Scripture at Sunrise 10.28.2013

Sunday Morning | Bro. Dannie Wainright | Jude 1:1-4
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” -Jude 1:3

Earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. What is the faith? The body of doctrine we come to know and understand in the Word of God. It’s what we believe, what we are, and what we do according the Scriptures.

Agonize for the faith. Truth is a mighty thing. Capture, conquer, and destroy the enemy with the Word of God. You can’t dialogue with the enemy or you’ll lose–Eve dialogued. Be broad-minded in somethings, but be narrow-minded when it comes to doctrinal teachings of the Word.

Sunday Evening | Bro. Anthony Vance | Colossians 4:1-4
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” -Colossians 4:2

 How should we pray?
1) Steadfastly and persistently. Intensely. As steadfast as breathing. Unwavering. Keep on knocking. (Luke 11:9)
2) With alertness. Be watchful. Be vigilant. Be wakeful. Have the mindset of a soldier who has just crossed over enemy lines. (Mark 14:38)
3) With thanksgiving. This should really dominate our prayers. Prayer itself should be an expression of gratitude. We are SUCH a bless people. Prayerlessness is practical atheism. Prayerlessness manifests ungratefulness.

What should we pray for?
The short answer is…anything and everything.
Specifically, that God would open a door for the Word, that the Word would go forth clearly and plainly with boldness, for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ, and that people would be saved.

How can I be a better prayer warrior for my church?
Pray corporately with your church family. When someone is praying during service, be engaged and locked in.
1. Pray for the preacher and his sermon.
2. Pray for other church leaders and teachers in our church, that they would be able to effectively communicate the Gospel and plant a Gospel seed.
3. Pray through the church directory and prayer list. Pray for visitors by name.
4. Pray for all the ministries of the church, for the missionaries, for our community, and surrounding area.
5. Pray for visitors to come our way.
6. Pray that we would be faithful witnesses who evangelize and disciple.
7. Pray that we would individually love Jesus more. Pray that our church would fall more in love with Jesus.

If you want power to come from the pulpit, you must be in prayer in the pew.

Scripture at Sunrise 8.17.09

Sunday School | 2 Peter 1:12-21 | Bro. Steve Dawson
“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have…And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…”  -2 Peter 1:12, 19
–Peter’s message is urgent because he knows he’s dying soon.  He wants believers to remember the greatness of salvation and that God has given us all we need to sustain us.  He wants us to have assurance, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love.
-He reminds us of this so we will ALWAYS remember.  (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
-vs. 16-21: They saw it all happen, but the Word is more sure.
-We have been entrusted with Truth.  Defend it.  Be like Jonathan Edwards and others who believed it was more important to pass on truth than keep worldly possessions, etc.

Morning Worship | Colossians 4:15-18 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”  -Proverbs 27:17
-koinonia=fellowship
–We are called to give ourselves to others.  When you have selective hearing and tune out discord, you miss the beauty of the symphony.  You experience more joy when you share others’ burdens.
-Paul’s heart was enlarged.  (2 Corinthians 6:11)  He had many friends in his heart.  (Romans, Acts, Colossians 4, Galatians 2)
-In this text, he mentions 3 Jewish friends and 3 Gentile friends, which was taboo in that time, but the Gospel breaks all kinds of barriers.  (Acts 16:4)  The ground is level at the cross.  (Ephesians 2:12-19)
-We have fellowship with one another because of the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3)
-We are filled with Christ’s fullness and are complete in Him.  (Colossians 1:13-19, Psalm 89:27)
-Because we are complete in Him, we are risen with Christ, therefore, focus that way.  (Colossians 3:1) Get your mind fixed on Christ.  (Isaiah 26:3-4)
-Keep eternity in mind at all times.
-vs. 18- Remember Paul is bound for the Gospel, but the Gospel is not bound!
*Have you received the fullness of Christ?

Scripture at Sunrise 8.10.09

Sunday School | 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Bro. Steve Dawson
“…Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”  -2 Peter 1:5-9
-This is Peter’s last letter.  He is writing about what concerns him most.  He is looking out for the brotherhood and wrote to expose false teachers.
-vs. 1- The ground is level at the cross!  By Christ’s righteousness, we stand!
-vs. 3- His power has granted us everything we need to live a godly life to glorify Him.  (Jesus’ full power is our sufficiency and enables our perseverance).  [John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-20)  It’s all His.  He gives us what we need to fulfill what He’s called us to do.
-vs. 4- Think about His very great and precious promises.  He will sustain us through everything.
Divine Nature>Maturing Christian Life
-vs. 5-7- Multi-step process:
virtue=desire to be morally excellent, desire to be more Christ-like
knowledge=Scripturally applied knowledge
self-control=controlling personal desires through the working of the Holy Spirit
godliness=be like Jesus
brotherly affection=1 John 3:14; love being around Christians
love=love like God loves: full and sacrificial (Missionaries have a sacrificial love for others, even those who aren’t saved)
*When all of these are fulfilled, we have no need for rules and regulations.
-vs. 8-9- without these qualities, one can still be saved, but they have forgotten what Christ has done for them
*Progressing in these things provides evidence and assurance of salvation.

Morning Worship | Colossians 4:7-18 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“…They have been a comfort to me.”  -Colossians 4:11
*Friends: they influence you and you influence them.  Choose your friends wisely.
-Paul chose his friends wisely, surrounding himself with a strong support system.
-Tychicus=man with a message (vs. 7-8); responsible for delivering messages and, therefore, preserving God’s Word
Are you being faithful in delivering the Gospel with which you have been entrusted?
–Onesimus=man with a past (vs. 9); a fugitive slave who had stolen from his master, Philemon; Paul is sending him back to Philemon in Colossae, a small town where people would probably talk about him [Philemon 10-20: Paul pleads Onesimus’ case…God brought Onesimus to Paul to be led to the Lord!]
We all have a past.  Have you been forgiven?
-Aristarchus=stuck with Paul through thick and thin, willing to go in chains for the sake of the Gospel (vs. 10); Acts 19:29, Acts 27:2, Galatians 6
Are you a faithful friend willing to bear the burdens of others and stick with them during the very difficult times?
-Mark=deserted Paul; though Mark failed, the Lord gave him a second chance and used him with Barnabas (2 Timothy 4:11 shows Mark progressed in faith)
-Jesus/Justus=a Jew (vs. 11); Did he live up to his name?  (Matthew 1:21)
Do you live up to your name as a Christian?
-Epaphras=Gentile Pastor from Colossae who was seeking Paul’s advice; had a great zeal for his flock (vs. 12-13); His zeal for the Lord created a zeal for his people; Prayer crosses all kinds of boundaries.  He was in touch with his congregation through the throne of grace!  agonizomi=agonized in prayer
Do you exhaust yourself in praying? You can reach hard hearts through the throne of grace.  Do you have zeal for the glory of God?
-Luke=Paul’s beloved doctor (vs. 14); Paul had no bounds in sharing the Gospel (2 Corinthians 12:9); Luke was the first medical missionary; He used his talents for God’s glory (Acts 16:8-10)
Do you use the abilities God has given you to glorify Him?
-Demas=loved the world more than he loved God; formerly a fellow-laborer, seen in Philemon); 2 Timothy 4:10- turned his back on the truth
Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?  (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Evening Service | Exodus 37:1-29 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  -Hebrews 7:25
Items in the Tabernacle:
1)Ark of the Covenant (vs. 1-9)
—-Inside the ark of the covenant: (1)manna: to remind that God provides (2)Aaron’s staff: to show God’s rule and authority (3)Law: to remind of God’s covenant and promises, showing Him as both Lord and Savior
—-On top: (1)Mercy seat with cherubim (Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1)- Shows God reigns in Heaven and earth (2)Blood: covered sin and appeased God’s wrath, showing He is a God of justice, mercy and forgiveness
2)Table of Showbread (vs. 10-16)- shows God provides and also shows He has fellowship with us
3)The Lampstand (vs. 17-24)- to continually give light, showing that God reveals things and illuminates; like an almond tree, represening life
4)Altar of Incense (vs. 25-29)- incense represents prayers (Revelation 8:3); shows God hears and answers prayers
*Our Tabernacle today is Jesus Christ.  He is all we need.  (1 John 2:2; Romans 3:25>Greek for propitiation=mercy seat; Christ is our mercy seat!)
—He is our sustenance (Bread of Life); He is the Light of the world (John 8:12, 1:4); He ever intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25)
****All these types point to Christ!

Scripture at Sunrise 8.3.09

Sunday School | 1 Peter 5:1-11 | Bro. Roger Harden
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  -1 Peter 5:6
Bro. Roger encouraged our college crowd today by reminding them to live each day in the presence of God and enjoy it.  He reminded them of Matthew 5:3 and the importance of humbling yourself under the mighty hand, realizing you have nothing to offer Him.

Morning Worship | Colossians 4:7-9 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.”  -Colossians 4:7-9
-You get to know someone when you travel with them.
-These are people who Paul traveled with who made an impact in his life for the glory of God.
-vs. 7- Tychicus had a good reputation.  He was trustworthy, reliable and was Paul’s confidant.
-vs. 7-14- These people came from diverse backgrounds…very diverse.  What drew them together?  What was their common bond?
-Something held all these people together.  (ch. 3:14) God’s infused love is the superglue of relationships.
-beloved brother=adelphas=unity in the womb> John 3- born of the Spirit=common bond because of common confession, Savior, hope and passion (1 Timothy 1:1); born into the family of God
-beloved=greatly loved, term of endearment; Realize you are beloved of God.  He loves you deeply!
1 Thessalonians 1:4; Romans 5:5- The love of God overflows from our hearts to the hearts of others.
-Tychicus was a faithful minister who was trustworthy, dependable, reliable and a faithful friend.  He stuck with Paul through thick and thin.  (Proverbs 18:24)  He ministered to Paul and served the Lord alongside him.
-Tychicus comforted hearts.  We should do the same (ex.: 1 Thessalonians 4)
-Tychicus was a mailman.  This seems like a menial task, but he was entrusted with the very Word of God.
*There is greatness even in the small things when you are serving the Lord.  Things small in the sight of man are not small in the sight of God.
*Your life is not separated into a physical category and a spiritual category.  Don’t compartmentalize your life into physical, spiritual, big, little, etc.  Do it ALL for God’s glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)
-2 Timothy 2:2- God’s Word is preserved by sharing it with others.
-Onesimus was another mailman.  He was a slave who had run away, trying to get lost in the crowd in Rome, but God sovereignly scattered him (1 Peter 1) to meet Paul to hear the life-changing Gospel!  (Philemon 10)
*Both Onesimus and Tychicus looked to glorify God, not themselves.
-Influential people in Paul’s life: those who were faithful to serve God in whatever the Lord has called them to do.
*Be obedient to what He has called you to do right now.

Evening Worship | Exodus 36:8-38

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  -John 1:14

-The Israelites were in a building program.  The Tabernacle served as God’s dwelling place for nearly 500 years, so God had detailed instructions on how to build it.
-First, the tent had to be built.
-vs. 8-13- Colorful curtains for 3 walls with gold pieces everywhere.
-vs. 14-19- Ceiling of Curtains=4 layers
-vs. 20-34- Framework (very specific)
-vs. 35-36- Curtain to separate Holy Place from Most Holy Place
-vs. 37-38- Curtains for Tabernacle Entrance
-This passage mirrors ch. 26 almost word-for-word.  Why did God repeat Himself?  Because they had disobeyed by building a golden calf.  However, this time (ch. 36), they were obedient in the details and they were blessed in ch. 40!
-As you read God’s Word, obey what He has revealed to you.  Day by day, walking in His Word and, therefore, His will.
-Hebrews 8:5- The Tabernacle patterned the throneroom of God in Heaven.  (ch. 9:24)  What we see in the Tabernacle is a glimpse of Heaven.
-As you approach the Lord in the Tabernacle, the more beautiful it gets (bronze>silver>gold).
-Curtain torn in two=access to God!
-John 1:1, 14- Christ tabernacled among us.
-Hebrews 10:5- His body became the Tabernacle of God on earth.  Hebrews 9:11- Perfect Tabernacle.  John 2:19
-When you, by faith, trust in Him, He dwells in you.  (“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”)
-If Jesus dwells in you, glorify God with your body.  (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
*If your body is the temple…
-How can you glorify God better with your thought life?
-How can you improve your speech?
-How can you be more conscientious of glorifying God through your actions?
*Desire the glory of God shining through your life.

Scripture at Sunrise 7.20.09

Sunday School | 1 Peter 4:1-11 | Bro. Steve Dawson
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”  -1 Peter 4:1-2

*To have the same way of thinking as Christ had (aka: the mind of Christ=1 Corinthians 2:16), you must repent and change your direction, which comes through faith that Jesus is Who He says He is and that He died in your place. Our weapon in this spiritual battle is the mind of Christ.  (Romans 8:5)
*Jesus’ mind is the Father’s will.  (John 8:47)
*The transformation from your past and hope of eternal life.  (vs. 3-6)
*Having the mind of Christ and doing His will is all for His glory.  (vs. 7-11)

Sunday Morning | Colossians 4:5-6 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”  -Colossians 4:5-6
*Paul was passionate about the Gospel and for the lost.  He wanted the Colossian believers to live out the Christian life and share the Gospel to spread God’s glory.  (vs. 3-4; Romans 9:1-2)
*As you live your life to the glory of God (ch.3), you will have opportunities to share the Gospel with unbelievers.
*If Christ is your life (ch. 3:4), you will live different.  Paul was living a life filled with Christ.  (Galatians 2:20)
*Walk in Wisdom (What’s Wisdom?  The application of knowledge)
*God desires to use your life.  Let your light shine.  Do you practice what you preach?
*Wisdom = [ch. 1:9- know will by being filled with wisdom] [ch. 2:3- to know Christ is to know wisdom] [ch. 3:12- this is wisdom, walk in it] James 1:5
*Wisdom is gained by getting in the Word.  Your life will preach without words.
*Smile, it makes people wonder what you’re thinking.
*Our life preaches and gives us the opportunity to speak words.
*vs. 5- Redeem the time.  make the most of an opportunity.  Carpe diem, but also seize the opportunities.
*Be sensitive to how God is moving and working in our life and the lives of others.
*vs. 6- Always be ready to give an answer (1 Peter).  Talking about dealing with people asking you questions stimulated by the difference they see in the life you live.
*Your speech should be pointed and pleasant.
*You can lead a horse to water AND make him drink by giving him salt.
*Add a little flavor, zest, SALT to your speech!
*Does your speech minister grace to the hearer?
Proverbs 11:30 ~ Ephesians 5:15-16

Sunday Evening | Exodus 35:4-29 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  -1 Corinthians 9:7
*The Israelites are in a building program, building the tabernacle.
*ch. 35-39 shows the children of Israel being obedient.  This shows there is hope for sinners because when we go astray, God abides and is faithful.
*vs. 4-9- GIVING.  Getting into this building program, they are told to give from the heart.
*God is inviting them to join in His work.  He does the same with us.
*Give out of a willing heart.  (2 Corinthians 9:7-9)  God has given it to you.
*Use what you have WILLINGLY.  What we give belongs to Him anyway.  You cannot outgive God.  He’s already given us His best: His Son.
*vs. 10-19- God gets particular.  A lot of different talents were needed.  (Romans 12:6, 1 Peter 4:10- use gifts to minister to one another)
*vs. 20-21- Heard command, left, brought offering.  When you hear God’s Word and know your responsibility, do it!  Don’t put it off.
*People who are born again love to give.  That’s a way to show gratitude to the Lord for what all He’s done for us.
*vs. 22-24- Their giving was worship.
*Two Groups: [Group 1=Wise-Hearted Women in vs. 25-26: Took to heart what they could do and did it for the glory of God.  They didn’t complain about what they couldn’t do.]  [Group 2=Leaders/Rulers: How you use what you have can either be a blessing or a cursing.]
*GIVE for the glory of God.
****HOW DO WE CULTIVATE A HEART OF GIVING CHEERFULLY?****
Don’t look at what you give, but look at how much God has given you!  
*All you have belongs to Him.  (vs. 21, vs. 24- “The Lord’s Offering”) Be a good steward of what He’s given you.   

Scripture at Sunrise 7.13.09

Sunday School | 1 Peter 3:8-22 | Bro. Steve Dawson
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”  -1 Peter 3:8
vs. 8-12– Living and Loving the Good Life
1)The Right Attitude (vs. 8)
-unity of mind, sympathy (touched by what’s happening to your brothers and sisters in Christ), brotherly love (relish being together, tenderhearted, humble minded (realize you don’t have all the answers)
2)The Right Response (vs. 9)
-Does my life bless and build up others or hinder them and make them stumble?
3)The Right Standard (vs. 10-12)
-Seek peace and pursue it.  (This often goes back to having a humble mind).

Morning Worship | Colossians 4:2-4 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”  -Colossians 4:2-4
-Be rooted in doctrine (ch. 1-2), then apply it (ch. 3-4).
ch. 3:1– If Christ is your life, then apply ch. 3-4.
vs. 16– Get the Word in you.  Read it and apply it to your life.  Flesh it out.  Put it in every aspect of your life.  Proclaim it with your lips AND live it out!
ch. 4:2– Continue steadfastly in prayer…
*Prayer without reading the word is a one-way conversation with God.
-If you don’t pray like you should, it’s because you don’t want to pray.
Matthew 6:9- Prayer is essential to your relationship with God.
vs. 2– continue=be devoted, committed, persevere in prayer; stick with it in good times and bad times, those devoted to something put priority on what they are devoted to; commit your life to praying.
1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:8
*Perseverance in prayer shows your dependence on Him and develops patience.
-watch=stay alert
James 5:16-18- Pray fervently/boiling
-with gratitude, thanksgiving (Ephesians 3:20, 2 Chronicles 20:21- they put the singers in the front because they knew the battle belonged to the Lord so they were praising Him with thanksgiving!)
vs. 3– Pray for us…
The Apostle Paul is asking for prayer?!
*Why do we seek the prayers of others?
Psalm 50:12-15- It brings more glory to God.  (John 14:13)
*Our need magnifies His supply.
-Open door for the Word to go forth (God gets the glory for opening doors)
*Pray for others in their witnessing, for missionaries, for preachers, for hearers…
****You can have a mission work in your prayer life…
-Boldness: Paul was in chains not because of doing wrong, but to preach the Gospel.  He saw it as an opportunity brought about by the providence of God.
-Make it manifest, clear and simple.
*Pray that God will help us put it like people will understand it.

Evening Service | Exodus 34:29-35 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”  -Psalm 34:4
-If you’re glowing as you’re going, you’re growing.
-There ought to be something shining through us and that’s the glory of the Lord.
-There is an afterglow when you have been in God’s presence.
-God is glorious and just a fraction was revealed to Moses.
-The holiness of God reveals sin.  (The sinfulness of Aaron and the Israelites was exposed in God’s glory shown through Moses).
-When the children of Israel, who rejected Moses’ authority, saw God’s glory showing through Him, they realized this was a stamp of approval from God on Moses.
-1 Timothy 2:5- Our Mediator has inherent glory.  He is not a reflection of God’s glory, He IS God’s glory.
-Matthew 17:2, Hebrews 1:3, John 1:13, John 17, Revelation
2 Corinthians 4:6
The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the face of Jesus Christ.
*God glows through those who are redeemed.
*As we gaze upon His glory, God is working in us so He might work through us.
*Psalm 34:1-5
-Our gaze must be on Jesus Christ.  Continuallly look at Him through His Word to shine with His glory (Hebrews 12:1-2).
*Catch fire for the glory of the Lord!
*Glow to the glory of God!
*2 Corinthians 3:7-11- How much more glorious is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  (vs. 13-14: Through Christ, we have boldness and access).  The Lord removes the veil, therefore He gets the glory because it’s His work.
“Shine, make ’em wonder what you’ve got, make ’em wish that they were not on the outside lookin’ bored!”

-Do others see Jesus in you?