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Looking to Jesus - Continued II

The Gift of Friendship

January 21, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 49 “The Gift of Friendship” Hebrews 13:2 In the garden, God saw that “Adam was alone,” and this was the first thing God named “not good” (Gen. 2:19). Loneliness and isolation are the cause of much mental illness and early mortality, according to a recent study by National Academy of Sciences in the United States. Loneliness is the disease and Jesus’ church is the cure. As people receive the gospel of grace, they are added to the local church. In other words, when folks are born-again, they are adopted into the family of God, and loved unconditionally by Him (Eph. 1:15). In Hebrews 13:1, God commands that followers of Jesus love one another continually. In Hebrews 13:2, He commands that we also love people who are outside the local church. God’s strategy is simple; show hospitality. Hospitality, is a command with a promise of immediate blessing from God (philonexia = love of strangers). When’s the last time you had someone over for dinner? Open your heart to God; open your heart to strangers and open your homes as God’s preferred vehicle for the transmission of the Life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. Love in Christ, Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Q: When’s the last time you had a non-family member over for dinner? What was the occasion? Q: Have you ever had the impression that you might have had an “angel encounter?” A time when you suspected that a “supernatural being” was involved? READ FIRST: Hebrews 13:2 Q: READ Genesis 18:1-8. Who was Abraham “entertaining” as guests? Do you think this still happens to Christians today? And, do you think that “entertaining angels” is a good motive for showing hospitality? Q: The Greek word “philonexia” literally means “love of strangers,” and refers specifically to hospitality. How does the gift of hospitality communicate the love of Christ? Q: What can people (hopefully) learn about Jesus by spending time in your home? What virtues are revealed? What would be the strongest message communicated to folks who have dinner with you in your home? Q: Why do you think this happens so rarely nowadays? What issues would be addressed if people shared a meal in your home? What problems could be solved by this kind of sharing?

Brotherly Love

January 14, 2018 • Pastor Luke Dailey

Sermon Meditation Looking to Jesus, Part 48 Love for the Church Please read Hebrews 13:1 I was born in a small town of Pennsylvania. My parents had a home on a cornfield down an old road. They decided to move to Florida when I was four years old. But every year we would go back to the cluster of small towns where my extended family lived. While living in Florida, I began playing basketball and became a major NBA fan. My favorite player was Allen Iverson. Iverson played for the Philadelphia 76ers. I tried to talk my dad into going to a game every time we went to visit our family in Pennsylvania. The city of Philadelphia is an interesting city. It is not the safest or cleanest city, and generally people can be rude on the streets. This is interesting because the meaning of the name of the city Philadelphia is “brotherly love.” In the establishment of the city, the founders wanted the city to be a place to remember the unity we have as a country. The founding meaning of the city is now lost. In our passage, the author exhorts the listeners to “let brotherly love (philadelphia) continue.” This is an important message to the church at all times! If our brotherly love is lacking or missing it is because we have lost sight of the gospel. Like most issues in the believer’s life, this is a gospel issue. So the question for us to answer is “how can we let brotherly love continue unhindered?” This question will be answered on Sunday. I pray I’ll see you there! Pastor Luke HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Q: In one or two words, how would you describe the relationships you had with your brothers and sisters when you were growing up? Q: Who has been as close to you as a brother? READ FIRST: Hebrews 13:1 & I Corinthians 13 Q: In what areas should brotherly love define Christians (Heb. 13:1-7)? What consequences are spelled out here for those who do? And for those who don’t? What help is offered to those who struggle (Heb. 13:6-8)? Q: (First read I Corinthians 13) - When in life have you felt most loved? How did that love affect your life? Q: In I Corinthians 13:1-3, what activities are useless without love? Q: In I Cor. 13, what does Paul say “love is?” And what does he say love “is not?” Q: Looking at love in verses 4-7, in which of these are you the strongest? In which are you weakest?

An Unshakable Kingdom

January 7, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 47 An Unshakable Kingdom Hebrews 12:25-29 R.S.V.P. is the abbreviation for the French phrase, répondez, s'il vous plaît. It is common courtesy to respond whether one plans to attend an event or not. This is for the purpose of assisting a host in planning for an event, in order to ensure that provisions are adequate for the crowd in attendance. R.S.V.P.’s, however, seem to be a courtesy belonging to a by-gone age. If an R.S.V.P. is required for an event, most folks prefer to wait until the last possible moment to commit. This is because we live in an age when people like to keep their options open till the last moment, just in case something better comes along. I’ve shared the gospel with people who agree with the truth, but are unwilling to R.S.V.P., even to God. Often, the reason is that they are not quite ready to give up the sin that has entangled them and commit to a life of following Jesus. God’s warning is that there will be a day when the invitation to come is ended and the judgment begins. Our God is a consuming fire. His warning is “time sensitive,” and will be heeded by the wise. God says, “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking.” Today is the day of salvation, and the time of Christ’s return is sooner than it ever has been. See you Sunday in worship and, hopefully, one day in Heaven! Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Q: Have you ever been offered a free gift and had to decline the gift? What was the reason? Q: What the loudest noise you’ve ever heard? How did you react to the sound? READ FIRST: Hebrews 12:25-29 Q: What is God’s warning to those who “refuse Him who speaks?” (vv. 25) How did the people respond when they heard God speak on Mt. Sanai? (vv. 18, 19) What does this tell about the Voice of God? How did Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection change this? How do we hear from God today? Q: Name some things “that can be shaken” (vv.26, 27)? What will God do with these things? Why? Q: What are some things that are “unshakable?” Q: Thinking about those things that either can or cannot be shaken, how should this affect our decisions in the future? What investments are worthwhile? Are there any changes you’d like to make in light of this reality? Q; What can we expect to receive? (v. 28) How should we respond to this great joy?

A Tale of Two Mountains - Hebrews 12:18-21

December 31, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 46 A Tale of Two Mountains Hebrews 12:18-21 Our passage tells the tale of two mountains. The first mountain is ferocious and fearful, a place of flaming fire, darkness, and gloom. Even Moses found himself terrified and trembling there.* The second contains the city of the living God, filled with the singing of angels, joy, and peaceful perfection. The journey from the first to the second is perilous and, for us, impossible to navigate. Only one man could successfully make the passage from the terror of the unfiltered wrath of a Holy God to the safe-haven of acceptance into a new home in Heaven. His Name is Jesus, and He is the only mediator between God and man.* By the sprinkling of His precious blood, all those who are weary of their sin and who seek a Savior can be called out of the darkness and “into His marvelous light.”* And now, those who fully trust in Jesus Christ are no longer His enemies, but members of His eternal family, adopted sons and daughters - His firstborn children. Just glad to be His son, Pastor Steve *Exodus 19:16-20 *I Timothy 2:5 *I Peter 2:9

Roots and Fruit - Hebrews 12:12-15

December 3, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 45 “Roots and Fruit” Hebrews 12:12-15 “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 In your relationships with friends and family, do you ever feel forced to choose between love and truth? Are they mutually exclusive? In your conversations, do you ever experience the pressure of choosing between peace and convictions? I contend that there is nothing more damaging to our integrity and credibility than the attempt to gain peace at any price. Love, devoid of truth, is a seduction away from the God Who is, above all else, Holy. And, truth without love is a cold, impersonal hammer guaranteed to injure those we seek to reach with the gospel. Roman 12:18 brings a strong clarification to our passage; “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” The fact is, not everyone wants to be at peace with us, nor does everyone want to be reconciled. We may, however, “do all that we can,” (short of compromise) to live at peace. In this Sunday’s passage, the author exhorts that we both “Work at living in peace” and “work at living a holy life;” the great “both-and” of Hebrews. We are called to take a stand, never compromising Biblical convictions. And we are called to love and serve those with whom we disagree. In this way, we will grow to be “more and more like Christ.” “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15 Now, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace,” Pastor Steve

Proof Positive of the Father's Love!

November 26, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope

Proof Positive of the Father’s Love! Hebrews 12:5-11 Happy Thanksgiving! As followers of Christ, every day our hearts should be overwhelmed with gratitude toward Him. He has imprinted us with His Image, given us forgiveness and new life, and faithfully walked with us through our darkest days. He is truly a good Father! When it comes to the absolute proof that we are His sons and daughters, however, nothing declares His love more than His diligent discipline. It may be painful at times, but we all know the truth - its easy to spoil a child and neglect his training. But, if we really love our children, we will train their hearts and minds through discipline. Those who have received loving discipline will enjoy lives that produce “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” So, this Thanksgiving, give Him praise for His love and grace. But don’t forget to thank Him for his discipline - it’s the real proof of the Father’s love for His children! Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Q: What discipline did you sometimes resent as a child that you appreciate now? Practicing piano? Having a place for everything and everything in its place? Submitting work on time? Not overspending your allowance? Q: In what situations have you had to be “on your best conduct?” Was this difficult for you? READ FIRST: Hebrews 12:5-11 Q: What does hardship demonstrate about a person’s relationship to God? (VS. 7, 8) Q: How should a person respond to God when disciplined? How does Christ’s discipline differ from human discipline? Q: What benefits does discipline bring? Q: What does it mean to “share in His holiness?” (v.10, and READ I Peter 1:14-16) Q: How has God disciplined you in the past? How did His discipline lead you to greatest peace? Q: What’s the hardest thing you’re going through right now? How is God using this in your life?

Run Free!

November 19, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 43 “Run Free!” READ: Hebrews 12:1-4 Vince Lombardi still ranks first in the history of NFL head coaches. During my childhood, Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers to a total of five NFL championships over a seven year span. Even the names of those who played for him will live on in NFL folk-lore, especially his famous quarterback, Bart Starr. Remembered as on one of the greatest coaches ever to lead in the NFL, even the coveted Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor. What was Lombard’s secret to success? He summarized his philosophy in simple terms; “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Lombardi lead winning teams because of his will to win and commitment to persevere in the face of hardship. If Hebrews chapter 11 is the “great hall of faith,” then Hebrews chapter 12 reveals the secret to this life-impacting faith - perseverance. Those in chapter 11 who lived amazing lives of faith and successfully crossed the finish line of life are those who persevere to the end; never quitting, never giving up. To quote one of the most famous baseball legends, Babe Ruth said “You just can’t beat the person who won’t give up!” Hope to see you on Sunday! Pastor Steve Home Fellowship, Week of November 20th, 7pm Q: What’s the farthest or fastest you’ve ever run? Who made your run? Do you enjoy running sprints? distance? not at all? Q: Do you perform better before a crowd or in private? Why is that? READ FIRST: Hebrews 12:1-4 Q: How should Christians “run the race?” What does it mean to throw off sin and hindrances? To “run with endurance?” To “fix our eyes upon Jesus?” Q: How does the faith of others help spur you on. i.e. “great cloud of witnesses"? Or does other people’s faith intimidate and discourage you? Q: What “weights” do you carry that slow you down as you try to run your race? Greek word for “weight?” onkos = any burden or encumbrance. Q: When have you experienced “hostility” to your faith? Did it help to “fix your eyes on Jesus?” Q: “Although they are suffering persecution, the readers were not suffering martyrdom, and hence their main test is fighting their own sinful nature.” * (v.4) Our main test is the battle against our own sin nature. How does this battle slow you down in the race of faith? (*ESV Study Bible)

Too Good for This World

November 12, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope

Looking to Jesus, Part 42 “Too Good for this World” Hebrews 11:32-40 Many successful people receive the world’s accolades - politicians who scratch and claw their way to the top; businessmen who acquire a financial empire on earth; athletes who condition their bodies and skills to peak performance standards; academy award winning actors. It’s easy to applaud a winner. The world’s measures of success, however, are not the same as the virtues of God’s Kingdom. Those who are “counted worthy” by God often live anonymous lives of simple service. God’s choicest servants might even experience harassment and persecution for their service to God. God’s heart is with the humble and lowly. His compassion is focused on the poor and needy who go “in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated.” He lives with the broken. And on the Day of Christ Jesus, the least in the Kingdom will be considered the greatest. The applause of Heaven is reserved for those who God declares “too good for this world.” Hope to see you this Sunday, Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Home Fellowship, Week of November 13th, 7pm Q: What is your most important goal right now? Will your life change in some way if that goal is reached? If so, how? Q: In your life, who has served as the best model of the life of faith? How was this made obvious to you? READ FIRST: Hebrews 11:32-40 Q: If Christians only experienced the unbroken victories of verses 32-34, how would your view of faith be affected? Would it significantly change your current perspective on God? Q: And how would your perspective change if godly people only had experiences like the people in verses 35b-37? Does this seem more or less consistent with your view of faith? Q: Has your personal faith experience been more like the folks in verses 32-34, or like the folks in 35b-37? More tribulation than victory or visa versa? Q: Neither group received “what was promised.” What was the “something better” that God provided? Q: How do you define “faith?” Q: During seasons of victory or seasons of trial, what are some principles that you have found helpful in securing your faith? Encourage your group with these insights!