Woodward First Assembly

Revealing The Mysteries Of The Kingdom-6-Even Jesus Went To Small Groups

It's mid week and Pastor Sally Irvine fills in for Pastor Brad.  She continues the mid week series with a message she calls Even Jesus Went To Small Groups.

Mythbusters-2-Only God Can Judge Me

This morning we continue with our Mythbusters series. However Pastor Brad is on vacation so Pastor Seth (freshly back from Youth camp) steps up and delivers our message called "Only God Can Judge Me."

Pastor's Notes:

Matthew 7:1-3 NKJV
Matthew 7 Judge[a] not, that you be not judged.2 For with what [b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
APPLICATION
1.      Judge not, that you be not judged

Jesus is not saying don’t judge. He would contradict himself.
He saying don’t judge if you can’t handle being judged.
Many Christians can dish it out but they can’t take it.
Don’t be a hypocrite. Example: Don’t point out homosexuality as a sin if you can’t handle somebody pointing out your heterosexual sin.

2.      Watch how you judge.

(Verse 2) The harshness that you judge is the harshness that you’ll receive when you mess up.
Example:
Judge the way you would want to be judged.

3.      Judge by connecting on level ground.

Even though you see the splinter in your brothers eye, recognized that there is also something in your eye.
Approach from a place of humility and understanding that we are all flawed but we can connect to a God that is not flawed and is able to help


Conclusion- Jesus is speaking to the heart. Don’t judge from a place of hypocrisy but a place of humility where we realize that we are all in need of Jesus. Then, we can help EACH OTHER get the planks and splinter out of our eyes.
I’m talking about accountability. We are our brother’s keeper. How can we sit by and let our brother walk around with a plank sticking out of his face? Be humble. Recognized that you to need Jesus and need help. THEN, help your brother.

Revealing The Mysteries Of The Kingdom-5-The Workers In The Vineyard

Pastor Brad continues his midweek series on “The Mysteries Of The Kingdom.” Tonight’s parable is The Workers In The Vineyard found in Mathew 20:1-16(NKJV)

Mythbusters-1-I Don't Have To Go To Church To Be A Christian

Today Pastor Brad starts his new summer series he calls Mythbusters.  During this series we will take a look about some popular myths concerning Christians. We start with a message about the myth "I Don't Have To Go To Church To Be A Christian."

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT
Luke 4:14-21 NKJV
14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me [i]to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are [j]oppressed;To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend. Besides that, I pray you were blessed by the ministry of Christopher Alam. He actually called me this week and asked me to convey his gratitude for the generosity of our church family.
Today, I want to start a brand new series entitled “Mythbusters”.

ILLUSTRATION

I’m sure many of you saw the show years about called “Mythbusters”.
Each MythBusters episode focuses typically on two or more popular beliefs, Internet rumors, or other myths. The list of myths tested by the series is compiled from many sources, including the personal experiences of cast and crew, as well as fan suggestions, such as those posted on The Discovery Channel online MythBusters forums.
It was an interesting show to me because it taught us that you can’t just believe everything you hear. We should be diligent to get the facts and compile what is necessary to get the truth.

TRANSITION
That’s why in this series, we will be busting cultural myths that are impacting our present Christian culture. Many of our topics are hot topics and controversial issues both spiritually and politically. Therefore, from week to week, I won’t be sharing on social media the topics of my messages. This will be one of those series where you just have to show up to see what I will be preaching on. However, some of the myths we will be busting are:
“Only God Can Judge Me”“Abortion Isn’t Murder”“People Are Born Gay”“Marriage Is Just A Piece Of Paper”“God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Bear” “It Isn’t God’s Will To Heal Everyone”
....... along with several others.

Today however, I want to unload a myth that many people in today’s present culture have believed. You’ve probably heard it before: “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.”
GASP!
What if I tell you that statement is not true at all?
Now wait a minute, pastor!
You mean to tell me the little old ladies who can’t go to church aren’t Christian?
I didn’t say that.
Let me explain: This would not apply to shut in’s or those physically unable to go to church. That’s why when we know about these people, we and our staff do our best to reach out, stay connected, have communion with them, encourage them, etc.
Second, I’m also not preaching that coming to church saves you, or how many times a week you come. I’m no fool. I know that only faith in Christ and the blood of Jesus can save you. Besides that, we just learned Wednesday night in our teaching of the wheat and tares that just because you come to church doesn’t make you saved!
Yet, let’s examine the myth: “I don’t have to go to church to be a CHRISTIAN.” (My emphasis added)
The word Christian means “little Christ”, “Christ follower”, or “Christ like”.
So the question is not salvation, although I believe a truly saved person wants to belong to the body of Christ, but rather, “What are Jesus thought’s about attending a centralized gathering of believers?”

BACKGROUND
In our text, we see Jesus doing what He did best: Teaching. And Jesus ministry did involve open air teaching and preaching and in the streets, but one thing is for sure: He was regularly in the synagogue or the temple preaching.

APPLICATION
1. Jesus Thought It Was Important
- Our text says “and as His Custom was” Another way to say this is “it was His habit”
- I will say thing. Regular church attendance has to become one of those good habits in your life, sort of like bathing, brushing your teeth, etc.
- Much of the other places in the Gospel tell us that Jesus regularly was there.
2. It Was The Center Of Culture
- Temple Worship, the Synagogue, and Sabbath worship both was, and still is a way of life in Jerusalem today. The people’s lives were planned around the regular coming together of worshiping God.
- After the resurrection, more and more Jews were not accepting of Christianity, the early disciples worshiped in churches on the first day of the week.
- Jesus Was the beginner of the church.
- We too, like Christ and the disciples, should plan our lives intentionally around the corporate worship with believers.
3. It Has Purpose
- They came together for:
- Worship
- Prayer
- Instruction
- Fellowship
- Serving
- Encouragement
CONCLUSION
So in our current culture things are great like live streaming, podcasts, and tv programs. They can be a great way to supplement your spiritual life. What an even better tool for people who are physically unable to attend, or those who work off or are in the active military.
Yet, they should never be a substitute for the believer who is able.
When you give up on attending church, what's at stake?
Well, to put it in a nutshell: the unity of the body, your own spiritual growth, protection, and blessing are all at risk when you're disconnected from the body of Christ.

Mysteries Of The Kingdom-4-The Wheat And The Tares

Tonight we continue our mid week series “Mysteries Of The Kingdom”. 

Pastor Brad teaches about the Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares.

Fire Conference 3: Christopher Alam

This morning we finish our Fire Conference with Pastor Christopher Alam.

Fire Conference 2: Christopher Alam

Tonight we contiue our Fire Conference with Pastor Christopher Alam.

Fire Conference: Christopher Alam

Tonight we start our Fire Conference with Pastor Christopher Alam.

Mysteries Of The Kingdom-3-The Dragnet

Tonight we continue our mid-week series that Pastor Brad has titled, "Revealing The Mysteries Of The Kingdom."  In This series he will be breaking down the parables the Jesus taught in regard to building the Kingdom of God.  Tonight's  parable is The Dragnet.
Pastor’s Notes:
Matthew 13:47-50 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, (48) which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. (49) So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, (50) and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everybody!
I hope all of you are ready and excited to be with us this Friday at 7 pm. Once again, invite, invite, invite!
Tonight, I’ll continue in our series as we keep looking at the Kingdom of God and how Jesus teaches HIs disciples about what it’s like.
TEXT
1. THE PARABLE EXPLAINED
A. THE DETAILS OF THE PARABLE...1. A "dragnet" was cast into the sea.2. As defined by the Holman Bible Dictionary, a "dragnet" is...
a. "A large fishing net equipped with a weighted bottom edge for touching ("dragging") the river or lake bottom and a top with wooden floats allowing the net to be spread across the water (Isaiah 19:8)."
b. "Such nets were normally let down from a boat and then drawn to shore by a crew positioned on the beach. In the case of a large catch the net was hauled to shore by boat (John 21:6-8)."
3. Once the dragnet was drawn to shore, the fish were separated; those good for eating were saved in vessels, the inedible were discarded.
B. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE...
1. As with "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares", Jesus explains what this parable means - Mt 13:49-50
a. The kingdom of heaven, in its present state, will be a mixture of good and bad.
1) Just like a dragnet gathers in both good and bad fish
2) We see in "The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares" that this will be due to the influence of Satan, such that there will be those "that offend, and those who practice lawlessness" - Mt 13:41
3) Paul wrote that in "a great house" (i.e., the church) some vessels are "for honor and some for dishonor" - 2 Timothy 2:20-21
b. But in the future there will be a separation - Mt 13:491) It will occur "at the end of the age" - Mt 13:39-402) The agents of this separation will be the "angels" - Mt 13:41 3) The "wicked" will be separated from the "just" (i.e.,the righteous) - cf. Mt 13:41c. The punishment of the "wicked" is described - Mt 13:50
1) "cast...into the furnace of fire." - Mt 13:42a
2) "There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." - Mt 13:42b 2. In giving His explanation, we see the emphasis of Jesus in
this parable, and the fundamental difference between it and "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares"
a. The emphasis is upon...1) The "future" separation of those in the kingdom 2) The punishment of the wicked
b. Unlike "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares"...1) There is nothing in the explanation related to the "present"
mixture in the kingdom - contrast that with Mt 13:24-302) There is nothing depicting the blessedness of the righteous contrast that with Mt 13:43
["The Parable Of The Dragnet", then, reinforces the spiritual truths taught in "The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares", especially those relating to the coming judgment and condemnation of the wicked.
That Jesus would emphasize the judgment and condemnation of the wicked in this parable ought to impress upon us that the "good news" of the kingdom of heaven also contains "bad news" for those who reject it.
Since this parable focuses on the "destiny" of the wicked, this might be a good time to review what Jesus Himself taught on the subject...]
2. JESUS' TEACHINGS ON THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED
A. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE JUDGED...1. We have seen this truth illustrated in the two parables we have been comparing2. He warned those cities that rejected Him of the coming judgment - Mt 11:20-243. He spoke of the condemnation that would come upon His generation - Mt 12:41-424. The wicked would be raised unto condemnation, unlike the righteous - Jn 5:24-30
B. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE SEPARATED FROM GOD... 1. He spoke of this separation in His sermon on the mount - Mt 7:21-232. Again, when describing the judgment scene - Mt 25:41-46
C. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE CAST INTO "HELL"...1. A term used most often by Jesus to describe the destiny of the wickeda. The Greek word is "gehenna" {gheh'-en-nah}, which in Hebrew is "Ge-Hinnom"b. B. W. Johnson comments: "The term Gehenna arose from the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the Canaanites burned human sacrifices to Moloch. After the return of the Jews from the Captivity they made it a place of defilement, where the refuse of the city was thrown and burned. The name was applied to the place of future punishment by the Jews. The word is often used in the New Testament, and always denotes a place of future punishment."
c. Found twelve (12) times in the New Testament, and it is used only by Jesus with one exception (Jm 3:6)
2. Jesus used the term to describe the final place of punishment...a. In His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:21-22,29-30b. When sending His apostles on the "limited" commission - Mt 10:28c. In warning against personal stumbling blocks - Mt 18:8-9d. Perhaps the most vivid use of this term is in Mk 9:43-48-- Jesus evidently used this word because it properly spoke to His contemporaries the horror and abomination of the eternal destiny awaiting the wicked!
3. This place called "hell" was originally prepared for the devil
and his angels (Mt 25:41), but will serve as the place of punishment for the wicked as well
D. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL SUFFER TORMENT...
1. They will experience "the furnace of fire"
a. As described in "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares", and "The Parable Of The Dragnet" - Mt 13:42,50
b. This "furnace of fire" is the same as...1) The "fire" of Gehenna - Mt 5:22; 18:8-9 2) The "lake of fire" - Re 20:12-15; 21:8
c. A fire that is never quenched - Mk 9:43-48d. Notice Jesus' description of Hades (the temporary dwelling of the wicked dead) - Lk 16:22-242. They will experience "wailing and gnashing of teeth"
a. As told in the two parables we have considered - Mt 13:42, 50
b. Jesus used the similar expression "weeping and gnashing of teeth" on other occasions - Mt 8:12 22:13; 24:51; 25:30
3. They will experience "outer darkness" a. As in the punishment of...
1) The "sons of the kingdom" (unbelieving Israelites) - Mt 8:12 2) The "unprepared wedding guest" (those who mistakenly
believe they are saved?) - Mt 22:133) The "unprofitable servant" (slothful Christians?) - Mt 25:30
b. And the punishment described by Peter and Jude for false teachers - 2Pe 2:17; Jude 13
4. They will experience "everlasting punishment"a. The punishment for the wicked is as "everlasting" as the life given the righteous - Mt 25:46b. The wicked will be "punished" with "everlasting destruction" from the presence of the Lord - cf. 2Th 1:9 CONCLUSION
1. As Jesus went about "preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Mt 4:23), He did not hold back...
a. He called upon the people to repent - cf. Mt 4:17b. He warned them of the impending judgment and torment to come
1) As seen in "The Parable Of Dragnet"2) As seen in our survey of Jesus' teaching on the destiny of the
wicked
2. If we are to proclaim the "gospel of the kingdom" faithfully...a. We must not only preach the "good news" of the kingdom... b. We must also tell the "bad news" Christ revealed through His parables and other teachings!
Dear friend, are you living in view of the coming judgment? When "the great separation" is made, where will you be? Why not be "born again of the water and the Spirit", so you may enter that wonderful kingdom? - Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:36-39
CONCLUSION

Driven By Eternity-3-The Power Of Partnership

This morning, as Pastor Brad teaches us about The Power Of Partnership, we finish the Driven By Eternity series.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT
Philippians 4:10-19 NKJV
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [d]Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [e]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I’m super excited to be here with morning. Thanks to everyone who has continued to keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time.
It is with great joy that we’re anticipating our upcoming FIRE Conference with Christopher Alam. As we have shared before, please invite your lost loved ones and those you know who are ill and need a touch from the Lord. It starts THIS Friday night at 7 pm. We hope you will be here.
Today, I will be finishing this series with a message entitled “The Power Of Partnership”.

ILLUSTRATION
Many of you are familiar with start up businesses. If you look around you, everything had a beginning. Starbucks, Wal Mart, Apple, Samsung, Chevrolet, etc.
The one thing that shares a commonality among all of these is stock. Most companies today that are thriving have astronomical stock prices.
If you would have bought into Apple and Wal Mart in the 80’s and Amazon in the late 90’s, you would be a millionaire by now. Today, a single stock comes at a hefty price.
However, the thing about stock is that buying stock is investing in a product. In essence, you are getting ownership into the company.
When the company wins, every shareholder wins. When the company goes broke, well, everyone goes broke.

TRANSITION
The great think about the Kingdom of God is it isn’t like that. It isn’t going broke, nor will it ever!
Yet, when we give into the kingdom, it’s like investing stock into a booming company.
Now, before you get all sideways with me, I’m not trying to tell you that you give to get rich. That is totally the wrong motive for doing anything.
We give out of an obedience to God and His word. We also give because of our love for His work!
What we do for eternity is literally the only thing that will last for eternity.
Yet, just like a stock can pay out, our dividend is souls yes, but also many other blessings! God blesses those who bless the kingdom.

BACKGROUND
In our text, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Philippi.
According to history, the Apostle Paul founded the church on his second missionary journey.
He actually wrote this letter to thank this church for partnering with his ministry.
It’s been told throughout the years that a church will often take on the personality of it’s leader. Here, it’s apparent that Paul imparted a missionary spirit and a heart of generosity into his people.
Praise God!
There’s a blessing that comes when people catch a heart for the work of God.
Let’s look at our text


APPLICATION
1. It keeps giving (vs. 10)
- I want you to notice that Paul said it “flourished again”.
- This implies that their giving had continued to be a blessing.
- It likely not only continued to help him spiritually, but I’m sure it helped him emotionally. It helps people to know that others are “with them”.
- When we give to missions, we are “a part of the team”.- It’s a great thing to know people love you and are supporting you.

2. It’s a Blessing (vs. 14)
- Notice that the words, “shared in my distress”.
- Literally, they lifted a burden.
- Week after week, month after month, I get requests from missionaries. I wish I could say yes to all of them. The number one thing they have need of is not only prayer, but resources.
- There are projects that need completed and people that need to be reached.
- Sure, the Gospel is free. Plane tickets, Bibles, vehicles, etc. are not.

3. It’s Partnership (vs. 15-17)
- The biggest thing I wish I could communicate with people is that when we are giving to ministry, we aren’t giving it people. Yes, it goes into the hands of people, but it goes into the hands of God.
- It’s not just giving. That’s what the church has taught all these years. Notice Paul said giving AND receiving,
- They sent consistent aid to Paul.
- He told them it was going into their account. Did you know that you have a heavenly account? How do you put stuff in it? Giving!
- An account is meant to put stuff in AND to take stuff out.
- Your blessing account gets full when you’re a giver and generous towards the work of God.

4. It’s Sacrifice (vs. 18)
- I’m not sure how much they gave, but Paul recognized it as a sacrifice.
- You only sacrifice when something is valuable. If you’re putting $2 in the missions offering but paying $100 on a cell phone, thats not sacrifice. Oh come on, somebody!
- I’m not trying to beat you up. I’m trying to let you know that God blesses us when we truly are generous. Notice was Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:6 “But this I say, He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. “
- Notice there are only two levels of giving with God: Sparingly or bountifully. Or as a I like to say it, stingy or generous.
- Don’t be mistaken. The amount doesn’t determine which one that is, but rather proportion and attitude.

5. It’s Security (vs. 19)
- Notice Paul starts off the verse with “and”. That means it’s connected.
- This is a verse that is often taken as a promise isolated and out of it’s context.
- However, the promise of God “supplying all your need according to His riches in glory....” is directly connected to missions giving.
- Point blank? When you take care of God’s business, you don’t have to fret and worry. People are all financially messed up when they put themselves first, and then maybe if anything is left, they might give a little to God.
- No! I’m challenging each of us to be generous when it comes to giving, but especially to missions!
Why?

CONCLUSION
Because we are driven by eternity! Souls Souls Souls!
We have to pray, we have to go, and we have to give!