Esperanza viva

“La Palabra Viva”

1 Pedro 1.23-2.10

1. La naturaleza de la palabra viva
2. Vivificante
3. Permanece

2. La palabra viva es alimento
3. Cosas que debo dejar de hacer
4. Cosas que debo comenzar a hacer

3. El pueblo de la palabra viva
4. Un pueblo elegido
5. un pueblo con una misión

A classroom of children was busy.  Each child was drawing a picture.  The teacher went from desk to desk admiring each drawing and encouraging each child.  She came to one boy’s desk and studied his artwork.  “What are you drawing, Johnny?”  He answered, “God.”  The teacher chuckled and said, “Why Johnny, no one knows what God looks like.”  Without looking up Johnny said with conviction, “They will when I am finished.”

I want to say something daring—I believe that you will know what God is like after you hear this morning’s message.  The reason that I can say that is that the scripture that we are going to read this morning (beginning in John 1:1) presents God in “high-def.”

Our prayer is that, having seen Him for who He truly is, you will receive Him—you will prepare Him room.

1. Jesus is revealed

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . .  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1 and 14).

1. In his divinity
2. In his humanity
3. Jesus is rejected

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him (John 1:11).

1. Ownershipis stated
2. Opportunityis squandered
3. Jesus is received

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

1. Believein him
2. Becomelike him

Prepare Him Room

“The Night All Heaven Broke Loose”

Luke 2:8-20

1. Because of an announcement

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).

1. It prompted fear
2. It promised favor

2. Because of an assurance

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger (Luke 2:15-16).

1. Faith generated a response
2. Faith gained a reward

3. Because of actions

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. . . . 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:17 and 20).

1. They communicated the good news
2. They celebrated the good news

Un lugar para El

“la noche que los cielos se abrieron “

Lucas 2:8-20

1. A causa del anuncio

“Pero el ángel les dijo: No temáis; porque he aquí os doy nuevas de gran gozo, que será para todo el pueblo:  que os ha nacido hoy, en la ciudad de David, un Salvador, que es CRISTO el Señor. “ (Lucas 2:10-11).

1. Que produce temor
2. Que promete gozo

2. A causa de la fe

“Sucedió que cuando los ángeles se fueron de ellos al cielo, los pastores se dijeron unos a otros: Pasemos, pues, hasta Belén, y veamos esto que ha sucedido, y que el Señor nos ha manifestado.

Vinieron, pues, apresuradamente, y hallaron a María y a José, y al niño acostado en el pesebre.”

(Lucas 2:15-16).

1. Fe genera respuesta
2. Fe genera recompensa

3. A causa de las acciones

“Y al verlo, dieron a conocer lo que se les había dicho acerca del niño. Y todos los que oyeron, se maravillaron de lo que los pastores les decían. Pero María guardaba todas estas cosas, meditándolas en su corazón. Y volvieron los pastores glorificando y alabando a Dios por todas las cosas que habían oído y visto, como se les había dicho.” (Lucas 2:17 y 20).

1. Las buenas noticias se comunican
2. Las buenas noticias se celebran

Prepare Him Room

Luke 2:1-7

1. Sovereign orchestration

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town (Luke 2:1-3).

1. Prophecy foretold
2. Prophecy fulfilled

2. Simple obedience

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth (Luke 2:4-6).

1. A high calling
2. A high cost

3. Squandered opportunity

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

1. Because of busyness
2. Because of blindness

Un lugar para El

Lucas 2:1-7

1. Un tiempo exacto

1. Profecía predicha
2. Profecía cumplida

2. Una simple obediencia
3. Un alto llamado
4. Un alto costo

3. Desperdiciaron la oportunidad
4. A causa del ajetreo
5. A causa de la ceguera

The Bible is full of paradoxes.  The first shall be last.  The last shall be first.  To receive, we give.  To live, we die.  The greatest is the servant of all.  In humbling ourselves we are exalted.  The way up is down.

1 Peter 5:1-7 drives home some of these paradoxes.  If we are willing to serve—to put others first, God will bless that attitude and our lives will be better for it.

This spirit of humility is the theme that Peter emphasizes for the relationships that we are to have in the family of God.  Our model in it all is Jesus—the One who perfectly models the truth that the way up . . . is down.

What a great message as we approach the Christmas season!  What a motive for Thanksgiving!  He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of dying on the cross.  In doing so God exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name.  At that name we are saved.

Let’s follow Him as we descend into greatness.

Living Hope

“How to Defeat Our Defeated Foe”

1 Peter 5:8-11

1. Adversary in the battle

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

1. Our enemy is devious
2. Our enemy is destructive

2. Advice for the battle

Be sober-minded; be watchful. . . . Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world (1 Peter 5:8-9).

1. Be guarded
2. Be grounded

3. Ally in the battle

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:10-11).

1. He gives grace
2. He gives glory

Esperanza Viva

"hacer del resto de su tiempo lo mejor de su tiempo"

1 Pedro 4:1-11

1. Dejar el pecado

"Puesto que Cristo ha padecido por nosotros en la carne, vosotros también armaos del mismo pensamiento; pues quien ha padecido en la carne, terminó con el pecado," (1 Pedro 4:1).

1. Él nos da la armadura
2. El nos hace responsables

2. Comprometerse a servir

"para vivir durante el resto del tiempo en la carne, no ya para las pasiones humanas, sino por la voluntad de Dios" (1 Pedro 4:2).

1. Mirando hacia arriba
2. Mirando alrededor

3. Celebrar el Salvador

"El que habla, que hable conforme a las palabras de Dios; el que sirve, que lo haga por la fortaleza que Dios da, para que en todo Dios sea glorificado mediante Jesucristo, a quien pertenecen la gloria y el dominio por los siglos de los siglos Amén." (1 Pedro 4:11).

1. Él es nuestra fuerza
2. Él es nuestro Soberano

Esperanza viva

"El Camino Hacia arriba es abajo"

1 Pedro 5:1-7

1. Para los líderes del rebaño

“cuiden del rebaño que Dios les ha encomendado. Háganlo con gusto, no de mala gana ni por el beneficio personal que puedan obtener de ello, sino porque están deseosos de servir a Dios. 3 No abusen de la autoridad que tienen sobre los que están a su cargo, sino guíenlos con su buen ejemplo. 4 Así, cuando venga el Gran Pastor, recibirán una corona de gloria y honor eternos.” (1 Pedro 5.2-4)

1. Los líderes tienen una responsabilidad
2. Los líderes tienen una recompensa

2. Para los miembros en el rebaño

“el mismo modo, ustedes los más jóvenes tienen que aceptar la autoridad de los ancianos; y todos vístanse con humildad en su trato los unos con los otros, porque «Dios se opone a los orgullosos  pero da gracia a los humildes». Así que humíllense ante el gran poder de Dios y, a su debido tiempo, él los levantará con honor” (1 Pedro 5.5-6)

1. Los miembros tienen una responsabilidad
2. Los miembros tienen una recompensa

3. Para el Señor del rebaño

Pongan todas sus preocupaciones y ansiedades en las manos de Dios, porque él cuida de ustedes. (1 Pedro 5.7)

1. Su generosa dirección
2. Su generosa compasión

Living Hope

“How to Defeat Our Defeated Foe”

1 Peter 5:8-11

1. Adversary in the battle

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

1. Our enemy is devious
2. Our enemy is destructive

2. Advice for the battle

Be sober-minded; be watchful. . . . Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world (1 Peter 5:8-9).

1. Be guarded
2. Be grounded

3. Ally in the battle

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:10-11).

1. He gives grace
2. He gives glory

Esperanza Viva

"Cómo derrotar a nuestro enemigo derrotado"

1 Pedro 5:8-11

1. Adversario en la batalla

¡Estén alerta! Cuídense de su gran enemigo, el diablo, porque anda al acecho como un león rugiente, buscando a quién devorar. (1 Pedro 5:8).

1. Nuestro enemigo es astuto
2. Nuestro enemigo es destructivo

2. Consejos para la batalla

 ¡Estén alerta! Cuídense de su gran enemigo, el diablo, porque anda al acecho como un león rugiente, buscando a quién devorar. Manténganse firmes contra él y sean fuertes en su fe. (1 Pedro 5:8-9).

1. Estar atentos
2. Estar firmes

3. Aliado en la batalla

En su bondad, Dios los llamó a ustedes a que participen de su gloria eterna por medio de Cristo Jesús. Entonces, después de que hayan sufrido un poco de tiempo, él los restaurará, los sostendrá, los fortalecerá y los afirmará sobre un fundamento sólido ¡A él sea todo el poder para siempre! Amén. (1 Pedro 5:10-11).

1. Él da gracia
2. Él da gloria

Esperanza Viva

“La perspectiva bíblica del sufrimiento”

1 Pedro 4:12-19

Debemos comprender el sufrimiento

El sufrimiento es como fuego, la prueba purifica

El sufrimiento revela dónde reside nuestra confianza

El sufrimiento revela y destruye la confianza equivocada.

El sufrimiento nos enseña a confiar en Dios.

Debemos responder al sufrimiento

no se sorprenda porque nadie escapa del sufrimiento.

Recuerde que somos amados.

Alégrese porque el sufrimiento, nos identifica con Jesús.

Encomiéndese al fiel Creador.

Haga el bien.

Living Hope

“Make the Rest of Your Time the Best of Your Time”

1 Peter 4:1-11

1. Cease from sin

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1).

1. He gives us armor
2. He holds us accountable

2. Commit to service

“So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).

1. By reaching upward
2. By reaching outward

3. Celebrate the savior

“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).

1. He is our strength
2. He is our sovereign

Go Global

"Aún no hemos terminado"

Hechos 16:6-15

1. El Llamado

2. La Tarea

3. Los Resultados

Living Hope

“Life Is Good”

1 Peter 3:8-22

1. Right relationships
   1. With our community
   2. With our critics
2. Right ruler
   1. He can be open
   2. He can be opposed
3. Right response
   1. Be ready
   2. Be respectful

Harvest Day with guest speaker Tony Nolan

Esperanza Viva

“Matrimonio: hecho en el cielo, pero vivimos en la tierra”

1 Pedro 3.1-7

1. Esposas sabias

• Instrucciones
  1. Tienen la actitud correcta
  2. Hacen las cosas correctas
  3. Tienen el vestido correcto

• Gran impacto

2. Esposos sabios

• Instrucciones
  1. Son comprometidos
  2. Son comprensivos
  3. Son considerados

2) Gran impacto

Marriage.  It’s made in heaven but it’s lived on earth!  And there’s the rub.  Moonlight and kisses have a way of becoming daylight and dishes. 

Fortunately, God has given us counsel in His word to guide us in our marriages.  1 Peter 3:1-7 is a key passage chock-full of reliable counsel for couples.  Let’s pray that this Sunday will be a real shot in the arm for our families.

Living Hope

“Marriage: Made in Heaven but Lived on Earth”

1 Peter 3:1-7

1. Wisdom for Wives
   1. Basic instructions
      1. Have the right attitude
      2. Have the right actions

• Have the right adornment

1. Big impact

2. Help for Husbands
   1. Basic instructions
      1. Be committed
      2. Be considerate

• Be courteous

1. Big impact

What is God’s purpose for His people?  That is what we will explore in Sunday’s message.  In short, “our purpose as God’s people” includes:

1. God-honoring communication
2. God-honoring conduct
3. God-honoring consequence

Living Hope

“Our Purpose As God’s People”

1 Peter 2:9-2:25

1. God-honoring communication
   1. Has the right theme
   2. Has the right target
2. God-honoring conduct
   1. Requires abstention
   2. Requires action
3. God-honoring consequences
   1. The nations will witness grace
   2. The nations will worship God

Esperanza Viva

“En sus pasos”

1 Pedro 2.13-25

1. Cuando nos sometemos
2. la actitud en la sumisión
3. la razón de la sumisión
4. el alcance de la sumisión

2. Cuando soportamos injusticias
3. Una realidad
4. La actitud correcta
5. Una recompensa

3. Cuando hacemos el bien
4. Buscamos el bien común
5. Participamos activamente
6. Influenciamos pacientemente

Living Hope

“The Living Word”

1 Peter 1:23-2:10

1. The nature of the living word
   1. It is life-giving
   2. It is living
2. The nurture of the living word
   1. Stop some things
   2. Start some things
3. The nation of the living word
   1. Our description
   2. Our duty

Esperanza viva

“Vivamos…”

1 Pedro 1:13-22

1. Vivamos en esperanza
2. Con la actitud correcta
3. Por la razón correcta
4. Vivamos en santidad
5. El requisito para ser santo
6. Las razones para ser santo
7. Vivamos en armonía
8. Amor sincero
9. b. Amor profundo

Living Hope

“The Commands of Our Calling”

1 Peter 1:13-22

1. Be hopeful
   1. Have the right outlook
   2. Have the right object
2. Be holy
   1. The requirement to be holy
   2. The reasons to be holy
3. Be harmonious
   1. Love passionately
   2. Love purely

Living Hope

“Hope for Hard Times”

1 Peter 1:1-12

1. People of living hope
   1. Selected people
   2. Scattered people
2. Praise for living hope
   1. An exclamation of praise
   2. An explanation for praise
3. Privilege of living hope
   1. Privileged above the ancients
   2. Privileged above the angels

Controlling Our Emotions

Colossians 3: 1-4

Mike Holmes

A SETTLED HEART AND A SET MIND STEER EMOTIONS

Setting Your Heart:  Know who you are and whose you are.

Setting Your Mind:

• Create mental space (silence/solitude)
• Think about your thinking
• Pray for wisdom
• Process with trusted people
• Remember (who God is, what He said)
• Be thankful
• Choose truth (over illusions and lies)
• Be present minded
• Be eternally minded

Other Helpful Versus:

Prov 23:7, Prov 24: 3-7, Matt 6:33-34, Luke 22:19, Rom 8:6, Rom 8:28, Rom 12:2, 2 Cor 10:5, Eph 1:16-19, Phil 4:4-8, Col3:5-17, Jas 1:5

Helpful Resource:  Veritas Counseling Center - www.veritascc.org

Emotions

“Compassion”

Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a

1. A compassion for people

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (9:35-36).

2. A command to pray

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (9:37-38).

3. A calling to participate

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. . . . These twelve Jesus sent out (10:1, 5a).

EMOCIONES

“Compasión”

Mateo 9.35-10.1, 5a

1. Un llamado a compasión

2. Un llamado a orar

3. Un llamado a participar

The full portion of the second sermon will be updated and loaded on 8/22/2016. 

Video links of the services will be up at the Istrouma.org site ASAP.

The past few sermons in the series will be updated and uploaded as soon as possible.

Emotions

August 21, 2016

"Loneliness"

Matthew 27:46

1.  Created for community

2.  Separated by sin

3.  Liberated from loneliness

Emotions

“Peace”

John 16:33

1. The promise of peace
2. The person of peace
3. The power of peace
4. The price of peace

Emociones

"Paz"

Juan 16:33

“Les he dicho todas estas cosas para que en mí tengan paz. Aquí en el mundo tendrán mucha aflicción ; pero confíen (anímense), porque yo he vencido al mundo.” (Juan 16.33)

1. La promesa de paz

“Les he dicho todas estas cosas...” (Juan 16.33a)

2. La persona de la paz

“…para que en mí tengan paz….” (Juan 16.33b)

3. El poder de la paz

“… Aquí en el mundo tendrán mucha aflicción ; pero confíen (anímense),...” (Juan 16.33c)

4. El precio de la paz

“…porque yo he vencido al mundo…” (Juan 16.33d)

Baton Rouge is a city known for its joy and exuberance.  There’s not much that’s better than a crawfish boil, a tailgating party, or Saturday night in Death Valley. 

But is recent days that joy has been turned into sorrow.  Death has stalked our streets.  Laughter and camaraderie has become tears and division.  Instead of parties there have been funerals.  Is there a place for sorrow?  How ought we to deal with sorrow?

Sunday’s message will seek to answer those questions.  Jesus will be our example as he shows us how to live emotionally healthy lives even when sorrow comes knocking.

Thankful to know that “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning,”

Emotions

 “Sorrow”

Isaiah 53:3-6

1. Jesus carried our sorrows

2. Jesus confronted our sorrows

3. Jesus conquered our sorrows

Emociones

“Tristeza”

Isaías 53.3-6

1. Jesús experimento la tristeza

2. Jesús enfrento la tristeza

3. Jesús conquisto la tristeza

If you were asked to give one word that describes God, what would it be? 

Loving?  Holy?  Awesome?

Or maybe,

Distant?  Angry?  Mysterious?

Did you choose “joyful”?  Probably not many would choose that adjective.  But the Bible makes it clear that God, among the traits and emotions that mark him, is joyful.  Here are a handful of texts that affirm this:

1. Nehemiah 8:10 concludes, “. . . the joyof the LORD is your strength.”
2. Psalm 16:11, You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
3. Isaiah 62:5, “For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoiceover you.”
4. Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoiceover you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
5. Matthew 25:21, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joyof your master.’“
6. Luke 15:10, “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

As we will see on Sunday, “like father, like son.”  Jesus also lived a life marked by joy.   Yes, he was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” but the river of joy never ceased to flow.

And the best news is that his joy is our inheritance!  We will learn how to live in the joy that Jesus gives.

Emotions

“The Joy of Jesus”

John 15:1-11

1. A person of joy

1. In spite of his difficulties

1. In light of his destiny

2. A path to joy

1. Abide in Jesus

1. Ask of Jesus

3. A promise of joy

1. It is fruit

1. It is full

Emociones

"El gozo de Jesús"

Juan 15:1-11

1. Una persona gozosa

1. A pesar de sus dificultades

1. A la luz de su futuro

2. Un camino hacia el gozo

Si ustedes permanecen en mí y mis palabras permanecen en ustedes, pueden pedir lo que quieran, ¡y les será concedido! (Juan 15.7)

1. Permaneciendo en Jesús

1. Pidiendo de Jesús

3. Una promesa de gozo

Les he dicho estas cosas para que se llenen de mi gozo; así es, desbordarán de gozo. (Juan 15.11)

1. El gozo es el fruto

1. El gozo es completo

Sr. Spock, Hulk y Jesús

“Alégrense con los que están alegres y lloren con los que lloran.

Vivan en armonía unos con otros…”

Romanos 12.15-16ª

1. Debemos aceptar nuestras emociones

“Alégrense con los que están alegres y lloren con los que lloran…”

Romanos 12.15

2. Debemos controlar nuestras emociones

“Alégrense con los que están alegres y lloren con los que lloran…”

Romanos 12.15

3. Debemos expresar nuestras emociones

“Vivan en armonía unos con otros…” Romanos 12.16ª

People handle emotions differently.  Some people are like Mr. Spock from Star Trek fame.  He relied on logic and downplayed his emotions. 

Some people are like the Hulk.  At times his anger transforms him into a raging, uncontrollable beast. 

Which is right?  Are we to deny our emotions and stuff them down?  Or are we to let our emotions have free reign and allow them to dominate us? 

Neither.

There is a better way.  Jesus did not deny his emotions.  He felt a wide range of emotions.  The gospels record him experiencing many different emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, peace, loneliness, and compassion.  But never did these emotions dominate him.  Instead, he directed or controlled his emotions.  He channeled them in a way that glorified God and helped others. 

Emotions

“Mr. Spock, the Hulk, and Jesus”

Key Verses: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:15-6a).

1. A command to be embraced

2. A control to be exercised

3. A community to be experienced

In our series we will take these emotions one by one and see how we can live emotionally as Jesus did.

Our key passage for Sunday is Romans 12:15-16a, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.”

Dark Horse

"Epitaph"

Acts 13: 36-39

1. A life of service

a.  Time of his service

b. Target of his service

2.  A life of sacrifice

a.  Jesus died for sin

b.  Jesus defeated sin

3.  A life of salvation

a.  The requirement for it

b.  The results of it

EL ELEGIDO

Hombres valientes

2 Samuel 23

“Estos son los nombres de los valientes que tuvo David…” 2 Samuel 23.8ª

1. 1. Los hombres valientes forman un equipo
2. Diferentes Orígenes
3. Diferentes pasados
4. Los hombres valientes tienen una causa
5. El Reino del Rey
6. El deseo del Rey
7. Hombres valientes tienen un comandante
8. El los Ama
9. Ellos lo aman

I remember a time in school when something that I attempted completely backfired.  A group of us students were at a park goofing off.  There were some large swings there and I jumped in one.  I swung as high as I could.  I decided I would back flip out of the swing to impress the girls. 

Well, I did it but I miscalculated!  Instead of flipping out and gracefully landing on my feet in triumph, I over-rotated and landed right on my rear.  Ouch!  No permanent damage—just a mud-stained bottom and wounded pride.  

I wanted to impress everyone but it backfired.  I just embarrassed myself. 

A lot of times in life things backfire.  It happened in David’s life.  He decides to count his men in a nation-wide census.  I believe it may have been an attempt on his part to show the world his might and power.  But it completely backfired.  In fact, after the census he had fewer men than when he began. 

What can we do when our foolish decisions backfire?  This Sunday’s message will be a caution against foolhardy schemes and an encouragement that, even when life backfires, there is hope in Jesus.

Dark Horse

“A Senseless Census”

2 Samuel 24

1. The choice to sin

1. A harmless deed

1. A harmful desire

2. The consequence of sin

1. Personal conviction

1. Public crisis

3. The cure for sin

1. Plea to be pardoned

1. Price to be paid

Dark Horse

“Scandal”

2 Samuel 11-12

1. The committing of sin

2. The concealing of sin

3. The conviction of sin

4. The confession of sin

5. The cleansing of sin

6. The consequences of sin

EL ELEGIDO

“Llevarlo a casa”

2 Samuel 6

1. El deseo del Rey

1. La presencia de Dios
2. El poder de Dios

2. La obra del Rey

1. Algo bueno de la forma incorrecta
2. Algo bueno de la forma correcta

3. El deleite del Rey

1. Celebremos en alabanza
2. Continuemos en alabanza

The NBA playoffs are in full swing.  This year’s teams include the likes of the Golden State Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers are led by none other than the King—LeBron James.  He’s in his second stint with them.  Although he has twice won the NBA championship with Miami, he’s never brought home the championship to his home state of Ohio.   Northeast Ohio has been a depressed area.  Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is sometimes referred to as the “Mistake by the Lake.”  Having grown up there with a single mom, LeBron knows what it would mean to his people.  He wants to “bring it home.”  I hope he and his teammates can do it.

There was another king who wanted to bring home something of infinitely greater value.  David, the King of Israel, wanted to bring home the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  That represented the very presence and power of God.  These were blessings that they had lived without for many years.  He knew what it would mean to his people to renew their relationship with the living God.

Every one of us ought to desire the same--to bring home the presence and power of God.  The best news is that the “home” of God in our time is not a burning bush, a tabernacle or temple; we can be the living temple of the Lord.  He wants to come and dwell in each and every heart. 

Now that’s a victory we all ought to bring home!  Bring it home!

Dark Horse

“Bring It Home”

2 Samuel 6

1. The king’s desire

1. God’s presence

1. God’s power

2. The king’s deed

1. The right thing the wrong way

1. The right thing the right way

3. The king’s delight

1. Celebrate in worship

1. Continue in worship

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.  That’s not a biblical verse, but it’s got some truth in it.  Just because you start well doesn’t guarantee that you’ll finish well. 

Let me tell you about an example that happened earlier this month.  The girls’ softball team at Wylie High School in Texas lost the district championship because they did not finish well.

Wylie was playing McKinney North High School, and they were up by two runs in the final inning of the game. There were two outs, but the bases were loaded with McKinney North players, so it was still a precarious situation. A McKinney North player hit the ball to short, and a Wylie player picked it up and fed it to her teammate at second.

Everyone on the Wylie team thought it was a forceout, and so they began throwing gloves and hats and running in to celebrate their championship victory. But what they didn't see was the umpire calling the runner safe at second, meaning they hadn't actually won. 

McKinney North players figured out what was up, and they kept running the bases despite the other team acting like they'd won. One Wylie player finally realized what was happening and ran from the celebration to pick up the ball and throw home, but there was no one at home plate to catch the ball.

Wylie players rushed to pick up the gloves they'd thrown and get back in the game, but by that point it was too late. Three runs scored and McKinney North won the game 7-6. 

Lesson?  Don’t quit.  Finish well.

God wants us to finish well.  Just because you start well doesn’t guarantee that you’ll finish well.   We are going to look at an example of this in the life of King Saul. 

If you were to caption the life of Saul in a single verse, what would it be?  Some have suggested that it be 1 Samuel 26:21b, “behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.” How did he “play the fool”?  He started well.  He finished tragically. 

My prayer is that God will help us to “finish well”!

Dark Horse

“Finish Well”

Key verse: “. . . behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly” (1 Sam. 26:21b, KJV).

1. Undeserved favor

2. Unnecessary failures

3. Unfortunate finish

El Elegido

“Amigos”

1 Samuel 18: 1-5

1. La Amistad verdadera es Espiritual

2. La Amistad verdadera es leal

3. La Amistad verdadera fortalece

4. La Amistad verdadera es sacrificial

Dark Horse

“Friends”

1 Samuel 18:1-5

1. Spiritual friends

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul (1 Sam. 18:1).

2. Supportive friends

And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear . . . . You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. . . .” (1 Sam. 23:16-17).

3. Sacrificial friends

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt (1 Sam. 18:3-4).

El Elegido

“El triunfo del menospreciado”

1 Samuel 17

1. Enfrenta sus luchas

Y dijo David a Saúl: No desmaye el corazón de ninguno a causa de él; tu siervo irá y peleará contra este filisteo. (1 Sam. 17.32)

2. Confía en Dios

Entonces dijo David al filisteo: Tú vienes a mí con espada y lanza y jabalina; mas yo vengo a ti en el nombre de Jehová de los ejércitos, el Dios de los escuadrones de Israel, a quien tú has provocado. (1 Sam 17.45)

3. Proclama al mundo

Jehová te entregará hoy en mi mano, y yo te venceré, y te cortaré la cabeza, y daré hoy los cuerpos de los filisteos a las aves del cielo y a las bestias de la tierra; y toda la tierra sabrá que hay Dios en Israel. (1 Sam 17.46)

Dark Horse

“How Underdogs Overcome”

1 Samuel 17

1. Take up the fight

And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:32).

2. Trust in the Lord

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Sam. 17:45).

3. Tell the world

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1 Sam. 17:46).

Dark Horse

1 Samuel 16:1-13

1. The height of a dark horse

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature . . .” (1 Sam. 16:7a).

2. The heart of a dark horse

. . . For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7b).

3. The help for a dark horse

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward (1 Sam. 16:13a).

#Go225

“Give”

Matthew 10:42

1. A strategic partnership

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

1. Different role

1. Same goal

2. A simple present

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

1. A little gift

1. A life-giving gift

3. A sure promise

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

#go225

“Dar”

Mateo 10:42

1. Una Alianza estratégica

“…Y quien dé siquiera un vaso de agua fresca a uno de estos pequeños por tratarse de uno de mis discípulos, les aseguro que no perderá su recompensa.” (Mateo 10.42)

1. Un trabajo diferente

1. Un mismo objetivo

2. Un simple regalo

" Y quien dé siquiera un vaso de agua fresca a uno de estos pequeños por tratarse de uno de mis discípulos, les aseguro que no perderá su recompensa.” (Mateo 10.42)

1. Un regalo pequeño

1. Un regalo que da vida

3. Una promesa segura

“…Y quien dé siquiera un vaso de agua fresca a uno de estos pequeños por tratarse de uno de mis discípulos, les aseguro que no perderá su recompensa.” (Mateo 10.42)

#go225

“Oremos”

Mateo 9.35-10.1

1. Un llamado a compasión

“Jesús recorrió todas las ciudades y aldeas de esa región, enseñando en las sinagogas y anunciando la Buena Noticia acerca del reino; y sanaba toda clase de enfermedades y dolencias. Cuando vio a las multitudes, les tuvo compasión, porque estaban confundidas y desamparadas, como ovejas sin pastor”. (Mateo 9.35-36)

1. Se demuestra en nuestras acciones

1. Se demuestra en nuestras actitudes

2. Un llamado a orar

“A sus discípulos les dijo: La cosecha es grande, pero los obreros son pocos. Así que oren al Señor de la cosecha; pídanle que envíe más obreros para la cosecha”. (Mateo 9.37-38)

1. Por la cosecha

1. Por los obreros

3. Un llamado a participar

“Jesús reunió a sus doce discípulos y les dio autoridad para expulsar espíritus malignos y para sanar toda clase de enfermedades y dolencias”. (Mateo 10.1)

1. En un equipamiento para el servicio.

1. En la expansión del Reino.

#Go225

“Pray”

Matthew 9:35-10:1

1. A compassion for people

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (9:35-36)

1. Shows in our actions

1. Starts in our attitudes

2. A command to pray

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (9:37-38).

1. In light of the harvest

1. For laborers for the harvest

3. A calling to participate

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction (10:1).

1. In an expansion of ministry

1. In an equipping for ministry

"Lo primero es lo primero"

(1 Corintios 15:1-10)

“Primero lo primero”. Este es un dicho que todos conocemos. Significa que debemos prestar atención y atender las cosas mas importantes primero. 

La historia de la Pascua es lo "primero, primero" en nuestra relación con el Señor. Oremos para que esto sea una realidad en este Domingo de Resurrección!

Después de todo, "primero lo primero".

1. El contenido de las buenas nuevas

“…Cristo murió por nuestros pecados tal como dicen las Escrituras. Fue enterrado y al tercer día fue levantado de los muertos, tal como dicen las Escrituras. Lo vio Pedro y luego lo vieron los Doce. (1 Corintios. 15:3-5).

1. Dos eventos
2. Dos evidencias

2. Las consecuencias de las buenas nuevas

“Pero por la gracia de Dios soy lo que soy; y su gracia no ha sido en vano para conmigo, antes he trabajado más que todos ellos; pero no yo, sino la gracia de Dios conmigo "

(1 Corintios. 15:10).

1. La Gracia hacia nosotros
2. La Gracia con nosotros

3. La comunicación de las buenas nuevas

Yo les transmití a ustedes lo más importante y lo que se me había transmitido a mí también. Cristo murió por nuestros pecados tal como dicen las Escrituras. (1 Corintios. 15:3).

1. Recibir el evangelio
2. Compartir el evangelio

“First Things First”

1 Corinthians 15:1-10

1. The content of the good news

. . . Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,  and that he appeared . . . (1 Cor. 15:3-5).

1. Two events
2. Two evidences

2. The consequence of the good news

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me (1 Cor. 15:10).

1. Grace toward us
2. Grace with us

3. The communication of the good news

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received . . . (1 Cor. 15:3a).

1. Relay the gospel
2. Receive the gospel

Levántate

“La elección mas importante en la vida”

Josué 24:13-25

1. Haz tu elección

“Ahora, pues, temed a Jehová, y servidle con integridad y en verdad; y quitad de entre vosotros los dioses a los cuales sirvieron vuestros padres al otro lado del río, y en Egipto; y servid a Jehová. Y si mal os parece servir a Jehová, escogeos hoy a quién sirváis; si a los dioses a quienes sirvieron vuestros padres, cuando estuvieron al otro lado del río, o a los dioses de los amorreos en cuya tierra habitáis; …” (Josué 24.14-15)

1. Temer a Dios

1. Servir a Dios

1. Quitar los dioses

2. Hoy es el día

“ …escogeos hoy a quién sirváis; …pero yo y mi casa serviremos a Jehová.” (Josué 24.5)

1. Es una decisión inmediata

1. Es una decisión individual

1. Es una decisión influenciable

3. Ten presente tu compromiso

“Entonces el pueblo respondió y dijo: Nunca tal acontezca, que dejemos a Jehová para servir a otros dioses;…nosotros, pues, también serviremos a Jehová, porque él es nuestro Dios. Entonces Josué dijo al pueblo: No podréis servir a Jehová, porque él es Dios santo, y Dios celoso; no sufrirá vuestras rebeliones y vuestros pecados”. (Josué 24.16-19)

1. Declara tu compromiso

1. Cumple tu compromiso

Levántate

“La elección mas importante en la vida”

Josué 24:13-25

1. Haz tu elección

“Ahora, pues, temed a Jehová, y servidle con integridad y en verdad; y quitad de entre vosotros los dioses a los cuales sirvieron vuestros padres al otro lado del río, y en Egipto; y servid a Jehová. Y si mal os parece servir a Jehová, escogeos hoy a quién sirváis; si a los dioses a quienes sirvieron vuestros padres, cuando estuvieron al otro lado del río, o a los dioses de los amorreos en cuya tierra habitáis; …” (Josué 24.14-15)

1. Temer a Dios

1. Servir a Dios

1. Quitar los dioses

2. Hoy es el día

“ …escogeos hoy a quién sirváis; …pero yo y mi casa serviremos a Jehová.” (Josué 24.5)

1. Es una decisión inmediata

1. Es una decisión individual

1. Es una decisión influenciable

3. Ten presente tu compromiso

“Entonces el pueblo respondió y dijo: Nunca tal acontezca, que dejemos a Jehová para servir a otros dioses;…nosotros, pues, también serviremos a Jehová, porque él es nuestro Dios. Entonces Josué dijo al pueblo: No podréis servir a Jehová, porque él es Dios santo, y Dios celoso; no sufrirá vuestras rebeliones y vuestros pecados”. (Josué 24.16-19)

1. Declara tu compromiso

1. Cumple tu compromiso

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ARISE

“How to Grow Old without Growing Cold”

Joshua 14:6-15

1. Strong start

And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to [Joshua], “You know what the Lord said . . . concerning you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart” (Joshua 14:6-7).

1. Despite his heritage
2. Due to his heart

2. Patient pace

And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years . . . And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. 11 I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming (Joshua 14:10-11).

1. Sustained by the Lord
2. Strengthened by the Lord

3. Fearless finish

So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said (Joshua 14:12).

1. Dependent on the Lord
2. Determined for the Lord

“No te dejes engañar”

Josué 9:1-27

1. Mantente alerta a los engaños.

Sin embargo, cuando los habitantes de Gabaón oyeron lo que Josué había hecho a Jericó y a la ciudad de Hai, y recurrieron al engaño para salvarse la vida. Enviaron a unos representantes ante Josué

(Josué 9.3-4a)

1. Evita decisiones emocionales.

1. Evita decisiones apuradas.

2. Mantente alerta a las direcciones.

Entonces los israelitas revisaron el alimento de los gabaonitas pero no consultaron al Señor. (Josué 9.14)

1. Busca el consejo de Dios.

1. Estudia el consejo de Dios.

3. Mantente alerta al deber.

Lo que tenemos que hacer es dejarlos con vida, porque el enojo divino caería sobre nosotros si no cumpliéramos nuestro juramento. (Josué 9.20)

1. Lo que Dios espera de ti.

1. El ejemplo de Dios para ti.

ARISE

“Don’t Be Duped”

Joshua 9:1-27

1. Be alert for deception

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they on their part acted with cunning . . . (Josh. 9:3-4a).

1. Avoid sensory decisions
2. Avoid sudden decisions

2. Be attuned for direction

So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord (Josh. 9:14).

1. Seek God’s counsel
2. Study God’s counsel

3. Be aware of duty

This we will do to them: let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath that we swore to them (Josh. 9:20).

1. God’s expectation
2. God’s example

Arise

“If at first you don’s succeed,….”

Josua 8:1-35

1.  If at first you don’t succeed, find out why

Israel has sinned…i will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you… You cannot stand before your enemies until you [do this]” (Joshua 7-11-13)

1.  Defeat is caused by disobedience
2.  Defeat is caused by desertion

2.  If at first you done succeed, fix what went wrong

And they raised over him great heap of stones that remains to this day.  Then the Lord turned from his burning anger (Joshua 7:26a)

1. Get clean
2. Get connected
4.  If at first you don’t succeed, arise and try again

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed.  Take all the fighting men with you an, and arise, go up to Ai”  (Joshua 8:1a)

1.  Take everybody

And you shall do to IA and it’s king as you did to Jericho and it’s king, Only its’s spoil and is livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves (Joshua 8:30-31)

1.  Take everything

4.  If at first you don’t succeed but then you do, remember to worship

At that time Joshua built a altar to the lord, the God of Israel…And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. (Joshua 8:30-31

1.  Worship involves sacrifice

And afterward he read all the words of the law….There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women and the little ones, and the sojourns who lived among them (Joshua 8:34-35).

1.  Worship involves scripture 

Small mistakes can have costly consequences.

In 1990 the United States launched the Hubble telescope into space (photo).  Many of its dramatic photos have become iconic (photos).  It enabled us to peer into the recesses of space without the distortions of earth’s atmosphere.  It cost 1.5 billion to create and launch.  However, its beginning was marred.  When the first images were received, the scientists were horrified.  There was a startling lack of clarity.  The pictures were fuzzy.  They discovered that the mirror was ground with a small deviation of 2.2 micrometers (photo).  They were off by only 1/50th the width of a human hair.  Small mistake.

They set about devising a correction.  It required another mission to outer space to place further corrective lenses on Hubble (photo).  That small mistake cost an additional 1.2 billion!

Small mistakes can have costly consequences.

In our lives we often err—in big and small ways and I wonder if we ever stop to consider the consequences.  Small sins, missteps, transgressions can cost us dearly and cost those dear to us.  

Perhaps no story in the Bible better illustrates this than the account of Achan in Joshua 7.  He pilfered some silver, some gold and a purple robe—not that much it would seem—but the cost to him, his family and his nation was astronomical.

It’s a perfect case study of sin—its culprits, its cost, and most importantly, its cure!  Don’t miss that last word.  There is hope.  There is a cure.  Though we all sin, there is a Savior.

ARISE

“A Case Study of Sin”

Joshua 7:1-26

1. Sin’s culprits

But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan . . . took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel. (Joshua 7:1).

1. Obvious culprit

1. Overlooked culprits

2. Sin’s cost

And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones (Joshua 7:25).

1. Individual cost

1. Incidental cost

3. Sin’s cure

Then the Lord turned from his burning anger. Therefore, to this day the name of that place is called the Valley of Achor (Joshua 7:26b).

1. Admission of sin

1. Atonement for sin

ARISE

“Let the Walls Fall”

Joshua 6:1-27

1. Strange Orders
   1. God has a pattern
   2. God has a purpose
2. Strict Obedience
   1. Without debate
   2. Without delay
   3. Without doubt
3. Special Offering
   1. Give to the Lord
   2. Get from the Lord
4. Successful Outcome
   1. For the battle
   2. For the believer

Arise

“For or Against?”

Joshua 5:13-15

1. Lord with us

1. He is ready

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand (Joshua 5:13a).

1. He is regal

And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped (Joshua 5:13b-14a).

2. Lord over us

1. He declares his Lordship

I am the commander of the army of the Lord (Joshua 5:14).

1. He demonstrates his Lordship

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so (Joshua 5:14b-15).

3. Lord for us

1. In our struggles

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

1. In our salvation

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

Arise

“Our God Is Our Guide”

Joshua 3:1-4:24

1. Follow the Leader

1. He gives clear instructions

And [Joshua] commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it” (Joshua 3:3).

1. He gives compelling incentives

. . . In order that you may know the way you shall go for you have not passed this way before (Joshua 3:4b).

2. Fear the Lord

1. That means respect

Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it (Joshua 3:4a).

1. That means repentance

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5).

3. Foster the Legacy

1. For the children

And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over . . .” (Joshua 4:21-23a).

1. For the countries

So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever (Joshua 4:24).

Arise

“From the Hall of Shame to the Hall of Fame”

Joshua 2:1-24

1. Real faith

1. Is shown in words

“The Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11b).

1. Is shown in works

“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:25-26).

2. Reasoned faith

“For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan . . .” (Joshua 1:10a).

1. Is based on words about God

1. Is based on the works of God

3. Rewarded faith

1. Is given life

“But Joshua spared Rahab . . .” (Joshua 6:25a).

1. Is given a legacy

“And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king” (Matthew 1:5-6

Arise

“Borderline Believers”

Joshua 1:10-15

1. Senseless compromise

The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and . . . said, . . . 5 If we have found favor in your eyes,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan” (Numbers 32:1-5).

1. It is costly

1. It is contagious

2. Second chance

. . . but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it (Joshua 1:14b-15a).

1. For responsibilities

1. For reward

3. Serious caution

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

1. About covenants

1. About consequences

Arise

“The Secret of Success”

Joshua 1:6-9

1. Success requires courage

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them (Joshua 1:6).

1. Courage is commanded

1. Courage is contagious

2. Success requires commitment

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:7-8).

1. To learn the Word of God

1. To live the Word of God

3. Success requires companionship

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

1. Clarification of his promise

1. Consequence of his presence

A mulligan in golf is a second chance.  It is usually granted after the first attempt is duffed. Wouldn’t it be great if life afforded us a second chance?  Well, the good news of the gospel is that we can have a second chance.  

Israel got a second chance to enter the Promised Land.  Now, to be sure, they blew it the first time.   God had rescued them from Egypt and brought them miraculously to the brink of the Promised Land.  There they balked.  They doubted and refused to go forward.  That whole generation died in the wilderness.  What should have been a couple weeks’ journey from Egypt to Israel turned into forty years of wandering.  Finally, God brought them back to the Jordan.  The ball is teed up.  It’s their mulligan moment.  God says,

Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.

Thankfully, they had learned their lesson and this new generation arose and said “yes” to the Lord!  

As we retrace the journey of the Israelites, it is an opportunity us to have a fresh start too.  May He hear us say “yes” as He calls us to a new place of obedience in 2016!

Arise!

Arise

“Make the Most of Your Mulligan”

Joshua 1:1-5

1. Face the facts (v. 1-2a)

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, “Moses my servant is dead . . .” (Joshua 1:1-2a).

1. Hard truth

1. Heartening truth

2. Face the future

Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses (Joshua 1:2b-3).

1. Partnership with God

1. Promises from God

3. Face the foes

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5).

1. Clarification about this promise

1. Condition for this promise