North Lakeland

Edge Of Eternity," Part 1

1. Death Is Definite!

"Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27–28 (NLT)

2. Our Body And Soul Will Become Detached!

"Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell." Matthew 10:28 (GW)

Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25b–26a (NCV)

3. We Will Face Judgement!

"People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

The Great White Throne Judgement

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books." Revelation 20:11–12 (NIV)

"Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15 (NIV)

The Judgement Seat Of Christ

"For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." Romans 14:10b (NIV)

"We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

"The quality of each person’s work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone’s work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if anyone’s work is burnt up, then he will lose it; but he himself will be saved, as if he had escaped through the fire." 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 (TEV)

Love Lifted Me

Revelation 2:1-7

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The church at Ephesus was active but deficient in love. Matthew 23:27 (NIV). May we learn from this church and discover how the Spirit would have us respond.

1. Someone has moved.
2. Remember your beginnings.
3. Repent and change.

1. Someone has moved. Revelation 2:4 (NIV)

Ephesus was a commercial, political, and religious center for western Asia. The temple of Diana was located there. Diana was the goddess of fertility. Paul labored there for three years and built a strong church. As a result, many who once worshipped the goddess now had turned to Christ. It caused many who supplied silver to those who offered sacrifice to Diana, to lose trade and money. This church was great, but something happened. They moved away from God. They became too busy, full of pride, consumed with making money, and complacent.

They were still full of good works. They made money and they tithed. They prayed, but without compassion. It was the prayer of the Pharisee, "Help me, Lord, I'm worthy." God spoke to John on the Isle of Patmos and said, "I see your works. I see your perseverance. I know you have not become weary. What's the problem?" They had become divided. They had lost their first love. They were bankrupt in passion, and they were building a house on sinking sand. Matthew 7:26, 27 (NIV).

2. Remember your beginnings. Revelation 2:5a (NIV)

On every surveyor's map, you will see three letters - P.O.B. It means simply, "Point of beginning." In other words, every part of the accuracy of the survey is dependent upon where the starting point was located. John said, "Remember the height (the beginning) from which you have fallen." He challenged them to remember the:

• Thrill of knowing the truth.
• Joy of being liberated from selfish bondage.
• Happiness of being guilt-free.
• Passion of loving so much, it dominated their actions.
• Privilege of close fellowship with God.

God spoke through Isaiah in Isaiah 1:18 (NIV). This church is challenged to return to the point of beginning and this would enable them to find a treasure now buried in sinful ways.

Example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24:

• Had all he needed,
• Was heir of his father’s estate,
• Left for greener pastures,
• Came to his senses.

Luke 15:17 (NIV). What did he decide to do about his plight once he remembered his beginnings? He went home! Luke 15:18-20 (NIV). Far too often it takes a real pig pen to cause us to remember the blessing of our first love's beginning.

3. Repent and change. Revelation 2:5b (NIV)

God gave the door of grace a shove open and shoved the road map back to the beginning:

• repent.
• return to your first love.
• re-establish God's place in your heart.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV). True repentance is an admission of wrong, change of actions, and pursuit of God. Jeremiah spoke to the people of Israel in Jeremiah 35:15 (NIV). God gave this church a consequence if they did not repent:

• "I will remove the lampstand from its place."
• "Hear what My Spirit is saying."

In other words, if you do not, “I will remove My Spirit, anointing, and divine favor from your presence.” He also stated that if they would repent,

• He would restore them.
• He would place them in high favor.

Revelation 2:7 (NIV)

• Stay close to God.
• Keep Godly passion alive.
• If you move, repent and seek God's grace!

"Truths to Live By" Part 4

Controlling My Anger

Proverbs 29:11 (LB)

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1. Resolve to control it.

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
Proverbs 29:11 (LB)

2. Realize the cost.

“A hot-tempered man...gets into all kinds of trouble.”
Proverbs 29:22 (LB)

“Hot tempers cause arguments.”
Proverbs 15:18 (GN)

“People with hot tempers do foolish things.”
Proverbs 14:17 (GN)

“The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.”
Proverbs 11:29 (LB)

3. Restrain my mouth.

“If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.”
Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

4. Reflect before reacting.

“A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool.”
Proverbs 29:11 (NEB)

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience.”
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

Ask myself: Why am I angry? What do I really want?
How can I get it?

5. Release my anger appropriately.

“If you become angry, don’t let your anger lead you into sin.”
Ephesians 4:26 (GN)

“Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them...”
Proverbs 22:24 (NLT)

6. Return good for evil.

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone...never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God...overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21 (NLT)

7. Request God’s help.

“Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say.”
Psalm 141:3 (NCV)

“Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart...”
Colossians 3:15 (NAS)

"Truths to Live By" Part 3

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Deuteronomy 4:15-1

Anything I trust or value more than God is an IDOL.

“For your own good…don’t sin by making an idol in any form.” Deuteronomy 4:15-16 (GN)

I. What happens when I trust anything else more than God?

1. I am disappointed.

“…those who make idols are disillusioned…”Jeremiah 10:14 (GN)

“Of what value is an idol? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation.” Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

“The poor, deluded fool is trusting something that can give him no help at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask: is this thing, this idol…a lie?” Isaiah 44:20 (NLT)

2. I am degraded.

“…you were controlled by dead idols, who led you astray.” 1 Corinthians 12:2 (GN)

“Those who make idols end up like them. So does everyone who trusts them.” Psalm 115:8 (GWT)

II. Why don’t I trust God more?

Because I don’t really know God.

“Those who know the Lord trusts Him…” Psalm 9:10 (NCV)

III. Why should I trust God completely?

1. Because He is the truth.

“We can completely count on Him, for it is impossible for God to lie.” Hebrews 6:18 (LB)

“God will continue to be true even when every person is false.” Romans 3:4 (NCV)

2. Because He loves me.

“We know how much God loves us, so we have put our trust in Him…because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:16, 18 (NCV)

3. Because He is in control.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love god and are called according to His purposes for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)

4. Because He will help me.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NCV)

“Jesus says, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just trust Me.’” Mark 5:36 (NLT)