Matthew 7:11
ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Do not compare yourself to others: The standard, the rule, should always be Jesus.
1. A father's priority is God
2. A father provides for his children
3. A father pardons his children
4. A father protects his children
It's Time To Pay Up
Luke 12:48
he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
1. Everything belongs to God anyway!
Ref: Psalms 24:1
* We new to understand the difference between ownership and stewardship.
* Ownership implies that its my property. Stewardship implies that the authority I have has been delegated to me by the real owner.
2. We have no rights.
* ref verse: job 38-39
3. We have been blessed to be a blessing.
* what we are given Gods responsibility. What we do with it is our responsibility.
4. The judgement of God is coming.
Why It Is So Hard To Leave The Boat?
Matthew 14:22-31
straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
1. To leave the boat, disillusionment must be dispelled? (v26)
2. To leave the boat, the distractions must be defeated. (v30)
-When we focus on the problem rather than the power, We sacrifice out connection with Jesus.
3. To lev the boat, the doubt must be destroyed. (v31)
Journey Teams
Matthew 18:11-13
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Principles
1. Evangelism- reaching the lost
Luke 19:10
2. Discipleship: reaching those already in the church
Psalm 119:105
3. Ministry-Christians helping other Christians.
Galatians 6:2
4. Fellowship- hanging out with others
Acts 2:42
5. Service: our reaching out to those unsaved.
Matthew 20:28
Wrong: the Church is a lighthouse guiding those headed this way
Right: the Church is a missionary outpost.
How to ensure we have the right perspective.
1. Make sure our journey is Gods journey.
2. We must see others as Jesus sees them.
3. We have to get involved.
David Livingston's Prayer:
1. Lord send me anywhere, only go with me
2. Lord lay any burden upon me, only sustain me
3 lord sever any tie but the tie that binds me to thy service and thy heart.