Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - The Transforming Power Of Easter [Sunday 20th April]
Sermon MP3
MIKE RUTTER - The Transforming Power Of Easter [Sunday 20th April]
MIKE RUTTER - The Transforming Power Of Easter [Sunday 20th April]
Friday, April 18, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "how to be sure God is speaking" [Sunday 13th April 2014 ]
Sermon MP3
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "how to be sure God is speaking" [Sunday 13th April 2014 ]
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "how to be sure God is speaking" [Sunday 13th April 2014 ]
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "God Still Speaks Today?" [Sunday 6th April 2014]
Sermon MP3
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "God Still Speaks Today?" [Sunday 6th April 2014]
MIKE RUTTER - The Spiritual Discipline of Listening for God - "God Still Speaks Today?" [Sunday 6th April 2014]
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - My Identity in Christ [30 June 2013]
Sermon MP3
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“My identity in Christ?”
Message Outline
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you
out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but
now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now
you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
GOD’S VIEW OF ME: IN CHRIST...
1. I am ______________________________________
“You have been CHOSEN by God himself!” 1 Peter 2:9 (LB)
Because God chose me______________________________
“He chose us in him before the creation of the world, to be holy and
blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)
Because Jesus made me _________________________
“Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to
God and gave us the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7 (CEV)
2. I am ____________________________________
“You are… a HOLY nation, a people BELONGING to God!”
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“You are a people holy to the Lord your God... his treasured possession.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)
“God says, ‘You are precious to me.’” Isaiah 43:4 (GN)
Because God is _________________________
“Look at the birds... God feeds them and you are far more valuable to Him
than any birds!” Luke 12:24 (NLT)
Because Jesus gave his ___________________________
"You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him..."
1 Corinthians 7:23 (LB)
3. I am _______________________________
“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.”
1 Peter 2:10 (NIV)
"I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love
I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
Because _______________________
“God’s love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.” Psalm 100:5 (GN)
4. I am __________________________________________
“At one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his
mercy.” 1 Peter 2:10 (GN)
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1(NIV)
Because it’s God’s ______________________________
“I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I
will not hold your sins against you.” Isa. 43:25 (GN)
Because Jesus _______________________________
“For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.
How great is the grace of God!” Ephesians 1:7 (GN)
5. I am ___________________________________________
“You are royal priests ... chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God,
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NCV)
“The capacity we have comes from God; it is he who made us capable of
serving the new covenant…” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (GN)
Because Christ ___________________________
“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
How should my identity affect how I act?
Rom. 15:7, 1 Pet. 2:17, Col. 3:12, Eph. 4:32, Heb. 13:6
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“My identity in Christ?”
Message Outline
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you
out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but
now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now
you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
GOD’S VIEW OF ME: IN CHRIST...
1. I am ______________________________________
“You have been CHOSEN by God himself!” 1 Peter 2:9 (LB)
Because God chose me______________________________
“He chose us in him before the creation of the world, to be holy and
blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)
Because Jesus made me _________________________
“Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to
God and gave us the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7 (CEV)
2. I am ____________________________________
“You are… a HOLY nation, a people BELONGING to God!”
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“You are a people holy to the Lord your God... his treasured possession.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)
“God says, ‘You are precious to me.’” Isaiah 43:4 (GN)
Because God is _________________________
“Look at the birds... God feeds them and you are far more valuable to Him
than any birds!” Luke 12:24 (NLT)
Because Jesus gave his ___________________________
"You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him..."
1 Corinthians 7:23 (LB)
3. I am _______________________________
“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.”
1 Peter 2:10 (NIV)
"I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love
I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
Because _______________________
“God’s love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.” Psalm 100:5 (GN)
4. I am __________________________________________
“At one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his
mercy.” 1 Peter 2:10 (GN)
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1(NIV)
Because it’s God’s ______________________________
“I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I
will not hold your sins against you.” Isa. 43:25 (GN)
Because Jesus _______________________________
“For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.
How great is the grace of God!” Ephesians 1:7 (GN)
5. I am ___________________________________________
“You are royal priests ... chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God,
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NCV)
“The capacity we have comes from God; it is he who made us capable of
serving the new covenant…” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (GN)
Because Christ ___________________________
“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
How should my identity affect how I act?
Rom. 15:7, 1 Pet. 2:17, Col. 3:12, Eph. 4:32, Heb. 13:6
MIKE RUTTER - A Crisis of Confidence [19 May 2013]
Sermon MP3
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“A Crisis of Confidence”
Message Outline
“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my
head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so
that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to
do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified
with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no
longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living
is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.”
Galatians 2:19-20 (MSG)
RESOLVING A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE…
THE
“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my
head off to please God…” Galatians 2:19 (MSG)
“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen
of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there
ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest
obedience to the Jewish law.” Philippians 3:5 (NLT)
THE
“I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church.”
Philippians 3:6 (NLT)
“They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers
took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He
fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And
with that, he died. Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely
with the killing of Stephen.” Acts 7:58 – 8:1 (NLT)
THE
“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven
suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice
saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you,
lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are
persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you
must do.” The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of
someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but
when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the
hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat
or drink.” Acts 9:3-9 (NLT)
THE
“So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with
him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central.
It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your
good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in
me.” Galatians 2:19 (MSG)
THE
“My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear
righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven
to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine,"
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for
me. I am not going to go back on that.” Galatians 2:20 (MSG)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead,
you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now
we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm
that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)
THE
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the
Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
WHERE DOES YOUR CONFIDENCE COME FROM?
External Confidence OR Internal Confidence
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“A Crisis of Confidence”
Message Outline
“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my
head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so
that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to
do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified
with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no
longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living
is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.”
Galatians 2:19-20 (MSG)
RESOLVING A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE…
THE
“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my
head off to please God…” Galatians 2:19 (MSG)
“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen
of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there
ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest
obedience to the Jewish law.” Philippians 3:5 (NLT)
THE
“I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church.”
Philippians 3:6 (NLT)
“They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers
took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He
fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And
with that, he died. Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely
with the killing of Stephen.” Acts 7:58 – 8:1 (NLT)
THE
“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven
suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice
saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you,
lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are
persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you
must do.” The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of
someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but
when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the
hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat
or drink.” Acts 9:3-9 (NLT)
THE
“So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with
him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central.
It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your
good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in
me.” Galatians 2:19 (MSG)
THE
“My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear
righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven
to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine,"
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for
me. I am not going to go back on that.” Galatians 2:20 (MSG)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead,
you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now
we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm
that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)
THE
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the
Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
WHERE DOES YOUR CONFIDENCE COME FROM?
External Confidence OR Internal Confidence
MIKE RUTTER - Being Who God meant you to be [12 May 2013]
Sermon MP3
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Being who God meant you to be”
Message Outline
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!”
Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
“A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not
just a piece of it.” Ecclesiastes 7:18 (MSG)
“Life is like a hand of poker. You have to play the cards you’re
dealt.”
Five Factors that Influence my Identity
1. My __________________________
2. My __________________________
3. My __________________________
4. My __________________________
“For as man thinks in his heart, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)
“What I have always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded
has come to be.” Job 3:25 (NLT)
5. My __________________________
Five Winning Choices
1. I can choose to ________________________________
“You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your
laws.” Psalm 119:73 (LB)
2. I can choose to _________________________________
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
“Let love be your highest goal.” 1 Corinthians 14:1a (NLT)
“I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life
will be strong in love and be built on love.” Ephesians 3:17 (NCV)
3. I can choose to ________________________________________
“God knows us far better than we know ourselves... That's why we
can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked
into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very
beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who
love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands
first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and
intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans 8:27-29 (MSG)
“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.” Psalm 34:1 (LB)
4. I can choose what __________________________
“Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this
letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true honourable and right. Think
about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about
things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
5. I can choose ________________________________
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new
person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (LB)
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Being who God meant you to be”
Message Outline
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!”
Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
“A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not
just a piece of it.” Ecclesiastes 7:18 (MSG)
“Life is like a hand of poker. You have to play the cards you’re
dealt.”
Five Factors that Influence my Identity
1. My __________________________
2. My __________________________
3. My __________________________
4. My __________________________
“For as man thinks in his heart, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)
“What I have always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded
has come to be.” Job 3:25 (NLT)
5. My __________________________
Five Winning Choices
1. I can choose to ________________________________
“You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your
laws.” Psalm 119:73 (LB)
2. I can choose to _________________________________
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
“Let love be your highest goal.” 1 Corinthians 14:1a (NLT)
“I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life
will be strong in love and be built on love.” Ephesians 3:17 (NCV)
3. I can choose to ________________________________________
“God knows us far better than we know ourselves... That's why we
can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked
into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very
beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who
love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands
first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and
intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans 8:27-29 (MSG)
“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.” Psalm 34:1 (LB)
4. I can choose what __________________________
“Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this
letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true honourable and right. Think
about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about
things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
5. I can choose ________________________________
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new
person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (LB)
MIKE RUTTER - Do you lack Confidence and Assurance? [05 May 2013]
Sermon MP3
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Do you lack confidence and assurance?”
Message Outline
God: “…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have
seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am
sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of
Egypt.” Exodus 3:9-10 (NIV)
Moses: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 (NIV)
God: “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12 (NIV)
Moses: “O Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech
and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 (NIV)
God: “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Exodus 4:11 (NIV)
Moses: “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Exodus 4:13 (NIV)
Insecurity…3 Sources
1.
2.
3.
Insecurity…3 Solutions
1. my
“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then
you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how
good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the
moon and the stars you set in place—what are mortals that you
should think of us, mere human beings that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God and you crowned us
with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:3-5 (NLT)
2. my ______________________
“For you (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my
mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
3. my ____________________
“LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter.
We all are formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Do you lack confidence and assurance?”
Message Outline
God: “…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have
seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am
sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of
Egypt.” Exodus 3:9-10 (NIV)
Moses: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 (NIV)
God: “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12 (NIV)
Moses: “O Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech
and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 (NIV)
God: “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Exodus 4:11 (NIV)
Moses: “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Exodus 4:13 (NIV)
Insecurity…3 Sources
1.
2.
3.
Insecurity…3 Solutions
1. my
“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then
you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how
good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the
moon and the stars you set in place—what are mortals that you
should think of us, mere human beings that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God and you crowned us
with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:3-5 (NLT)
2. my ______________________
“For you (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my
mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
3. my ____________________
“LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter.
We all are formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)
MIKE RUTTER - Who am I really? [28 April 2013]
Sermon MP3
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Who am I really?”
Message Outline
HEBREWS 11:23-27 (NIV)
“By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because
they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God
rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded
disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt,
because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing
the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”
KNOWING MY TRUE IDENTITY...
1. Demonstrates ________________________________
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter.” Hebrews 11:24 (NIV)
Jesus: “I know where I came from and where I am going.” John 8:14 (NIV)
“Jesus knew that he had come from God… He also knew that the Father had
given him complete power. So he got up, wrapped a towel around his waist…
and began washing his disciples' feet.” John 13:3-5 (CEV)
2. Defines ________________________________
“Moses chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)
I am spiritually mature when…
I stop blaming others for my ______________________________
I stop living off others _________________________________
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 (NIV)
3. Decides ___________________________
“Moses regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)
The World's Priorities
(vs. 24) ______________________
(vs. 25) _____________________
(vs. 26) _____________________
Moses’ Priorities
1. _______________________________ was better than popularity
2. _______________________________ was better than pleasure
3. _______________________________ was better than possessions
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of
knowing Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:8 (LB)
4. Determines_____________________________
“It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the
king. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is
invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NLT)
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.
Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that
exhilarating finish with God—he could put up with anything along the way:
Cross, shame, whatever.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (Msg)
“Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits… Let heaven fill
your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”
Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)
DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
“Who am I really?”
Message Outline
HEBREWS 11:23-27 (NIV)
“By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because
they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God
rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded
disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt,
because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing
the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”
KNOWING MY TRUE IDENTITY...
1. Demonstrates ________________________________
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter.” Hebrews 11:24 (NIV)
Jesus: “I know where I came from and where I am going.” John 8:14 (NIV)
“Jesus knew that he had come from God… He also knew that the Father had
given him complete power. So he got up, wrapped a towel around his waist…
and began washing his disciples' feet.” John 13:3-5 (CEV)
2. Defines ________________________________
“Moses chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)
I am spiritually mature when…
I stop blaming others for my ______________________________
I stop living off others _________________________________
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 (NIV)
3. Decides ___________________________
“Moses regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)
The World's Priorities
(vs. 24) ______________________
(vs. 25) _____________________
(vs. 26) _____________________
Moses’ Priorities
1. _______________________________ was better than popularity
2. _______________________________ was better than pleasure
3. _______________________________ was better than possessions
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of
knowing Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:8 (LB)
4. Determines_____________________________
“It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the
king. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is
invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NLT)
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.
Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that
exhilarating finish with God—he could put up with anything along the way:
Cross, shame, whatever.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (Msg)
“Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits… Let heaven fill
your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”
Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - Enjoying God's Power in Your Life [21 July 2013]
TRIED AND TESTED FAITH
“Enjoying God’s Power in Your Life”
Message Outline
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to
teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it
straightens us out and helps us do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (LB)
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love
and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
“Keep your heart on the right path.” Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)
1. When you’re pressured by _____________ choose the path of
___________________
“He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and
unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.’ Then
Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!’”
Daniel 3:25&28 (NIV)
“May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 25:21 (NLT)
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”
1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)
4 keys to personal integrity
• ________________ your mind
• _____ the right thing
• _________________ your future
• _________________ your Father
2. When you’re scared by a __________________ choose the
path of ________________
“‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve
continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’ Daniel answered, ‘O
king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the
lions.’” Daniel 6:20-22 (NIV)
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went
home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his
God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10 (NIV)
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
3. When you’re overwhelmed by an ___________________
choose the path of __________________
“‘I am the Lord's servant,’ said Mary; ‘may it happen to me as you have
said.’” Luke 1:38 (GN)
“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be
served, but to serve…” Matthew 20:28 (LB)
“...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Mark 10:43 (NIV)
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing
power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
“I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NCV)
“With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than
anything we can ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20 (NCV)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - Examples & Warnings Concerning Freedom in Christ [14 July 2013]
Sermon MP3
TRIED AND TESTED FAITH
“Examples & Warnings Concerning Freedom in Christ”
Message Outline (14/07/13)
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as
warnings for us, on whom the fulfilment of the ages has come.”
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV)
1. JOSHUA IS AN EXAMPLE OF ________________________
Joshua 5:13-6:27
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV)
The lesson from Joshua:
When you ______________ the Lord, you have _______________
________________________
2. SAMSON IS A WARNING ABOUT _____________________
Judges 16:4-30
“He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake
myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.”
Judges 16:20 (NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
The lesson from Samson:
Never be ____________________ about _____________________
3. SAUL IS A WARNING ABOUT ________________________
1 Samuel 15:1-35
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better
than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is
like the sin of divination [witchcraft], and arrogance like the evil of
idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected
you as king.’” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (NIV)
The lesson from Saul:
God’s __________ must be done ___________________
4. DAVID IS AN EXAMPLE OF ________________________
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to
your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my
iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my
sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what
is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and
justified when you judge. . . Cleanse me, and I will be clean; wash me, and
I will be whiter than snow. . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or
take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:1-12 (NIV)
The lesson from David:
_________________ is beyond ___________________________
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
To “see” means to look with _____________________________
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
TRIED AND TESTED FAITH
“Examples & Warnings Concerning Freedom in Christ”
Message Outline (14/07/13)
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as
warnings for us, on whom the fulfilment of the ages has come.”
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV)
1. JOSHUA IS AN EXAMPLE OF ________________________
Joshua 5:13-6:27
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV)
The lesson from Joshua:
When you ______________ the Lord, you have _______________
________________________
2. SAMSON IS A WARNING ABOUT _____________________
Judges 16:4-30
“He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake
myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.”
Judges 16:20 (NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
The lesson from Samson:
Never be ____________________ about _____________________
3. SAUL IS A WARNING ABOUT ________________________
1 Samuel 15:1-35
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better
than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is
like the sin of divination [witchcraft], and arrogance like the evil of
idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected
you as king.’” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (NIV)
The lesson from Saul:
God’s __________ must be done ___________________
4. DAVID IS AN EXAMPLE OF ________________________
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to
your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my
iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my
sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what
is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and
justified when you judge. . . Cleanse me, and I will be clean; wash me, and
I will be whiter than snow. . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or
take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:1-12 (NIV)
The lesson from David:
_________________ is beyond ___________________________
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
To “see” means to look with _____________________________
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Saturday, March 8, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - "What Does Living By Faith Mean?" [07 July 2013]
Sermon MP3
TRIED AND TESTED FAITH
“What does living by faith mean?”
Message Outline (07/07/2013)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that
through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have
hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an
opportunity for joy. For WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED, your endurance
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully
developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
GOD ALWAYS TESTS THOSE HE INTENDS TO USE
In each person we see...
_______________________ (God gives a promise)
______________________________
__________________ (A waiting period or test)
I. (NOAH) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH WITH...
__________________________________
“It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He
obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened
before.” Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)
Faith is believing ____________________________________
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
II. (ABRAHAM) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH WITH…
__________________________________
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to LEAVE
HOME AND GO TO ANOTHER LAND that God would give him as his
inheritance. HE WENT WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING.”
Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
__________________________________
“And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by
faith—for he was like a foreigner, LIVING IN A TENT. AND SO DID
ISAAC AND JACOB, to whom God gave the same promise. Abraham did
this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal
foundations, a city designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 (NLT)
___________________________________
“It was by faith that Sarah together with Abraham was ABLE TO HAVE A
CHILD, even though they were too old and Sarah was barren. Abraham
believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came
from this one man, Abraham, who was too old to have any children—a
nation with so many people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the
seashore, there is no way to count them.” Hebrews 11:11-12 (NLT)
___________________________________
“It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was
testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to
sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had promised him, ‘Isaac is
the son through whom your descendants will be counted.’”
Hebrews11:17-18 (NLT)
Faith is obeying ______________________________________
“Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively
speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death!” Hebrews 11:19 (NIV)
III. (MOSES) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH THROUGH...
__________________________________
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. HE CHOSE TO BE MISTREATED along with the
people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He
regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)
Faith is persisting ______________________________________
“By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; HE PERSEVERED
because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)
TRIED AND TESTED FAITH
“What does living by faith mean?”
Message Outline (07/07/2013)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that
through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have
hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an
opportunity for joy. For WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED, your endurance
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully
developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
GOD ALWAYS TESTS THOSE HE INTENDS TO USE
In each person we see...
_______________________ (God gives a promise)
______________________________
__________________ (A waiting period or test)
I. (NOAH) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH WITH...
__________________________________
“It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He
obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened
before.” Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)
Faith is believing ____________________________________
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
II. (ABRAHAM) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH WITH…
__________________________________
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to LEAVE
HOME AND GO TO ANOTHER LAND that God would give him as his
inheritance. HE WENT WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING.”
Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
__________________________________
“And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by
faith—for he was like a foreigner, LIVING IN A TENT. AND SO DID
ISAAC AND JACOB, to whom God gave the same promise. Abraham did
this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal
foundations, a city designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 (NLT)
___________________________________
“It was by faith that Sarah together with Abraham was ABLE TO HAVE A
CHILD, even though they were too old and Sarah was barren. Abraham
believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came
from this one man, Abraham, who was too old to have any children—a
nation with so many people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the
seashore, there is no way to count them.” Hebrews 11:11-12 (NLT)
___________________________________
“It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was
testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to
sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had promised him, ‘Isaac is
the son through whom your descendants will be counted.’”
Hebrews11:17-18 (NLT)
Faith is obeying ______________________________________
“Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively
speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death!” Hebrews 11:19 (NIV)
III. (MOSES) GOD MAY TEST YOUR FAITH THROUGH...
__________________________________
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. HE CHOSE TO BE MISTREATED along with the
people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He
regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)
Faith is persisting ______________________________________
“By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; HE PERSEVERED
because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)
Friday, March 7, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - Prayer Changes Things [23 February 2014]
THE
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER
“Prayer changes things”
Message Outline
"Lord,
teach us to pray." Luke 11:1b
(NIV)
THE FOUR PURPOSES OF PRAYER
1. Prayer is an act of ________________________
"If
a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you
can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is
thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up and thrown into the fire
and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you can ask
whatever you wish and it will be given to you." John 15:5-7 (NIV)
2. Prayer is an act of _________________________
"I
no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's
business. Instead, I have called you friends for everything I have learned from
my Father, I have made known unto you. You did not choose me, but I chose you
to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you
whatever you ask in my name." John 15:15-16 (NIV)
3. Prayer is an act of ______________________
"Don't
worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s
peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His
peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
"I tell you
the truth, the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16:23b
(NIV)
"Until now
you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your
joy will be complete." John 16:24
(NIV)
"He fulfils
the desires of those who reverence and trust Him."
Psalm
145:19 (LB)
"Delight
yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
"No good
thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right." Psalm 84:11 (NLT)
"Which of
you fathers if your son asked for a fish would you give him a snake instead? Or
if he asked for an egg would you give him a scorpion? 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?" Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)
4. Prayer is an act of __________________________
"Believe
Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least
believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth,
anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even
greater things than these, because I'm going to the Father." John 14:11-12 (NIV)
"And
I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14 (NIV)
"The king’s
heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he
pleases.” Proverbs
21:1 (NIV)
MIKE RUTTER - Freedom to Choose [09 February 2014]
MIKE RUTTER - Freedom to Choose [09 February 2014]
Friday, February 28, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - The Greatest Thrill in Life [27 October 2013]
LIVING TO GOD’S DESIGN
“The Greatest Thrill in Life”
Message Outline
“Be dressed for service and well
prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return from a
wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the
moment he arrives and knocks. There will be special favour for those who are ready and waiting
for his return.” Luke 12:35-37 (NLT)
1. I must ___________________________
“If only you would prepare your heart and
lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave
all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten in innocence. You’ll
be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery. It will all be gone
like water under the bridge.” Job 11:13-16 (NLT)
“Joshua told the
people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders
among you.’” Joshua 3:5 (NLT)
“If we confess our
sins to God, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
2. I must ___________________________
Sanctify = to dedicate for special purposes
“Do not let any
part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to
God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool
to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:13 (NLT)
“Don’t you know that your
body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you
by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So
you must honour
God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
“I discipline my body like an athlete,
training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to
others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NLT)
3. I must ___________________________________
“For the grace of God that brings salvation and has appeared to all
men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright and godly lives…”
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
“Since we are
surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
“As Christ’s soldier,
don’t let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then
you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.” 2 Timothy
2:4 (NLT)
“Anyone who lets
himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the
Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (LB)
4. I must ___________________________
“Arm yourselves
…and you won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing after evil desires.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NLT)
“Build yourselves up in your most holy faith.” Jude
1:20 (NIV)
“Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.” 1 Timothy 4:7b (NLT)
5. I must _______________________________________
“Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
“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.” Colossians
3:17 (NIV)
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work
you gave me to do.”
John 17:4 (NIV)
MIKE RUTTER - How To Rid Yourself of Envy [20 October 2013]
LIVING TO GOD’S DESIGN
“How to rid yourself of Envy”
Message Outline
“Long ago, even before he made the
world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in
his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own
family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians
1:4-5 (NLT)
“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“YOU SHALL NOT COVET!” Exodus 20:17
HOW ENVY CAUSES ME TO MISS THE PURPOSE
OF MY LIFE
1. It denies
__________________________
“God, you knit me together in my mother's womb… Your workmanship is marvellous… You watched
me as I was formed in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every
day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a
single day had passed.” Psalm
139:13-16 (NLT)
“Who are you, a mere human being, to criticize
God? Should the thing that was created
say to the one who made it ‘Why have you made me like this?’”
Romans 9:20 (NLT)
2. It
divides
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the
one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
“Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I
plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (LB)
3. It
wastes my
“I’ve learned why people work so hard to succeed;
it is because they envy the things their neighbours have. But this is
foolishness, like chasing the wind… Here is someone who lives alone. He has no
child or brother, yet he is always working, never satisfied with
what he has. Yet he never asks, ‘For whom am I working so hard…?’ This
is useless, too—and a miserable way to live.” Eccles. 4:4+8 (GN)
4. It leads to
“For wherever
there is envy and rivalry there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony)
and every kind of evil.” James 3:16
(Amp)
HOW TO ERADICATE
ENVY
Jesus’ Story of the Vineyard
Workers (Matt. 20)
1. Never compare
“Those hired
last came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw
that, they assumed they would get far more.” Matt. 20:9-10a (MSG)
“Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he
will have the personal satisfaction of work done well, and won’t need
to compare himself with someone else.” Galatians
6:4 (LB)
2. Celebrate God’s
“The workers
who had been hired first thought they would be given more than the others. But
when they were given the same, they began complaining to the owner of
the vineyard... He said ‘Are you envious because I am generous to
them?’”
Matt. 20:10-11, 15b (CEV/NIV)
“Love does not
envy.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
3. Be grateful for who
“Isn't everything
you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the
point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need!”
1 Corinthians 4:7b-8a (MSG)
“It is better
to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.” Ecclesiastes 6:9 (GN)
4. I must trust God when ________________________
“‘These last workers put in
only one easy hour, and yet you have made them equal to us – we who
slaved all day under a scorching sun!’” Matthew 20:12 (MSG)
The Owner:
“‘Friends, I’m not being unfair!
I paid you exactly what we agreed on. Take your part and go! What
business is it of yours if I want to pay others the same that I paid you? Don't
I have the right to do what I want with my own money?’” Matthew 20:13-15a
“Let us run
with patience the particular race God has set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 (LB)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
MIKE RUTTER - What I gain out of Giving? [2 February 2014]
PHILIPPIANS
“What I gain out of giving”
Message Outline
“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God's kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem. They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God's will.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (GW)
PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20
6 BENEFITS: EVERY TIME I’M GENEROUS...
1. I earn the _____________________________
“How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping me again…It was so good that you helped me when I needed it... You Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News...No other church did this...You sent me aid again and again when I was in need…So I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me.” Phil. 4:10, 14-16, 18
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God...because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ...It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God.” Philippians 1:3, 5, 7 (NLT)
2. I show what really _____________________
“I want you to understand what really matters...” Philippians 1:10 (NLT)
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but I now consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Philippians 3:7 (NLT)
“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” Phil. 3:20 (NLT)
3. I become more ____________________
“That you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:11 (NCV)
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:4-5 (NIV)
4. I strengthen __________________
“Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Philippians 4:6 (LB)
5. I invest in my ________________________
“Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will receive because of your generosity” Philippians 4:17 (LB)
“I want you to have the profit that accrues to your account.” (NAB)
“I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.” (CEV)
“…Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven – it is the only safe investment for eternity!” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (LB)
6. I make ____________________
“The gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Philippians 4:18 (NIV)
THE PROMISE
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding yours, in the glory that pours from Jesus. Glory to God forever and ever!” Philippians 4:19 (Msg)
2 WAYS TO BE GENEROUS
1. BY _________________
What can I afford?
2. BY ______________________
God, what do you want to give through me?
“Remembering the words that Jesus himself said, ‘There’s more HAPPINESS in giving than in receiving!’” Acts 20:35 (GNB)
“What I gain out of giving”
Message Outline
“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God's kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem. They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God's will.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (GW)
PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20
6 BENEFITS: EVERY TIME I’M GENEROUS...
1. I earn the _____________________________
“How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping me again…It was so good that you helped me when I needed it... You Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News...No other church did this...You sent me aid again and again when I was in need…So I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me.” Phil. 4:10, 14-16, 18
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God...because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ...It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God.” Philippians 1:3, 5, 7 (NLT)
2. I show what really _____________________
“I want you to understand what really matters...” Philippians 1:10 (NLT)
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but I now consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Philippians 3:7 (NLT)
“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” Phil. 3:20 (NLT)
3. I become more ____________________
“That you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:11 (NCV)
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:4-5 (NIV)
4. I strengthen __________________
“Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Philippians 4:6 (LB)
5. I invest in my ________________________
“Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will receive because of your generosity” Philippians 4:17 (LB)
“I want you to have the profit that accrues to your account.” (NAB)
“I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.” (CEV)
“…Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven – it is the only safe investment for eternity!” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (LB)
6. I make ____________________
“The gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Philippians 4:18 (NIV)
THE PROMISE
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding yours, in the glory that pours from Jesus. Glory to God forever and ever!” Philippians 4:19 (Msg)
2 WAYS TO BE GENEROUS
1. BY _________________
What can I afford?
2. BY ______________________
God, what do you want to give through me?
“Remembering the words that Jesus himself said, ‘There’s more HAPPINESS in giving than in receiving!’” Acts 20:35 (GNB)
MIKE RUTTER - Don't Worry and Be Happy [26 January 2014]
PHILIPPIANS
“Don’t worry and be happy”
Message Outline
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-13
“If you do THESE
THINGS you will experience God’s peace which is far more wonderful
than the human mind can understand. His
peace will keep your thoughts quiet and your heart at rest as you trust in
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 7 (LB)
1.
Refuse to worry __________________________
“Never
worry about anything...” Philippians
4:6 (NLT)
Jesus
said...
· WORRY IS __________________
“Don’t
worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you
will wear. Is not life more important
than food, and the body more important than clothes?” Matthew 6:25 (NIV)
· WORRY IS __________________
“Look
at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV)
“And
why worry about your clothes? Look at
the lilies… They don't work or
make their clothing. Yet King Solomon in
all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they.” Matthew 6:28-29 (NLT)
· WORRY IS _____________________
“Who
of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
· WORRY IS _____________________
“If
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't
he more surely care for you? You have so little faith.” Matthew 6:30 (NLT)
“Unload
all your worries on God since He is looking after you!”
1 Peter 5:7 (JB)
2. Talk to God ________________________
“Never worry about
anything. Instead in every situation
let God know what you need in your prayers and requests...” Philippians 4:6 (GW)
“You do not have,
because you do not ask God.” James
4:2 (NIV)
“Since God did not
spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't He who gave us Christ,
also give us everything else we need?” Romans 8:32 (NLT)
3. Thank God in _____________________
“Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“...always
ask with a thankful heart.” (TEV)
“Give
thanks in all circumstances, for THIS is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
4. Think about ______________________
“Fill your minds with those things that are true and good
and right. Think about
things that are pure and beautiful and respected. If anything is excellent or if
anything is worthy of honour, think about those things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NCV/NAS)
“You Lord, will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, and
whose thoughts are fixed ON YOU!”
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
5. Be content _________________________
“I
have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know how to
live on almost nothing or with everything.
I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation,
whether I’m well-fed or hungry, when I have more than I need or when I don’t
have enough.” Philippians 4:11-12 (LB)
“Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but
envy is like a cancer.”
Proverbs
14:30 (TEV)
“It’s
better to only have a little with peace of mind, than to be busy all the time
with both hands, trying to catch the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 4:6 (TEV)
HOW?
“I have the strength
to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (TEV)
“Obey
God and be at peace with Him; this is the way to happiness.”
Job 22:21 (NCV)
MIKE RUTTER - Practical Steps to a Happy Disposition [19 January 2014]
PHILIPPIANS
“Practical steps to a happy disposition”
Message Outline
PHILIPPIANS 3:1-14
1. EVERY DAY:
___________________________________
“...We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has
DONE for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves.” Philippians
3:3 (LB)
“...We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and
we know it!”
Philippians
3:3 (MSG)
THE TRAP: __________________ (vs. 2-6)
“...in legalistic righteousness, I was faultless.” Philippians
3:6 (NIV)
“But I no longer count on my own goodness or my
ability to obey God's law. Instead I trust Christ to save me! For God's way of making us right with himself
is through faith!” Philippians 3:9 (NLT)
2. EVERY DAY: ________________________________________
“I once thought all these things were so
very important, but now I consider them worthless, because of what Christ
has done.” Phil 3:7 (NLT)
THE
TRAP: _______________________
“Yes, everything else is worthless when
compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have
discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have
Christ and become one with him.”
Philippians 3:8-9a (NLT)
3. EVERY DAY: ____________________________________
“I want to know Christ and the power of his
resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like
him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the
dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
“For my determined purpose is that I may know
Christ – that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately
acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more
strongly and more clearly…” Philippians 3:10 (Amp)
THE TRAP: _____________________
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm
46:10 (NIV)
4. EVERY DAY:
________________________________________
“Search me O God and know my heart; test
me, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and
lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24. (NIV)
“I don't mean to say I am perfect. I still haven't learned all I should, but I keep
working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for
and wants me to be. No, dear brothers, I
am still not all I should be...” Philippians 3:12-13 (LB)
THE TRAP: _______________
“Test yourselves to make sure you
are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give
yourselves regular check-ups. You need first hand evidence, not mere
hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test,
do something about it.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (MSG)
5. EVERY DAY: ______________________________________
and __________________________________
“I am focusing all my energies on
this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies
ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for
which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Philippians
3:13-14 (NLT)
THE
TRAPS: ___________________
_________________________________
___________________
God says, “Forget the former things
and do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah
43:18-19a (NIV)
MIKE RUTTER - Happiness is not just Luck [08 December 2013]
PHILIPPIANS
“Happiness
is not just luck”
Message
Outline
PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30
·
Paul endorsed two men as role models
Timothy: “I have no one else like him!” vs. 20
Epaphroditus: “Welcome him... HONOUR men like him.” vs. 29
·
Paul said sending these men would bring
happiness!
I’m sending (these men)...
“so
that I may be CHEERED” vs. 19
“so that you may be GLAD” vs. 28
“so
that I may have less ANXIETY” vs.
28b
“it will make me happy
and lighten my cares” (LB)
TO
BE HAPPY
1. Shift
the focus _____________________________
“I have no one else
like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone
else looks out for his own interests…” Philippians 2:20-21 (NIV)
(GN) “He really cares about you… others are concerned only
with their own affairs.”
(Ph) “...they are all
wrapped up in their own affairs...”
“Don't be so obsessed
with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a
helping hand.” Philippians 2:4 (MSG)
2. Become
someone that _______________________
“Those who can’t be trusted are on the road to ruin.” Proverbs 13:15 (GN)
“Timothy has proved
himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in
the work of the gospel.” Philippians 2:22 (NIV)
(GW)
“...you know what kind of person Timothy proved
to be.”
Live with ___________________
“Reliable
friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering
heat—refreshing!” Proverbs 25:13 (MSG)
“Putting confidence
in an unreliable person is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to
run on a broken foot.” Proverbs 25:19 (LB)
I keep _________________________
“They always do what
they promise, no matter how much it may cost.”
Psalm
15:4 (GN)
3. Learn
to work well ____________________
Learn to ____________________
“I send back to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, my fellow worker and my fellow
soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my
needs.” Philippians 2:25 (NIV)
(GN)
“...he has worked and fought by my side”
Jesus: “You're blessed when you can show
people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.” Matthew 5:9
(MSG)
Learn to _______________________
“But now, I must send
him back to you, because he longs to see all of you, and has been
worried about your distress since you heard that he was sick.”
Philippians
2:25-26 (NCV)
“You must get along
with each other! You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating
a life in common.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (MSG)
“I don't just do what
I like or what is best for me, but what is best for everyone so they may
be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:33 (NLT)
4. Live for something __________________________
“Indeed he was very
ill, and he almost died... he
RISKED HIS LIFE for the work of Christ, and he was at the
point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn't do because
you were far away!” Philippians 2:27 +30 (NLT)
“Only those who give
away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know
what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35 (LB)
MIKE RUTTER - The Heart of the Matter [1 December 2013]
PHILIPPIANS
“The
Heart of the matter”
Message
Outline
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18
“You
must continue to WORK OUT your salvation with fear and trembling, (with deep
reverence & humility) for it is God
who WORKS IN you both to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
“It is by grace you have been saved,
through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works,
so no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
(NIV)
EXERCISES FOR A HAPPY HEART
1. Remember God is with me - _____________________________
“For God is
working IN YOU, giving you the desire to obey him and the power
to do what pleases him.” Philippians
2:13 (NLT)
Jesus: “I
will not leave you as orphans; I will COME TO YOU... and you will realize that ... you are in me, and I am in you!”
John
14:18-20 (NIV)
“If God is FOR
US, who can defeat us?” Romans 8:31
(NCV)
2. Be grateful and ______________________________
“In everything
you do, stay away from complaining or arguing, so that no one can
speak a word of blame against you.”
Philippians 2:14-15a (NLT)
“I tell you
this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.”
Matthew
12:36 (NLT)
“Give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
3. Keep
my ___________________________
“So that you
may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked
and depraved generation. You are to shine like stars in the universe” Philippians
2:15 (NIV)
“HAPPY are
those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teachings,… who keep
his rules, and who try to obey him with their whole heart.” Psalm 119:1-2 (NCV)
“What happiness
for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered
over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has
cleared their record!” Psalm 32:1-2
(LB)
4. Memorize God’s Word and ____________________
“Hold
tightly to the Word of Life ...” Philippians 2:16 (NLT)
“Your
principles make me HAPPY, so I never
forget your Word.” Psalm 119:16 (GW)
“Make me walk
along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Psalm 119:35 (NLT)
5. Use my
life to serve God __________________________
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the
least of these my brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25: 40 (NIV)
“If you insist on saving your life for yourself, you
will lose it. Only those who sacrificially give away their lives for my sake
and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really
live.” Mark 8:35 (LB)
“Your faith
makes you offer your lives as a sacrifice in serving God. If I have to offer my own blood with your
sacrifice, I will be happy and full of joy… You also should be happy and full of
joy with me!”
Philippians 2:17-18 (NCV)
“I will give
you a new heart – I will give you new and right desires - and put a new
spirit in you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts
of love.” Ezekiel 36:26(LB)
“Salvation is
to be found through him (Jesus) alone; in all the world there is no one else
whom God has given who can save us.” Acts 4:12 (TEV)
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