WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dhHyYWL7yI

NOTES:

In the World, Not of the World - Part 3 “Standing For What God Stands For” September 12 and 15, 2024

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15:19 (ESV)

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

John 17:16-17 (ESV)

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you willl find your welfare.

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

Isaiah 32:1-8 (ESV)

Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Isaiah 32:16-18 (ESV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: September 12 and 15, 2024

Message Title: "Standing For What God Stands For"

Scripture 1: John 15:19 (ESV)

Scripture Text: Jesus tells His disciples that if they belonged to the world, the world would love them as its own. However, because they do not belong to the world—and He has chosen them out of it—the world hates them.

[Verse 19] "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

Meaning: This verse highlights the distinction between followers of Christ and the secular world. It reminds believers that their values and way of life may clash with worldly perspectives, leading to opposition or misunderstanding. The passage encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing hostility, knowing they are chosen by God.

Scripture 2: John 17:16-17 (ESV)

Scripture Text: Jesus prays for His followers, stating that they are not of the world just as He is not. He asks God to sanctify them by the truth, affirming that God's word is truth.

[Verse 16] "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

[Verse 17] "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

Meaning: This scripture emphasizes the process of sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes. By embracing the truth of God's word, believers are transformed to reflect Christ's character. It underscores the importance of scripture in guiding and purifying one's life amid worldly influences.

Scripture 3: Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

Scripture Text: God instructs the exiled Israelites to seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which He has carried them into exile. He tells them to pray to the Lord for it, because if the city prospers, they too will prosper.

[Verse 7] "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

Meaning: Even in unfamiliar or challenging circumstances, believers are called to contribute positively to their communities. This verse teaches that by investing in the well-being of others and praying for their surroundings, they also receive blessings. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual welfare and community prosperity.

Scripture 4: Isaiah 32:1-8 (ESV)

Scripture Text: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future king who will reign in righteousness, and princes who will rule with justice. People will find shelter and refreshment, eyes will be opened to see, and ears to hear. The impulsive will gain understanding, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel highly respected.

[Verse 1] "Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice."

[Verse 2] "Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land."

[Verse 3] "Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will give attention."

[Verse 4] "The heart of the hasty will understand and know, and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly."

[Verse 5] "The fool will no more be called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be honorable."

[Verse 6] "For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink."

[Verse 7] "As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right."

[Verse 8] "But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands."

Meaning: This passage paints a picture of a just and righteous society under godly leadership. It signifies hope for transformation where truth and integrity prevail. The message encourages leaders and individuals alike to uphold justice and righteousness, leading to societal renewal and enhanced understanding among people.

Scripture 5: Isaiah 32:16-18 (ESV)

Scripture Text: Justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field. The result of righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. God's people will live in peaceful dwelling places, secure homes, and undisturbed places of rest.

[Verse 16] "Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field."

[Verse 17] "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."

[Verse 18] "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."

Meaning: These verses promise that the practice of righteousness leads to profound peace and security. They assure believers that living according to God's ways brings enduring tranquility and protection. It's a vision of a harmonious community grounded in justice.

Scripture 6: Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

Scripture Text: The Apostle Paul proclaims that in all things, believers are more than conquerors through Christ who loved them. He is convinced that neither death nor life, angels nor rulers, present nor future events, powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Verse 37] "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

[Verse 38] "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,"

[Verse 39] "nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Meaning: This powerful affirmation reassures Christians of the inseparable nature of God's love. No circumstance, spiritual force, or created thing can sever the bond between God and those who are in Christ. It offers profound comfort and encouragement to remain confident in God's eternal love amidst any trials.

By reflecting on these scriptures, the message "Standing For What God Stands For" encourages believers to remain faithful and uphold God's principles, even when faced with opposition or living in challenging environments. It emphasizes the transformative power of righteousness, the importance of community welfare, and the unwavering love of God that empowers believers to be more than conquerors.

Call To...

By examining each scripture separately, the message "Standing For What God Stands For" unfolds as a call to:

• Embrace a distinct identity in Christ (John 15:19), understanding that it may lead to opposition from the world.

• Pursue sanctification through God's truth (John 17:16-17), being set apart by embracing His word.

• Engage positively with our communities (Jeremiah 29:7), seeking their welfare and contributing to the common good.

• Uphold righteousness and justice (Isaiah 32:1-8), both in leadership and personal conduct, leading to societal transformation.

• Experience the peace and security that comes from righteous living (Isaiah 32:16-18), trusting in God's promises.

• Rest in the unbreakable love of God (Romans 8:37-39), confident that nothing can separate us from Him.

Each passage reinforces the theme of standing firm in God's principles, influencing the world through righteous action, and finding assurance in His enduring love.

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTojxdA3eik&t=16s

 NOTES:

In the World, Not of the World - Part 2
“Change Starts With ME”
September 5 and 8, 2024

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

John 17:13-23 (ESV)
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 1:14 (ESV)

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Genesis 12:3 (ESV)

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

John 5:19-20 (ESV)

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 11:26 (ESV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: September 5 and 8, 2024

Message Title: In the World, Not of the World - Part 2: “Change Starts With ME”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

Verse 8: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."

Verse 9: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Meaning: This scripture emphasizes the vast difference between human and divine perspectives. God’s ways and thoughts transcend human understanding, encouraging believers to trust in His wisdom and plan.

John 17:13-23 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

Verse 13: "But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."

Verse 14: "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

Verse 15: "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one."

Verse 16: "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

Verse 17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

Verse 18: "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."

Verse 19: "And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."

Verse 20: "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,"

Verse 21: "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Verse 22: "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,"

Verse 23: "I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."

Meaning: In this passage, Jesus prays for His disciples, highlighting themes of joy, protection from evil, sanctification by truth, and unity. It underscores the call for believers to live in the world while reflecting God's glory.

John 1:14 (ESV)

Scripture Text: "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."

Meaning: This verse speaks to the incarnation of Christ, who embodies God’s grace and truth. It underscores the divine becoming human to reveal the glory of God and His character.

Genesis 12:3 (ESV)

Scripture Text: "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Meaning: This scripture is part of God’s covenant with Abraham, highlighting His promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

John 5:19-20 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

Verse 19: "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.'"

Verse 20: "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel."

Meaning: Here, Jesus emphasizes His unity and alignment with the Father, doing only what the Father does. It illustrates the intimate relationship within the Trinity and foreshadows the miraculous works to come.

Acts 11:26 (ESV)

Scripture Text: "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians."

Meaning: This scripture marks the moment when the term “Christian” was first used to describe followers of Christ. It signifies identity in Christ and the establishment of the early church community in spreading the gospel.

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnG7KVvbkFs

 NOTES:

In the World, Not of the World - Part 1
“Heaven is Our Home”
August 29 and September 1, 2024

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”

John 15:18-21 (ESV)

---

John 17:13-23 (ESV)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Galatians 3:24-29 (ESV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: August 29 and September 1, 2024

Message Title: In the World, Not of the World - Part 1 (“Heaven is Our Home”)

John 15:18-21 (ESV)

• Verse 18: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”

• Verse 19: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

• Verse 20: “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”

• Verse 21: “But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”

Meaning: These verses highlight the inevitability of opposition from the world for those following Christ. Jesus warns that believers will face hostility because they are chosen and set apart, echoing His own experience of persecution.

John 17:13-23 (ESV)

• Verse 13: “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

• Verse 14: “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

• Verse 15: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”

• Verse 16: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

• Verse 17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

• Verse 18: “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

• Verse 19: “And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

• Verse 20: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,”

• Verse 21: “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

• Verse 22: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,”

• Verse 23: “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Meaning: In this passage, Jesus is praying to the Father for His disciples, expressing His desire for their joy, protection from evil, and sanctification in truth. He emphasizes their mission in the world, paralleling His own. Additionally, Jesus prays for future believers, desiring unity among them as a testament of divine love and mission, reflecting the profound oneness between Jesus and the Father.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

• Verse 8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

• Verse 9: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Meaning: This passage reveals God's transcendence and the distinctiveness of His wisdom and plans compared to human understanding, emphasizing trust in His divine perspective.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

• Verse 2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Meaning: This verse urges believers to resist worldly influences and embrace spiritual transformation to discern God’s will effectively, aligning themselves with His divine purposes.

Galatians 3:24-29 (ESV)

• Verse 24: “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”

• Verse 25: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,”

• Verse 26: “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”

• Verse 27: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

• Verse 28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

• Verse 29: “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

Meaning: Paul explains that faith in Christ makes believers heirs to God's promise, transcending traditional divisions. This unity signifies liberation and identity as God's children, fostering equality and oneness in the body of Christ.