Pastor Sheryll Ashmore continues the series "Healing" in this Wednesday evening service.
Healing Part 3
Pastor Sheryll Ashmore
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
_________________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 16, 2010
05/09/10 - Out Of This World PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Out Of This World" in this Sunday service.
Out Of This World PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 9, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
It took a “Visitor From Another Planet” to save us. Jesus, our Superman, came here from another planet to do what we could not. He became humanity, mild-mannered Jesus of Nazareth, occasionally revealing His supernatural persona, Mount of Transfiguration, and accomplished His mission.
His first mission once He announced His ministry was the same thing aliens always do—“Take me to your leader.” He confronted the leader of this world’s systems—satan—in the wilderness and beat him as mild-mannered Jesus, son of man. He did it without His cape so we can know we have authority over our enemy.
He is out of this world and what He does is not of this world. The promises He gives us are out of this world. Don’t let familiarity and deception dull our senses to the “alien nature” of our King. Everything He does is out of this world. Don’t try to fit it into our senses and ability—it is beyond anything we can imagine. Don’t limit His out of this world nature to a historical event—let Him invade your world today.
So many of us know Jesus as Savior, embracing His cross and resurrection for us, celebrating that He died for us, but too few of us embrace His living for us and in us. We too are aliens here and the God kind of life He has for us cannot be found in trying to fit His life into this world—it is an out of this world life that cannot be contained by the parameters of this world’s systems. Break out and find life!
Romans 5:6-11 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
John 8:23 “Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.”
Colossians 2:20 “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world”
Out Of This World PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 9, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
It took a “Visitor From Another Planet” to save us. Jesus, our Superman, came here from another planet to do what we could not. He became humanity, mild-mannered Jesus of Nazareth, occasionally revealing His supernatural persona, Mount of Transfiguration, and accomplished His mission.
His first mission once He announced His ministry was the same thing aliens always do—“Take me to your leader.” He confronted the leader of this world’s systems—satan—in the wilderness and beat him as mild-mannered Jesus, son of man. He did it without His cape so we can know we have authority over our enemy.
He is out of this world and what He does is not of this world. The promises He gives us are out of this world. Don’t let familiarity and deception dull our senses to the “alien nature” of our King. Everything He does is out of this world. Don’t try to fit it into our senses and ability—it is beyond anything we can imagine. Don’t limit His out of this world nature to a historical event—let Him invade your world today.
So many of us know Jesus as Savior, embracing His cross and resurrection for us, celebrating that He died for us, but too few of us embrace His living for us and in us. We too are aliens here and the God kind of life He has for us cannot be found in trying to fit His life into this world—it is an out of this world life that cannot be contained by the parameters of this world’s systems. Break out and find life!
Romans 5:6-11 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
John 8:23 “Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.”
Colossians 2:20 “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world”
Sunday, May 9, 2010
05/05/10 - Acquaintances - Pastor Lukas Targosz
Special guest speaker Pastor Lukas Targosz teaches on "Acquaintances" in this Wednesday evening service.
Acquaintances
Pastor Lukas Targosz
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Acquaintances
Pastor Lukas Targosz
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sunday, May 2, 2010
05/02/10 - Vision Sunday - Core Values - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore recasts the vision of the Church At Mirror Lake in "Core Values" in this Sunday service.
Vision Sunday - Core Values
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 2, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
John 3:6-8 (The Message) Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
"So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."
John 18:36 “…My Kingdom is not of this world.”
John 17:16 “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.”
Big Idea: As followers of Christ, as Christians, we are strangers and aliens on this earth. We are from another planet—Heaven—and are Out of This World. We have been given promises and benefits that are out of this world and we cannot simply try to force them into an old way of thinking and living. God’s plans for our lives are incredible, but they are Out of This World. Jesus never saw himself as a citizen of earth and would not allow himself to be subject to it until He surrendered on the cross. He did that so we could live “Out of This World”.
Our Lifeline—Our Core Values:
1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” (aliens and strangers NIV) to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
Space walks would be disastrous if there were not lifelines that kept us tied to the mother ship. Without those we would drift away and die. Our Core Values are those lifelines. We have them as a church, and each of us have them individually. The question we need to ask is which planet, Heaven or Earth, do our core values have us tethered to?
Core Values: Are you better Inside or Outside? (Tootsie Roll Pop)
Mark 7:20 “And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you”
- When we are bigger and better on the inside than we are on the outside, over time we will become bigger and better on the outside.
- If we are bigger and better on the outside than we are on the inside, then over time we will become less on the outside. (No staying power—example is our “fallen heroes”)
- When we are bigger and better on the inside than we are on the outside, then the things on the outside will not rock or erode what’s going on inside.
Mark 1:7 Message “As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." (Core Values)
Our Core Values:
1. Life Giving
a. Known more for what you are for than what you are against
b. Lead by serving
c. Understand the Bible from a positive “God is for us” worldview
2. Christ Centered
a. Jesus is the center of our universe
b. In Him we live and move and find our being
3. Spirit Empowered
a. Holy Ghost church for “normal folks”
b. Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit
4. Team Ministry
a. The power of connection
b. We are smarter and better together than we are alone
5. Excellence
a. Giving our best in all things
b. Presenting our remarkable Lord remarkably
6. Have Fun
a. Life is a gift. Celebrate it and celebrate each other.
b. Work hard, but when it is about eternal stuff it is a lot of fun.
Galatians 6:14 “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.”
Vision Sunday - Core Values
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 2, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
John 3:6-8 (The Message) Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
"So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."
John 18:36 “…My Kingdom is not of this world.”
John 17:16 “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.”
Big Idea: As followers of Christ, as Christians, we are strangers and aliens on this earth. We are from another planet—Heaven—and are Out of This World. We have been given promises and benefits that are out of this world and we cannot simply try to force them into an old way of thinking and living. God’s plans for our lives are incredible, but they are Out of This World. Jesus never saw himself as a citizen of earth and would not allow himself to be subject to it until He surrendered on the cross. He did that so we could live “Out of This World”.
Our Lifeline—Our Core Values:
1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” (aliens and strangers NIV) to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
Space walks would be disastrous if there were not lifelines that kept us tied to the mother ship. Without those we would drift away and die. Our Core Values are those lifelines. We have them as a church, and each of us have them individually. The question we need to ask is which planet, Heaven or Earth, do our core values have us tethered to?
Core Values: Are you better Inside or Outside? (Tootsie Roll Pop)
Mark 7:20 “And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you”
- When we are bigger and better on the inside than we are on the outside, over time we will become bigger and better on the outside.
- If we are bigger and better on the outside than we are on the inside, then over time we will become less on the outside. (No staying power—example is our “fallen heroes”)
- When we are bigger and better on the inside than we are on the outside, then the things on the outside will not rock or erode what’s going on inside.
Mark 1:7 Message “As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." (Core Values)
Our Core Values:
1. Life Giving
a. Known more for what you are for than what you are against
b. Lead by serving
c. Understand the Bible from a positive “God is for us” worldview
2. Christ Centered
a. Jesus is the center of our universe
b. In Him we live and move and find our being
3. Spirit Empowered
a. Holy Ghost church for “normal folks”
b. Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit
4. Team Ministry
a. The power of connection
b. We are smarter and better together than we are alone
5. Excellence
a. Giving our best in all things
b. Presenting our remarkable Lord remarkably
6. Have Fun
a. Life is a gift. Celebrate it and celebrate each other.
b. Work hard, but when it is about eternal stuff it is a lot of fun.
Galatians 6:14 “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.”
04/28/10 - Healing PT2 - Everett Spencer
Everett Spencer continues the series "Healing" in this Wednesday evening service.
Healing Part 2
Everett Spencer
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Embassadors of Healing
Embassador
EMBAS'SADOR, n.
A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. Embassadors are ordinary, when they reside permanently at a foreign court; or extraordinary, when they are sent on a special occasion. They are also called ministers. Envoys are ministers employed on special occasions, and are of less dignity.
Luke 9:
1And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.
2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
6Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
10When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done.
Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.
Luke 10:
1Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.
2And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
3"Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
8"Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you;
9and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
17The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."
18And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.
19"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.
21At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
What we are responsible for:
*I can’t heal you
(You don’t necessarily have to say this out loud but you need to know it, it will take away any and all pressure)
*Don’t make GOD spooky
(2 Tim. 1:7)
*Know what the bible says about healing
(You don’t need to know every scripture but a good place to start is 1 Peter 2:24)
The role of humility and confidence
*Define humility the way the bible defines it
(James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6)
10Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
*Don’t sell yourself or your role short
(Phil. 3:3, 1 John 5:14)
3for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
Spend time with HIM and know HIS desires
(John 10:27, 16:13)
27"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
13"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Trading on your influence and speaking for GOD
(1 Kings 17:9-24) The widow of Zarephath
Stop that stinking thinking
(Phil 3:13)
13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Healing Part 2
Everett Spencer
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Embassadors of Healing
Embassador
EMBAS'SADOR, n.
A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. Embassadors are ordinary, when they reside permanently at a foreign court; or extraordinary, when they are sent on a special occasion. They are also called ministers. Envoys are ministers employed on special occasions, and are of less dignity.
Luke 9:
1And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.
2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
6Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
10When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done.
Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.
Luke 10:
1Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.
2And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
3"Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
8"Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you;
9and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
17The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."
18And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.
19"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.
21At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
What we are responsible for:
*I can’t heal you
(You don’t necessarily have to say this out loud but you need to know it, it will take away any and all pressure)
*Don’t make GOD spooky
(2 Tim. 1:7)
*Know what the bible says about healing
(You don’t need to know every scripture but a good place to start is 1 Peter 2:24)
The role of humility and confidence
*Define humility the way the bible defines it
(James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6)
10Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
*Don’t sell yourself or your role short
(Phil. 3:3, 1 John 5:14)
3for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
Spend time with HIM and know HIS desires
(John 10:27, 16:13)
27"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
13"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Trading on your influence and speaking for GOD
(1 Kings 17:9-24) The widow of Zarephath
Stop that stinking thinking
(Phil 3:13)
13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Friday, April 30, 2010
04/25/10 - God Is HERE - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "God Is..." in this Sunday service.
God Is... HERE
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 25, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Psalm 47:8: God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.
Psalm 33
Isaiah 66: Heavens are my throne and earth is my footstool…My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. (then connect to “…given them dominion over the works of my hands…” and “when the Lord speaks a blessing it is forever”—then is He going to revoke our dominion, no Jesus is Son of God and son of man, Jesus’ Kingdom will rule and those who rule with Him will have the heart of God and will express His personality, exhibit His power, and extend His Kingdom.)
Lamentations 5:19 (paraphrase 1-19: everything around us is going wrong and is unstable, nothing here can be counted on) But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation. (This world, and its systems are unstable—wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes and natural disasters, the very foundations of the earth are groaning and travailing, the “isms” are failing—those systems humans put in place to rule: Marxism, communism, fascism, socialism, capitalism. But our God and His rule never change. They are a firm foundation on which we can build our lives—lives that will stand no matter what the “isms” do. Instead of trying to find a way to make the Word fit or explain our systems, thereby making it a servant to the “isms” (which will not work), we submit to His rule, proclaim His kingship and experience “Heaven on Earth”)
Jesus taught us to pray for things to be done on earth like they are in Heaven. He said the god of this world was satan. He prophesied that this world and its systems were decaying even in His time. The “ism” of the Temple, the Roman Empire’s system of allowing conquered people to have a semblance of self-rule, the Roman Empire itself were all crumbling and Jesus prophesied it.
Matthew 19:28-30 (earth made new, I will be on my throne (indicating that His throne is not established on earth yet), everyone who has forsaken the systems of this world will be rewarded and will rule with Him. Things that seem so important now will be seen as they really are—the least (connect with Mary and Martha and Mary choosing what really matters, what will remain—a relationship with Jesus)
1 Samuel 14:6
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
Jeremiah 32:17
“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!
Luke 1:37
For nothing is impossible with God. ”
Romans 8:39
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“went away to receive a kingdom” Kingdom is not geographic, it is a heart thing. It is based on what we “subject” ourselves to. If we are “subjects” of this world and its systems, then we will operate within, and be limited by, its laws. If we are subject to the Kingdom of God, then we operate within the limits of its laws—therefore Jesus walks on water, multiplies food, walks through walls, is resurrected. (You limit the Holy One of Israel)
Things that stop us from having his presence:
1. the last time we encountered him. Mt Sinai
2. limiting him -- Ps 78:41 Psalm 78 KJV 40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy
3. offense & other personal rights. Kingdom Triangle. "no man shall see God & live"
4. not celebrating him-- U will not c me again til u say 'blessed is he who comes n the name of the lord'
God Is... HERE
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 25, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Psalm 47:8: God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.
Psalm 33
Isaiah 66: Heavens are my throne and earth is my footstool…My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. (then connect to “…given them dominion over the works of my hands…” and “when the Lord speaks a blessing it is forever”—then is He going to revoke our dominion, no Jesus is Son of God and son of man, Jesus’ Kingdom will rule and those who rule with Him will have the heart of God and will express His personality, exhibit His power, and extend His Kingdom.)
Lamentations 5:19 (paraphrase 1-19: everything around us is going wrong and is unstable, nothing here can be counted on) But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation. (This world, and its systems are unstable—wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes and natural disasters, the very foundations of the earth are groaning and travailing, the “isms” are failing—those systems humans put in place to rule: Marxism, communism, fascism, socialism, capitalism. But our God and His rule never change. They are a firm foundation on which we can build our lives—lives that will stand no matter what the “isms” do. Instead of trying to find a way to make the Word fit or explain our systems, thereby making it a servant to the “isms” (which will not work), we submit to His rule, proclaim His kingship and experience “Heaven on Earth”)
Jesus taught us to pray for things to be done on earth like they are in Heaven. He said the god of this world was satan. He prophesied that this world and its systems were decaying even in His time. The “ism” of the Temple, the Roman Empire’s system of allowing conquered people to have a semblance of self-rule, the Roman Empire itself were all crumbling and Jesus prophesied it.
Matthew 19:28-30 (earth made new, I will be on my throne (indicating that His throne is not established on earth yet), everyone who has forsaken the systems of this world will be rewarded and will rule with Him. Things that seem so important now will be seen as they really are—the least (connect with Mary and Martha and Mary choosing what really matters, what will remain—a relationship with Jesus)
1 Samuel 14:6
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
Jeremiah 32:17
“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!
Luke 1:37
For nothing is impossible with God. ”
Romans 8:39
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“went away to receive a kingdom” Kingdom is not geographic, it is a heart thing. It is based on what we “subject” ourselves to. If we are “subjects” of this world and its systems, then we will operate within, and be limited by, its laws. If we are subject to the Kingdom of God, then we operate within the limits of its laws—therefore Jesus walks on water, multiplies food, walks through walls, is resurrected. (You limit the Holy One of Israel)
Things that stop us from having his presence:
1. the last time we encountered him. Mt Sinai
2. limiting him -- Ps 78:41 Psalm 78 KJV 40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy
3. offense & other personal rights. Kingdom Triangle. "no man shall see God & live"
4. not celebrating him-- U will not c me again til u say 'blessed is he who comes n the name of the lord'
Sunday, April 25, 2010
04/21/10 - Healing PT1 - Tony Sherrill
Tony Sherrill kicks off a new series entitled "Healing" in this Wednesday evening service.
Healing Part 1
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Is Physical Healing Part of Salvation?
John 8:31-32 know the truth, the truth will make you free
Proverbs 4:20-23 word – health to all your flesh
Salvation – soteria (Greek) – rescue, safety, deliver, health, save
Romans 5:12 death entered by sin (nature polluted)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
Genesis 2:7 formed man from the dust (soil) of the ground
Genesis 3:17 cursed (amplified) – the ground is cursed because of you
Deuteronomy 28 blessing and curse – vs. 61 – every sickness
“Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.”
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”
Vs 14 so blessing may come
Old Covenant:
Genesis 12:4 Abram called by God at 75
Genesis 17:17 (24 years later) Abraham 99, Sarah 90
Genesis 20 Abimelech wanted Sarah
Promise to children of Israel
Exodus 23:25-26 I will take sickness away from the midst
“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.”
Psalm 105:37 children of Israel – not a feeble one
“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
Psalm 103:1-3 benefits of serving God
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
Psalm 107:17-20 even when we are to blame, God will heal
“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Isaiah 52:14-15 & 53:1-5 (Amplified)
“[For many the Servant of God became an object of horror; many were astonished at Him.] His face and His whole appearance were marred more than any man's, and His form beyond that of the sons of men--but just as many were astonished at Him, 15So shall He startle and sprinkle many nations, and kings shall shut their mouths because of Him; for that which has not been told them shall they see, and that which they have not heard shall they consider and understand.
WHO HAS believed (trusted in, relied upon, and clung to) our message [of that which was revealed to us]? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been disclosed?(A) 2For [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of dry ground; He has no form or comeliness [royal, kingly pomp], that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him. 4Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].(B) 5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
Matthew 8:16-17
“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”
I Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
I John 3:8b for this purpose the Son of God was manifested
Healing Part 1
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Is Physical Healing Part of Salvation?
John 8:31-32 know the truth, the truth will make you free
Proverbs 4:20-23 word – health to all your flesh
Salvation – soteria (Greek) – rescue, safety, deliver, health, save
Romans 5:12 death entered by sin (nature polluted)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
Genesis 2:7 formed man from the dust (soil) of the ground
Genesis 3:17 cursed (amplified) – the ground is cursed because of you
Deuteronomy 28 blessing and curse – vs. 61 – every sickness
“Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.”
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”
Vs 14 so blessing may come
Old Covenant:
Genesis 12:4 Abram called by God at 75
Genesis 17:17 (24 years later) Abraham 99, Sarah 90
Genesis 20 Abimelech wanted Sarah
Promise to children of Israel
Exodus 23:25-26 I will take sickness away from the midst
“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.”
Psalm 105:37 children of Israel – not a feeble one
“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
Psalm 103:1-3 benefits of serving God
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
Psalm 107:17-20 even when we are to blame, God will heal
“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Isaiah 52:14-15 & 53:1-5 (Amplified)
“[For many the Servant of God became an object of horror; many were astonished at Him.] His face and His whole appearance were marred more than any man's, and His form beyond that of the sons of men--but just as many were astonished at Him, 15So shall He startle and sprinkle many nations, and kings shall shut their mouths because of Him; for that which has not been told them shall they see, and that which they have not heard shall they consider and understand.
WHO HAS believed (trusted in, relied upon, and clung to) our message [of that which was revealed to us]? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been disclosed?(A) 2For [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of dry ground; He has no form or comeliness [royal, kingly pomp], that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him. 4Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].(B) 5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
Matthew 8:16-17
“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”
I Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
I John 3:8b for this purpose the Son of God was manifested
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
04/18/10 - God Is TRUTH - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "God Is..." in this Sunday service.
God Is... TRUTH
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 18, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
John 18:38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Big Idea: God is Truth. Any other “truth” is a poser, a false god. If we follow any other “truths” we are following after other gods. Our God is the only God who is always for us, who loves us unconditionally. Sell out to the real Truth and find real life—the rich and satisfying life promised in Jesus.
1. Truth is a person—Jesus. John 14:6
2. Truth does not change. Hebrews 13:8
3. Truth—real truth—is good. Ephesians 1:13
Truth:
- Promises us good things--2 Samuel 7:27-29
- Leads me and teaches me--Psalm 25:5
- Gives me hope--Psalm 119:43
- Stands the test of time--Proverbs 12:19
- Saves lives--Proverbs 14:25
- Births peace--Zechariah 8:16
- Turns us from sin--Malachi 2:6
- Makes us holy--John 17:17-19
- Sets us free--John 8:32
- Cannot be opposed--2 Corinthians 13:8
- Keeps us winning the race--Galatians 5:7
- Good News that God saves--Ephesians 1:13
- Makes us like Christ--Ephesians 4:15
- Empowers us to stand our ground--Ephesians 6:14
- Give us an expectant attitude--Colossians 1:5
- Changes lives--Colossians 1:6
- Grows faith and produces thankfulness--Colossians 2:7
- Firmly tells us we belong to God--2 Timothy 2:19
- Shows us how to live--Titus 1:1
- Cleanses sins--1 Peter 1:22 (loves covers, truth cleanses: Jesus full of truth and grace—covers and cleanses our sins!)
- Produces confidence in our salvation--1 John 3:19
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and never sell it…”
“Get the truth…”
Where are you finding “truth”? (Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”)
- Obvious “idols”—horoscope, psychics, witchcraft
- Not-so-obvious—self-help gurus, celebrities, magazines, books and newspapers, friends, other’s opinions, life experiences, your own “inner voice”-- The “truisms” we want to hide from are not the truth. “I am an addict,” may be true, but it is not the truth. “I am a failure, a bad person, a lousy husband, a terrible father, a scared new mother, a liar, a cheat, stupid, worthless, sick and tired, ready to quit, never going to make it, etc” may be true, but they are not truth.
- Pick and choose—rip out the pages of the Truth you don’t like, agree with, or are not ready to face.
- Go all in
- Trust the Word
1 Timothy 2:3-5 “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.”
John 8:31-32 “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (remain faithful and you will know the truth, and then you will know freedom. We want it the other way—know the truth and we will be faithful—obedience precedes understanding)
- Receive His Spirit
John 14:17 “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”
1 John 2:20 “But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth.”
- Love His Church
1 Timothy 3:15 “so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
2 John 1:1 “This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children (the church), whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth”
“…And never sell it…” Deal or No Deal?
Daniel 8:10-12 “Its power reached to the heavens, where it attacked the heavenly army, throwing some of the heavenly beings and some of the stars to the ground and trampling them. It even challenged the Commander of heaven’s army by canceling the daily sacrifices offered to him and by destroying his Temple. The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion. So the daily sacrifice was halted, and truth was overthrown. The horn succeeded in everything it did.” Heaven’s armies are restrained from responding because we respond to the circumstances instead of responding to the truth (Worship is a response to truth).
John 8:44 “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 4:23-24 “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
If worship is a lifestyle rather than an action, then a lifestyle lived by the Truth, responding to the Truth (response-able) would be the lifestyle the Father is looking for. For instance, when tired, hurt, brokenhearted, the Truth feed 5000 men and their families instead of withdrawing and becoming “me-focused”. When betrayed, the Truth sought out his betrayers with the goal of restoration, not retribution. When the Truth was cursed, he blessed. When he was rejected, he offered acceptance. When he was forsaken and alone, he trusted, worshipped and obeyed. When he was despised, hated, and persecuted, he loved and forgave. When he was misunderstood, he gently taught. When he was tempted, he spoke the truth.
The Blessing of Living in the Truth:
2 Samuel 7:27-29 “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!”
3 John 1:4 “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”
God Is... TRUTH
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 18, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
John 18:38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Big Idea: God is Truth. Any other “truth” is a poser, a false god. If we follow any other “truths” we are following after other gods. Our God is the only God who is always for us, who loves us unconditionally. Sell out to the real Truth and find real life—the rich and satisfying life promised in Jesus.
1. Truth is a person—Jesus. John 14:6
2. Truth does not change. Hebrews 13:8
3. Truth—real truth—is good. Ephesians 1:13
Truth:
- Promises us good things--2 Samuel 7:27-29
- Leads me and teaches me--Psalm 25:5
- Gives me hope--Psalm 119:43
- Stands the test of time--Proverbs 12:19
- Saves lives--Proverbs 14:25
- Births peace--Zechariah 8:16
- Turns us from sin--Malachi 2:6
- Makes us holy--John 17:17-19
- Sets us free--John 8:32
- Cannot be opposed--2 Corinthians 13:8
- Keeps us winning the race--Galatians 5:7
- Good News that God saves--Ephesians 1:13
- Makes us like Christ--Ephesians 4:15
- Empowers us to stand our ground--Ephesians 6:14
- Give us an expectant attitude--Colossians 1:5
- Changes lives--Colossians 1:6
- Grows faith and produces thankfulness--Colossians 2:7
- Firmly tells us we belong to God--2 Timothy 2:19
- Shows us how to live--Titus 1:1
- Cleanses sins--1 Peter 1:22 (loves covers, truth cleanses: Jesus full of truth and grace—covers and cleanses our sins!)
- Produces confidence in our salvation--1 John 3:19
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and never sell it…”
“Get the truth…”
Where are you finding “truth”? (Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”)
- Obvious “idols”—horoscope, psychics, witchcraft
- Not-so-obvious—self-help gurus, celebrities, magazines, books and newspapers, friends, other’s opinions, life experiences, your own “inner voice”-- The “truisms” we want to hide from are not the truth. “I am an addict,” may be true, but it is not the truth. “I am a failure, a bad person, a lousy husband, a terrible father, a scared new mother, a liar, a cheat, stupid, worthless, sick and tired, ready to quit, never going to make it, etc” may be true, but they are not truth.
- Pick and choose—rip out the pages of the Truth you don’t like, agree with, or are not ready to face.
- Go all in
- Trust the Word
1 Timothy 2:3-5 “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.”
John 8:31-32 “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (remain faithful and you will know the truth, and then you will know freedom. We want it the other way—know the truth and we will be faithful—obedience precedes understanding)
- Receive His Spirit
John 14:17 “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”
1 John 2:20 “But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth.”
- Love His Church
1 Timothy 3:15 “so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
2 John 1:1 “This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children (the church), whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth”
“…And never sell it…” Deal or No Deal?
Daniel 8:10-12 “Its power reached to the heavens, where it attacked the heavenly army, throwing some of the heavenly beings and some of the stars to the ground and trampling them. It even challenged the Commander of heaven’s army by canceling the daily sacrifices offered to him and by destroying his Temple. The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion. So the daily sacrifice was halted, and truth was overthrown. The horn succeeded in everything it did.” Heaven’s armies are restrained from responding because we respond to the circumstances instead of responding to the truth (Worship is a response to truth).
John 8:44 “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 4:23-24 “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
If worship is a lifestyle rather than an action, then a lifestyle lived by the Truth, responding to the Truth (response-able) would be the lifestyle the Father is looking for. For instance, when tired, hurt, brokenhearted, the Truth feed 5000 men and their families instead of withdrawing and becoming “me-focused”. When betrayed, the Truth sought out his betrayers with the goal of restoration, not retribution. When the Truth was cursed, he blessed. When he was rejected, he offered acceptance. When he was forsaken and alone, he trusted, worshipped and obeyed. When he was despised, hated, and persecuted, he loved and forgave. When he was misunderstood, he gently taught. When he was tempted, he spoke the truth.
The Blessing of Living in the Truth:
2 Samuel 7:27-29 “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!”
3 John 1:4 “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”
Sunday, April 18, 2010
04/14/10 - Seeing Him PT4 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Seeing Him" in this Wednesday service.
Seeing Him Part 4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Seeing Him Part 4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
04/11/10 - God Is HOLY - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "God Is..." in this Sunday service.
God Is... HOLY
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 11, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Big Idea: God is Holy. Holy is more than a theological word meaning “to be revered and worshipped.” It is the response given by those who have seen Him—it is their description given in complete awe. It is the word uttered when the realization comes that His is complete—in His presence nothing is missing or out of place. It is the revelation that, in spite of our betrayals and misconceptions, He is completely for us and our good. He is where we are made “whole”.
Psalm 99:9 “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the Lord our God is holy!”
Isaiah 6:1-8—Isaiah sees the Holy God. Isaiah, one of the most famous of the OT prophets, was experiencing tremendous upheaval in his life. All the things that made Israel what is was were being shaken or destroyed. The kingdom was divided and constantly under attack. The people were led off into captivity and the temple itself was looted and destroyed. Everything the Israelites believed was confronted—Is God really for us? Does He really exist? If so, where is He? In this passage, Isaiah finds the answers to the questions and his life and purpose become clear.
- His king had died: All of us have kings, other than God, in our lives. Our comfort zones, security blankets, our way of doing things—our areas of supposed strengths or our “hiding place” in times of stress. Just as the Israelites had 31 kings to displace after entering the promised land, we have kings we have allowed to remain that need to go. They are filling “holes” in our faith walk—substitutes for “wholly” trusting God. (story about my plan “B” for the first time we decided to trust God or our income—the wallpaper money)
- Holy, Holy, Holy shakes the Temple and its foundations—1 Corinthians 3:16—we are the temple. Sometimes our foundational beliefs, our world view, are built on wrong thinking and misconceptions. The holiness of God will always challenge and confront those. Hebrews 12:27
- “It’s all over. I’m doomed.” Our first response to a holy God is the recognition of our “incompleteness.” We see things, and ourselves, as they should be and could be. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity…” Then we choose—humility or hiding. Humility precedes holiness. We will never find wholeness by hiding our inadequacies. Humility results in what Isaiah experiences next—God picking him up and making him whole—equipping him for his destiny.
- Isaiah overhears Heaven’s plans. His choices have positioned him to experience “Holiness”. He hears a plan that he gives the rest of his life for—a plan that no opposition or obstacle will ever sway him again. He is wholly committed to the same thing a Holy God is committed to—the good of people.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Romans 8:31 [Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
God Is... HOLY
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 11, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Big Idea: God is Holy. Holy is more than a theological word meaning “to be revered and worshipped.” It is the response given by those who have seen Him—it is their description given in complete awe. It is the word uttered when the realization comes that His is complete—in His presence nothing is missing or out of place. It is the revelation that, in spite of our betrayals and misconceptions, He is completely for us and our good. He is where we are made “whole”.
Psalm 99:9 “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the Lord our God is holy!”
Isaiah 6:1-8—Isaiah sees the Holy God. Isaiah, one of the most famous of the OT prophets, was experiencing tremendous upheaval in his life. All the things that made Israel what is was were being shaken or destroyed. The kingdom was divided and constantly under attack. The people were led off into captivity and the temple itself was looted and destroyed. Everything the Israelites believed was confronted—Is God really for us? Does He really exist? If so, where is He? In this passage, Isaiah finds the answers to the questions and his life and purpose become clear.
- His king had died: All of us have kings, other than God, in our lives. Our comfort zones, security blankets, our way of doing things—our areas of supposed strengths or our “hiding place” in times of stress. Just as the Israelites had 31 kings to displace after entering the promised land, we have kings we have allowed to remain that need to go. They are filling “holes” in our faith walk—substitutes for “wholly” trusting God. (story about my plan “B” for the first time we decided to trust God or our income—the wallpaper money)
- Holy, Holy, Holy shakes the Temple and its foundations—1 Corinthians 3:16—we are the temple. Sometimes our foundational beliefs, our world view, are built on wrong thinking and misconceptions. The holiness of God will always challenge and confront those. Hebrews 12:27
- “It’s all over. I’m doomed.” Our first response to a holy God is the recognition of our “incompleteness.” We see things, and ourselves, as they should be and could be. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity…” Then we choose—humility or hiding. Humility precedes holiness. We will never find wholeness by hiding our inadequacies. Humility results in what Isaiah experiences next—God picking him up and making him whole—equipping him for his destiny.
- Isaiah overhears Heaven’s plans. His choices have positioned him to experience “Holiness”. He hears a plan that he gives the rest of his life for—a plan that no opposition or obstacle will ever sway him again. He is wholly committed to the same thing a Holy God is committed to—the good of people.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Romans 8:31 [Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
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