered in his presence, & he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” v. 31-33 (NLT)

    Jesus is coming! His return will be a triumphant! The Bible says upon His return all the nations will be gathered and separated by sheep and goats.  Jesus used sheep and goats to picture the division between believers and unbelievers. Sheep and Goats often grazed together but were separated when it came to shear the sheep.  Jesus references the separation of his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act. Let’s be honest, to treat all people as if they were Jesus is no easy task. However, what we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words to us here: Feed the hungry, give to the homeless a place to stay, look after the sick. So the question we must ask ourselves is this: How well do our actions reveal that we are Christ Followers?

    Today, Are you more like a sheep or a goat?

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 24

    “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” v.44 (NLT)

    To some, these words are very scary, and to others, these words are very promising.  Some will realize their time has run out, while others will rejoice that their time is done. Some will be caught red-handed, while others will be caught open-handed. Some will look at all they have lost, while others will look at all they have gained. Some will say, “Oh Crap”, while others will say, “Oh Lord!” So the question remains, are you ready?

    Today, are you ready for Jesus return, even if it was today? Jesus could come back today, so lets live today like there was no tomorrow!

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 23

    “The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” v.11-12 (NLT)

    Humility! One of the most powerful displays of Christlikeness that can be seen in you by others.  However, many times we confuse humility with ho hum living. Humility is not the absence of confidence, it’s the absence of arrogance.

    With the attitude of Humility, Jesus challenged society’s norms. To Him, greatness comes from serving, which He defines as giving of yourself to God and to others. Serving keeps us aware of others’ needs, and it stops us from focussing only on ourselves. Remember, Jesus came as a servant and calls us to serve by following His example!

    Today, when it comes to applause, who do you seek to please, who do you seek to serve?

  • Bible Challenge – Matthew 22

    “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” v.37-40 (NLT)

    Sounds pretty simple, right? But denying ourselves is one of the most challenging thing a Christ Follower does. Some times we read these words and say, “I love God, and I try to love others, so I’m doing pretty good!” However, to truly love God means that we adjust our lives to His way of life. This takes commitment, dedication, prayer, faith, and a some real hard work. When we truly love someone, we will do whatever it takes to show our love to them, but sadly, when it comes to our love for God, we think showing up to church on Sunday is good enough!

    Here’s the honest truth, we will never fully love others, until we know Gods Love for us, and express our love for Him. We have the privilege and invitation to have a personal relationship with the creator of the Universe.  How cool is that?

    Today, hows your love gage? Is it full or sitting on empty?

  • 300 – Will you do your part?

    God is blessing us here at Harvester!  We continue to grow as we strive to worship, love, and go.  We’ve seen over 350 people join our body in the last two years and our average attendance has increased by over 600!  We’ve also witnessed 178 people publicly profess their faith in Christ through baptism!  We owe all of this to our awesome God.

    As we look towards the future, we acknowledge we have a significant barrier to growth: the lack of space in our 10:45 AM Worship Service.  Most weeks the room is filled to 90% capacity or more.  Market research and our own experience show that this atmosphere isn’t inviting to newcomers.  Frequently guests arrive, can’t find a place to sit, turn around and leave without ever hearing the gospel in our services.  Something has to change.

    We know that most first-time guests choose the 10:45 AM service and so we need to ensure that space is available; it is our best opportunity to share the gospel.  As we look towards Easter, we know that many of our guests will attend the second service and some will choose to come back in the weeks following.  This will amplify our current problem.

    In an effort to eliminate this obstacle to the gospel, we’re asking for 300 folks in the 10:45 AM Worship Service to commit to shifting their Sunday morning routines and move permanently to our identical 9 AM service.  We know that this isn’t a convenient change, but if you and your family are able to shift we ask you to bless your church in this way.