Point of Grace Online Worship - June 6, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 6.6.21 Sermon Notes – Pentecost Part 3- 2021

The Holy Spirit – The Experience of God

At the heart of experiencing God is experiencing His love – love that fits – personal love! God comes in person by His Spirit!

The New Testament writers often referred to experiencing God the Holy Spirit with phrases like:

“filled with the Spirit” (Acts 2:4), “baptism of the Spirit” (Acts 1:5), “receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20)

This “experience of the Spirit” is not just for the miracle of faith which begins our relationship with God

but for our ongoing, everyday life … … go on “being filled” with the Holy Spirit!

Jesus is super helpful here!

John 7 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Luke 11 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Why does Jesus think Ask Seek Knock so important for Holy Spirit filled life?

The posture of ASK-ing is so helpful to living a life filled with the Holy Spirit. ASK promotes a posture of humility, need, intentionality and relentless dependence on a willing and gracious Heavenly Father who loves us very much!

Jesus deals with our innate doubts, fears and feelings of inadequacy about receiving from God.

- Doubt whether God’s promises are true!

- Fear that if I open myself up to Him will it be good!

- Inadequacy feelings that all this really applies to me!  

Jesus identifies our greatest need to ASK for – the Holy Spirit filling us!

Ezekiel 47 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.

So shall we ask?

Prayer of the Week

Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love you, I worship you, I trust you. Thank you for always breathing life into lifeless situations. I praise and thank You for enabling me to believe and live in Jesus name! I now receive all the new life that you have for me today, bought for me by Jesus Christ. You have clothed me with power from on high. You have sealed me in Christ, become my union with the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth in me, the life of God in me, my counselor, comforter, healer, strength, and guide. (You may pray here about specific needs today for the Spirit’s counsel, comfort, strength, healing and guidance.) I now recognize my utter need for You, Holy Spirit in every aspect and dimension of my life. I deeply desire to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things. I seek to have You animate through every one of my thoughts, words and deeds today! Father, I ASK you to fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill me afresh! (Slowly repeat this phrase a couple of times, pausing to simply receive Him) Restore my union with the Father and the Son. Lead me into all truth, anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling, and lead me deeper into Jesus today. I receive you with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Luke 11:9-13 Tue – Ezekiel 47:1,5-9, John 7:37-39 Wed –Acts 19:1-8 Thu – Jeremiah 29:11-14a Fri – Luke 4:14-19 Sat - Psalm 103:1-5: 11-13

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 30, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 5.30.21 Sermon Notes What does the Holy Spirit Do?

Pentecost?

Our modern culture makes it incredibly difficult to talk about the Holy Spirit.

John 16

But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you… 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

- In Jesus’ mind it is better for Him to leave so that we could have the Holy Spirit than for Jesus to stay.

- This is totally contrary to what I would normally want...Jesus sees and understands something about the Holy Spirit that I don’t see or understand.

What does the Holy Spirit even do? - “Some church traditions are really into the Holy Spirit. And for some traditions, the Trinity can be more like the Father, Son and Holy Scripture.”

Genesis 1 & 2

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Spirit = Ruakh = God’s breath/energy

The Holy Spirit Specializes in creating life, order and beauty out of darkness, chaos and death.

Ezekiel 37

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley] it was full of bones. 2 And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling] and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

- The bones grew flesh and skin, but until the breath of God was in them they were lifeless.

Examples of the Holy Spirit creating life out of lifeless situations: Peter and the disciples, Isaiah in the temple, Joseph in prison, Jonah in the whale

The Holy Spirit that Jesus has made available to us all on Pentecost, through His resurrection unlocks a living, breathing God that is more than just “right knowledge” and trying harder.

In the midst of the chaos and darkness of my own life, I receive the Spirit who creates life, order, goodness and beauty!

I become able to breath this Holy Spirit life, order, goodness and beauty out into a dark, chaotic world.

"The holy spirit doesn't add to what Jesus has already said and instituted, but he makes all Jesus has said and done alive today. This is what the Holy Spirit is meant to be. The one who accomplishes, who realizes, who re-enacts the work of Jesus.”

What good news is this for me?

1. I am not expected to do life on my own.

2. I can enjoy the journey of faith rather than just working for the end result of faith.

3. The Holy Spirit breathes life into our imaginations on what we are “able-to-do” as God’s children

Helpful tools to regularly Breathe in and Out Holy Spirit life:

1. I Belong Challenge, particularly the prayers

2. The Alpha Course

3. “Come Holy Spirit” prayers that lead to “Relentless Dependence” on the Holy Spirit

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Genesis 1: 1-2 & 2:4-7

Tue – Ezekiel 37:4-10

Wed – Romans 8:14-17

Thu – John 14:15-20

Fri – Acts 4:31-35

Sat – Isaiah 11:1-5

Prayer of the Week

Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love you, I worship you, I trust you. Thank you for always breathing life into lifeless situations.

I praise and thank You for enabling me to believe and live in Jesus name!

I now receive all the new life that you have for me today, bought for me by Jesus Christ. You have clothed me with power from on high. You have sealed me in Christ, become my union with the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth in me, the life of God in me, my counselor, comforter, healer, strength, and guide.

(You may pray here about specific needs today for the Spirit’s counsel, comfort, strength, healing and guidance.)

I honor you as Lord, and I fully give to you every aspect and dimension of my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will—to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things.

Fill me afresh, Holy Spirit. (Slowly repeat this phrase a couple of times, pausing to simply receive Him) Restore my union with the Father and the Son. Lead me into all truth, anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling, and lead me deeper into Jesus today. I receive you with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps:

Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 23, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 5.23.21 Sermon Notes – Pentecost – 2021

Pentecost – What happened? Why does it matter?

Acts 2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy…. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

That’s what happened!

- The Holy Spirit Comes Wind, Fire, Power (“able-to-do-ness”)

- Peter Explains Was present but promised - Now present as promised

- People Respond Surrender – Receive - Act  

Why does this matter?

Acts 1 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”….. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Power – “able-to-do-ness” - The Spirit enables “couldn’t to can” living!

Witnesses – “here and everywhere”

John 7 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Ezekiel 47 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.

Spirit inspired rivers of living water will not only flow in me but overflow from me!

Holy Spirit, I am relentlessly dependent on You for Life and the power to Live it!

Prayer of the Week

Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love you, I worship you, I trust you. I praise and thank You for enabling me to believe and live in Jesus name! I now receive all the work and triumph in Pentecost, through which you have come. You have clothed me with power from on high. You have sealed me in Christ, become my union with the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth in me, the life of God in me, my counselor, comforter, healer, strength, and guide. (You may pray here about specific needs today for the Spirit’s counsel, comfort, strength, healing and guidance.) I honor you as Lord, and I fully give to you every aspect and dimension of my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will—to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things. Fill me afresh, Holy Spirit. (Slowly repeat this phrase a couple of times, pausing to simply receive Him) Restore my union with the Father and the Son. Lead me into all truth, anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling, and lead me deeper into Jesus today. I receive you with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Acts 2:1-18 Tue – Acts 2:32-41 Wed –John 7:37-39 Thu – John 14:25-27 Fri – Ezekiel 36:24-27 Sat - Psalm 51:10-13

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 16, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 5.16.21 Sermon Notes – The Ascension of Jesus

Acts 1 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit……8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 2 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God,

Philippians 2 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ephesians 1 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The Ascension was Jesus’ coronation as King – His authorization to reign supreme, over all, for the church!

Matthew 28 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Now we are authorized for “in Jesus Name” living!

Colossians 3 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Ascension catapults “in Jesus name” from a phrase for ending prayers to divine authorization for confident, kingdom living.

Ephesians 2 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

In Jesus Name;

·       I am authorized for invigorating worship of the “exalted Jesus”,

·       I am authorized to “bring the ways of Jesus” into my living and influencing,

- Love in Jesus Name,

- Forgiveness in Jesus Name,

- Praying in Jesus Name,

- Healing in Jesus Name,

- Patience, Joy, Hope, Perseverance in Jesus name…

·       I am authorized to “bring the authority, rule and dominion of Jesus” against Satan and his kingdom.

Prayer of the Week

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive you as my authority, rule, and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring your Kingdom at all times and in every way. I receive all the work and triumph in your Ascension, through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to you, Jesus, and you are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever. I take my place now in your authority and in your throne, through which I have been raised with you to the right hand of the Father and established in your authority. I give myself to you, to reign with you always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in your authority and your throne; I receive it with thanks and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus; I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love you! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus! Amen and Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Acts 1:3-11 Tue – Acts 2:32-38 Wed –Ephesians 1:18-23 Thu – Ephesians 2:4-10 Fri – Philippians 2:5-11 Sat - Hebrews 4:14-16

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 9, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 5.9.21 Sermon Notes – Living the NEW Life – Part 6- Easter 2021

The Resurrection means Jesus has a New Life and invites us to join Him – to Live the NEW Life filled with HOPE!

1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials………18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Living Hope – “not wishful thinking” BUT “profound certainty” in God and what He has revealed, authenticated by the resurrection of Jesus.

21 Through him (Jesus) you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

This Living Hope, which is indispensable for the meaningful life Christ intends;

- Empowers better living in this crazy “already” but “not yet” volume of God’s story and Romans 15 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Is the “secret sauce” for inviting others into the meaningful life.

1 Peter 3 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

- It is so easy under pressure to let “default self” take over

- We need a simple way to surrender “self” and lean and receive Jesus as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

- Ongoing thoughtfulness about the hope-in-Jesus difference readies me.

- I want to live an authentic life that begs the question, “Why are you ________?”  

But do this with gentleness and respect,

- Love listens!

- Beyond clichés and insider language toward humble transparency shared with the listener in mind.

Alpha is a beautiful tool helping each of us share the HOPE we have!

NEW Life Living

- Soak Up Hope from the Resurrected Jesus Everyday Join the I BELONG CHALLENGE at www.pog.church

- Overflow with Hope

- Thoughtfully consider the difference “hope in Jesus” makes day by day.

- Ask Jesus, “Who can I invite to Alpha?”

Prayer of the Week

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive you as my Life, and I receive all the work and triumph in your resurrection, through which you have conquered sin, death, judgment, and the evil one. Death has no power over you, nor does any foul thing. And I have been raised with you to a new life, to live your life—dead to sin and alive to God.

Jesus, You are my Living Hope and I now receive the gift and presence of Your Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Spirit” – I receive You now and Surrender to You so that empowered by You I might always be ready to give an answer to anyone asking about the reason for the Hope I have. You are my Hope, Jesus, and I sincerely ask You to so lead my life, decisions, conversations and actions this day so that hope seeking questions about You are cultivated in the minds of those around me. Oh, Jesus, I want to be a life giving, sincere, hope full witness for you among the people around me.

Holy Spirit, I ask you to help me see how “hope in Jesus” makes a difference in my life today. Help me be thoughtful about You and the life and hope I have because of You so that I might be ready to give a gentle, respectful and life giving answer to all who are open and asking.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Alpha course. Thank you for this worldwide, Holy Spirit inspired tool which helps Your children share “Hope in Jesus” with friends and family. Holy Spirit, I ask you to bring to mind those people in my life which I might invite to Alpha. Please inspire conversations around me so that I might join You Jesus in touching the lives of people who are close to me but far from You that they might come to know the Hope you have for them. (Notice who comes to mind that You might pray for and be open to inviting to Alpha.)

I love You Jesus and am thrilled that, today, I get to be your agent of Hope in the world of people around me today!

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Peter 3:13-17 Tue – 1 Peter 1:8-13 Wed – Acts 1:1-8 Thu – 1 Peter 2:4,5,9-12 Fri – Colossians 3:2-6 Sat - Jeremiah 29:4-5,7,10-14

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Hope in Times of Fear” Timothy Keller

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge “Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 2, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 5.2.21 Sermon Notes – Living the NEW Life – Part 4- Easter 2021

The Resurrection means Jesus has a New Life and invites us to join Him – to Live the NEW Life!

Romans 6 “… just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Living the NEW Life frees us

from the life strangling grip of death and fear

because of our new birth into a Living HOPE!

1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. The Resurrection has made possible for us “new birth” into a Living Hope insuring a future inheritance.

The resurrection of Jesus sealed the victory of the Kingdom of God on earth over sin, death and the devil. Jesus is the first-born from the dead. The resurrection signaled the dawning of the new age even though the old age still exists.

Living Hope in the Resurrected Jesus is the lifeline through which we access “not yet” kingdom benefits for “now” living.

Hope is a lifeline which fuels my “now” living with substantial doses of “not yet” life benefits!

- I get to hear my “future” judgment day verdict “now” and live accordingly, Romans 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

 - I get to see this “now” life scarred by brokenness and wrongness with “not yet” kingdom eyes,  

- 1 Peter 1 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  

- I can have “not yet kingdom” peace (and appropriate expectations) about what this life can deliver,  

- I can face death with a Life from Jesus that death can’t take away.  

- I can be far more gracious to myself and others because we are not in a mistake-less world,  

- I get to have the identity and purpose of the “not yet” kingdom while living in the “now” world. I take my cues from the risen Lord not the broken world.  

Romans 15 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

NEW Life Living

• Soak Up Hope from the Resurrected Jesus Everyday Join the I BELONG CHALLENGE at www.pog.church

• Overflow with Hope – Seeing yourself and others with “not yet” kingdom eyes.

 Prayer of the Week

Holy and Victorious Trinity - Father, Son, Holy Spirit- I come to you now to be restored in You to be renewed in You to receive your love and Your Life and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I love You, I worship You, I trust You and I give myself over to You in my heart’s search for Life. I renounce all other gods and idols and give myself totally and completely to You. You are my HOPE for Life today and for Life everlasting.

Father, I ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I might know You better. I want to know You, Father, deeply and wholly. I pray also that the eyes my heart may be enlightened so that I might know, really know, the HOPE to which You have called me and that I might know the riches of the inheritance You have in store for me and all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to live as a person of HOPE.

Jesus, I desire HOPE in You to be the difference maker in how I live this day. HOPE in You lifts my eyes from the downward draw of this worlds priorities to the upward gaze of life in Your presence. I want to live in this world Jesus

but not of this world. Jesus, I believe You have given me a new birth into a Living HOPE through Your resurrection from the dead. I now receive afresh today this new birth, new life and resurrection HOPE - purchased by You and given to me.

Holy Spirit, I open the eyes of my heart to You asking you to pour Your love into my heart and pour resurrection Life into every crack and crevice of my living. I pray that You, the God of HOPE, fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You that I might overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Peter 1:3-9 Tue – Isaiah 40:28-31 Wed – Romans 5:1-5 Thu – Ephesians 1:18-23 Fri – Romans 15:13 Sat - Psalm 42:1-8

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Hope in Times of Fear” Timothy Keller

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge “Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 25, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 4.25.21 Sermon Notes – Living the NEW Life – Part 4- Easter 2021

The Resurrection means Jesus has a New Life and invites us to join Him – to Live the NEW Life!

Romans 6 “… just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Living the NEW Life frees us

from the life strangling grip of death and fear

replacing it with COURAGE!

Acts 4 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say

Where did this “courage” come from?

Acts 4 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

“Been with Jesus” Courage

I want some of that “Been with Jesus” Courage!

Peter’s “Been with Jesus” Story

- Humbling - When self-reliant arrogance dies so Jesus-dependent confidence can rise,

- Gracious – When soul crushing personal failure gives way to love graced restoration.

- Faith Stretching – When “play it safe” fear is traded for “get out of the boat” faith.  

What’s in my “Been with Jesus” story? What do you want the next chapter to be called?

“Been with Jesus” stories build “Been with Jesus” Courage

The key to “Been with Jesus” Courage is “Being with Jesus”!

NEW Life Living

- Be With Jesus Join the I BELONG CHALLENGE at www.pog.church

- Give Some Life Away with some “Been With Jesus” Courage  

This Week’s Prayer Jesus, I come to You now to be restored in You, to be renewed in You, to receive Your love and your Life and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I love you, I worship You and trust you and surrender my self and my story to You. Today I want to “be with You, Jesus” and live the next chapter of my “been with Jesus” story.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit fill me afresh with Your presence, grace and power. Thank you Father for loving me so well, providing for me so appropriately and caring for my deepest as well as trivial needs. You are a good, good Father. I confess that I often take your daily love and care of me for granted – I regret that and now receive with thanks your complete and total forgiveness.

Holy Spirit, please help me remember and recall the ways you have shown yourself strong in my life. Recalling stories of your goodness, grace and power give me courage to live this day relentlessly dependent on You and live it really well.

Jesus, I deeply desire to live a courageous life in Your name marked by deep faith, surrender to Your calling and filled with the presence of Your Spirit. I renounce fear, anxiety, worry, doubt and self-reliance as the leaders of my heart, mind and living. I receive You Spirit as the master of my mind and leader of my thinking. I trust You Jesus and am overjoyed that I get to live this day fervently following You. I can have courage because You are with me and live in me.

Holy Spirit, lead me into opportunities today which will take courage in order to follow You and be a witness for You in this broken world. I deeply desire the courage to love people well, (perhaps name of the people you already know you are to love well today) to surrender my “self”, to make Spirit inspired decisions, to bring Your kingdom at all times and in every way, to trust Your grace and live with passion the meaningful life You intend for me to live today!

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Acts 3:1-10 Tue – Acts 3:11-19 Wed – Matthew 14:25-33 Thu – Matthew 16:21-26 Fri – John 21:15-19 Sat - Psalm 40:1-5

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldridge “Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 18, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 4.18.21 Sermon Notes – Living the NEW Life – Part 3- Easter 2021

The Resurrection means Jesus got a New Life and invites to join Him – to Live the NEW Life!

Romans 6 “… just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This NEW Resurrection Life frees us from the life strangling grip of death and fear!

Can I have NEW Life living with old life thinking?

Romans 8 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you

Our “flesh” for Paul is our “sinful nature”. At its core is “The Self”, “The Exalted Self” who is self-centered, insists on self-rule and is self-ish.

Romans 85 Those who live according to the Self have their minds set on what the Self desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the Self is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the Self is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the Self but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,

The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … … If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

NEW Life Living

- Soak up the Resurrected Jesus and His Holy Spirit Join the I BELONG CHALLENGE at www.pog.church

- Say “YES” to the Spirit’s leading –every time- and say “NO” when Your self tries to take over!  

- Enjoy life giving things and give some life away! Tell somebody how the Risen Jesus has shown up this week?  

This Week’s Prayer Father in Heaven thank you for loving me so much that You gave Your Son Jesus to die for me and rise again. Thank you for the wonderful provision you give me each and every day which sustains me physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. I praise You! I do not want any of Your blessings in my life to go unnoticed or un-received. I pray the eyes of my heart see all Your goodness to me. Jesus I receive You as my New Life my holiness and my strength. You are victorious over sin, death and the devil and I claim Your victory as my victory this day. I praise you that through Your cross and empty tomb You made it possible for the Holy Spirit to come and take up residence in me. I receive Your Spirit Jesus to live in me forever. Holy Spirit, I love You I worship You, I trust You, I yield every dimension of my spirit, soul and body, heart, mind and will to You and You alone to be filled with You, to walk in step with You in all things. Spirit I receive You now as my counselor, comforter my strength and my guide – I honor You as my sovereign leader and ask You to pilot of my mind through all that is in store for me today. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, restore my union with the Father and the Son throughout the moments of this day, lead me in all truth, anoint me for my life and walk and calling. Lead me deeper into Jesus today.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit I will declare Your praises today as I live the meaningful life You so graciously intend for me to live. Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Romans 8:1-2, 5-8 Tue – Romans 8:9-12 Wed – Galatians 5:16-23 Thu – Romans 8:15-18 Fri – Romans 8:26-28 Sat - John 14:15-18

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading. “Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Waking The Dead” by John Eldredge

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge