Walking With Jesus
Walking With Jesus: Relational & Intentional
November 20, 2022 • Pastor Steve Poole • Matthew 4:19, 1 Corinthians 4:15–17
WALKING WITH JESUS: Relational & Intentional Steve Poole THEME – Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men TEXT – Matthew 4:19, 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 DISCIPLESHIP IS… 1. Discipleship is NOT information transfer, but learning to obediently walk as Jesus walked. 2. Discipleship is caught, not taught. 3. Discipleship is like spiritual parenting. (1 Corinthians 4:15-17) 4. Discipleship is relational and intentional. (Luke 5:27-32) 5. Discipleship is our purpose. (Matthew 28:19-20) 6. Being a disciple is like being a part of a family. "While loneliness and isolation are unavoidable realities of living in this fallen world, relationships give richness and growth to our lives. God created us for connection. Fullness comes to us when we have a solid vertical connection with God and strong horizontal connections with others we can pour our love into." ~ Rabbi Sobel NEXT STEPS 1. Am I willing to ask God to give me the name of someone who can disciple me? And am I brave enough to ask them to be my spiritual mentor/parent? 2. Am I willing to pray and ask God for the names of a few people He is calling me to disciple? And be brave enough to reach out to them when God creates opportunities? 3. What is one way I can be more intentional in my relationships How can I ask more meaningful questions?
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and Fruit
November 13, 2022 • Pastor Leah Carolan • James 1:2–4, John 15:1–8, Luke 11:9–13
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and Fruit Leah Carolan THEME – The Father is glorified by much fruit. TEXT – John 15:1-8 REVIEW Jesus was a not a 'super-human' but was fully human walking in the power of the Holy Spirit during His time on earth, and we are empowered by that same Holy Spirit to do the things Jesus did. Three Types of Fruit in the Bible Character Fruit – Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)Conduct Fruit – Fruit of Righteousness (Philippians 1:11)Convert Fruit – Making new disciples (Romans 7:4-5) The Story of the Vineyard (John 15:1-8) Jesus is the vine.God the Father is the gardener.Grapes are a symbol of blessing/abiding. Four Levels of Fruit Bearing from John 15 No Fruit.FruitMore FruitMuch Fruit How to move from… No fruit to fruit: Address Sin. (John 15:2a)Fruit to more fruit: Accept Pruning. (John 15:2b)More fruit to much fruit: Abide in Jesus. (John 15:5) Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-20) A talent is 1.4 million dollars.Jesus is the master. We are the investment.The Kingdom of God is a sure investment! Don’t bury His investment in you. NEXT STEPS Confess sin.Accept the pruning.Choose to abide solely in Jesus.Follow the Holy Spirit.
Walking With Jesus: Leading into the Future
November 6, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Matthew 9:35–38
WALKING WITH JESUS: Leading Into the Future Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - It’s a great day to follow Jesus. TEXT - Matthew 9:35-38 REVIEW HS… Holy Spirit dependence. P… Prayerful guidance. O… Obedient living. W… Word-centered hearts. E… Exalting the Father in everything. R… Relational intentionality. 1. Kingdom Focused. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 2. Compassion Driven. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 3. Harvest Ready. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:1-15. A harvest ready church. 10:1-4. Follow our specific call.10:5-6. Fulfill our direct commission.10:7-8. Pursue clear objectives.10:9-15. Maintain confident convictions. NEXT STEPS Where do we feel called to bring the good news of the Kingdom?Follow the call.Celebrate - it is a great day to follow Jesus.
Walking With Jesus: Intentional Loving Relationships
October 30, 2022 • Pastor Steve Poole • Matthew 9:9–13, Matthew 9:18–38, Matthew 10:1
WALKING WITH JESUS: Intentional Loving Relationships Steve Poole THEME - Whatever good we do is the work of God through us. TEXT - Matthew 9:9-13, 9:18-38, 10:1 Holy Spirit POWER P - Praying as Jesus O - Obeying like Jesus W - Word centered like Jesus E - Exalting the Father R - Relational like Jesus 1. Jesus prioritized people. 2. Jesus saw people, not problems * “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” ~ Matthew 9:9 * Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. ~ Matthew 9:22 * But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. ~ Matthew 9:25 * When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ~ Matthew 9:26 REFLECT: * “Am I really willing to be kind to people regardless of their problems?” * “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” ~ Barbara Johnson * Genesis 16 – El Roi means, “God who sees me”! 3. Jesus sees people, not projects * When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 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.” 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. ~ Matthew 9:36-10-1 APPLICATION 1. Pray every morning, “God help me to SEE people not problems today. Fill me with love to show them kindness.” 2. When you feel moved by the Spirit to do something kind, seize the opportunity. Don’t underestimate the power of small acts of kindness in the hands of an almighty God. 3. If you feel, “unseen” by God or people, talk to a friend, elder, or pastor. We would love to pray.
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and the Father
October 23, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • John 17:1–11
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and the Father Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Whatever good we do is the work of God through us.. TEXT - John 17:1-11 Focus verse: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." ~ John 17:11b OUTLINE Review HS… Holy Spirit dependence. P… Prayerful guidance. O… Obedient living. W… Word-centered hearts. E… Exalting the Father in everything. R… Relational intentionality. 1. The Father Sustains All Things. "Protect them by the power of your name…" * Genesis 49-50 * Psalm 121 * Romans 8:28-35 * Luke 13:1-8 2. The Father Shares His Authority. " …the name you gave me…" * Psalm 135:6 * Job 42:2 * John 15:5 * Luke 10:1-24 3. The Father Unites All Followers. "http://...so that they may be one as we are one." * Psalm 133:1 * John 13:35 * Ephesians 4:1-6 * John 17 NEXT STEPS * Surrender * Worship * Serve
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and Scripture
October 16, 2022 • Gary Sager • Matthew 5:17–20
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and Scripture Gary Sager THEME - Jesus is our model—we need to know His view of Scripture TEXT - Matthew 5:17-20 OUTLINE 1. Walk With Jesus: Review Holy Spirit Dependence is: * P.rayerful Guidance * O.bedient Living * W.ord-Centered/Scripture * E.xalting the Father * R.elational Intentionality 2. Jesus believed the Scriptures point to Him. * Luke 4:22 - He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” * John 5:30 - You pour over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. * Luke 24:27 - Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 3. Jesus believed the Scriptures were perfect and true and they are to be obeyed and taught. * John 10:35 Scripture can’t be broken * John 17:17 Your Word is Truth * John 14:15 If you Love me, keep my commands * John 15:10 remain in love by keeping commandments * Matthew 4:1-11 – Fight Satan’s schemes with Biblical truth. * Matthew 5:20 – Corrects Pharisees and Scribes 4. Jesus believed the Scriptures focus on the heart and spirit of the law. * Matthew 5:21-28 * Matthew 23:1-36 Spirit/heart rather than letter. Internal rather than external Important Matters rather than Minor Points Character rather than Commands NEXT STEPS * Pray continually for Holy Spirit’s guidance. * Read, study, and memorize as the Psalmist says “Hide it in your heart” (Psalm 119:11) * Read Scripture together. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF CEDAR HILLS http://www.cedarhillscr.org/give
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and Obedience
October 9, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Matthew 7:13–29
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and Obedience Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Disciples who walk with Jesus hear and do. TEXT - Matthew 7:13-29 OUTLINE 1. Disciples live like Jesus. 1 John 2:3-6 (vs 6 - Whoever claims to live in Jesus must live as Jesus did.) Matthew 28:16-20 (vs 20a - …teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.) Matthew 5:48 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 2. Jesus obeyed. John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. John 8:29 - The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him. Luke 11:28 - Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. 3. Disciples obey - we hear AND do. John 14:15. If you love me, keep my commands. Matthew 7:13-29 - Two ways. (13-14); Two trees. (15-20); Two claims. (21-23); Two builders. (24-29) Matthew 25:31-46. Sheep and Goats. Matthew 13:24-30. Wheat and Weeds. “On the last day, God will not acquit us because our good works were good enough, but will look for evidence that our good confession was not phony…To run hard after holiness is another way of running hard after God.” ~ Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in our Holiness. NEXT STEPS • Pray • Read the Bible • Worship Jesus. • Share life with other disciples. • Meditate on 2 Peter 1:3-8
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and Prayer
October 2, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Luke 22:39–45, John 10:31, John 5:19, Mark 1:35
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and Prayer Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Praying like Jesus moves us into radical discipleship. TEXT - Luke 22:39-45 OUTLINE 1. What is radical prayer? When Jesus prayed, he expected God to hear him. "I and the Father are one." ~ John 10:31 “Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we’re invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak.” ~ Anne Lammot 2. Why pray radical prayers? * We pray because we can’t help it. Three essentials: Help, Thanks. Wow. * "Jesus gave them this answer: 'Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'" ~John 5:19 * “God is there to help. That’s what God’s job is.” ~ Anne Lammot 3. When do we pray radical prayers? * "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed." ~ Mark 1:35 * We pray when we know our total dependence on God. * “Most good, honest prayers remind me that I am not in charge, that I cannot fix anything, and that I open myself to being helped.” ~ Anne Lammot 4. Where do we pray radical prayers? * Where do you connect with God? * "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." ~ Luke 5:16 * “Awe is why we are here.” ~ Anne Lamott 5. How do we pray radical prayers? * Be real and be specific. * "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." ~ Luke 22:42 * “If I were going to begin practicing the presence of God for the first time today, it would help to begin by admitting the three most terrible truths of our existence: that we are so ruined, and so loved, and in charge of so little.” ~ Anne Lamott NEXT STEPS Start a prayer log. Explore new ways to pray. Talk to someone about your prayer life.
Walking With Jesus: Jesus and the Holy Spirit
September 25, 2022 • Pastor Steve Poole • Luke 3:21–22, Luke 4:1–2, Luke 4:14–21
WALKING WITH JESUS: Jesus and the Holy Spirit Steve Poole TEXT - Luke 3:21-22, Luke 4:1-2, Luke 4:14-21 OUTLINE 1. Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit, and so are WE a. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” ~ Luke 4:1 b. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” ~ Acts 2:2-4 2. Jesus was LED by the Holy Spirit, and so are WE a. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” ~ Luke 4:1 b. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” ~ Galatians 5:25 (NLT) 3. Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit, and so are WE a. ”And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.” ~ Luke 4:14 b. ”But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” ~ Acts 3:6-8 4. Jesus was ANOINTED by the Holy Spirit, and so are WE a. ”The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” ~ Luke 4:18 b. “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.” ~ Acts 10:44-45 5. Jesus was SENT by the Holy Spirit, and so are WE a. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” ~ Luke 4:18-19 b. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 2:8 6. The Holy Spirit is a person NOT a mystic force. 7. When are we filled with the Holy Spirit? – at salvation. 8. Why don’t I seem to have any of the power of the Holy Spirit in my life? The power of the Holy Spirit is not subject to our authority. He works on His time, in His ways, to accomplish His purposes.
Walking With Jesus: The Son of Man
September 18, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Hebrews 2:10–13, Hebrews 2:14–18
WALKING LIKE JESUS: The Son of Man Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - How Human is Jesus? TEXT - Hebrews 2:10-13, 14-18 OUTLINE For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way. Hebrews 2:17a 1. Celebrate the Glorious Son of Man. By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by his powerful words! Hebrews 1:3 2. Embrace the Suffering Son of Man. Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. Hebrews 2:14 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 3. Honor the Triumphant Son of Man. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:8-9 NEXT STEPS Celebrate the Son of Man. Trust the Son of Man. Share the Son of Man.
Walking With Jesus: The Heart of Jesus
September 11, 2022 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • John 13:1–17
WALKING WITH JESUS: The Heart of Jesus. Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Grow a Heart Like Jesus TEXT - John 13:1-17 OUTLINE - Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1b Grow a loving heart. * A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 Grow a confident heart. * Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. John 13:3-4 Grow a servant's heart. * Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28 Grow a humble heart. * Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 CHECK OUT the podcast in the links section! The Glory of the Triune God by Timothy Keller https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/the-glory-of-the-triune-god NEXT STEPS * Abide in Jesus. * Follow Jesus. * Listen to someone.