Intro to Leviticus 17-27 - SERMON NOTES

Intro to Leviticus 17-27 | Listen to Sermon Audio

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) four big themes — sacrifice (1-7), mediator (8-10), purity (11-16), holiness (17-27) (2) four considerations of OT law — divinely inspired, original context, Christological fulfillment, current application (3) holiness — separated from sin, ultimate-value/honor toward the Lord

1. Holy Worship (17): (1) v.3-4 — centralized (2) “worshipers” — what does this look like? (cf. Leslie staff review) (3) v.11 — role of blood (cf. communion) (4) assessing rival objects of worship

2. Holy Sexuality (18): (1) v.1-5, 30 — sexual ethics defined by who God is, not what we want (2) two outcomes of sexual self-control — differentiates God’s people, cultivates a valuing of other people

3. Holy Living (19): (1) v.1-2, 18 — vertical and horizontal aspects (cf. 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:14-16) (2) how we value others a reflection of how much we value the Lord (cf. guy flying with rare coin)

4. Holy Obedience (20): (1) v.22-24 — expectation of obedience (2) result of God’s favor, not a way to earn his favor (3) offence and consequence (cf. timeouts with Lee)

5. Holy Leaders (21-22): (1) 21:1a, 22:1-2a, 31-33 — experience of God tied to leaders (2) three apps — Christ (Heb. 10:11-14), spiritual leaders (Heb. 13:7, 17), all believers (1 Peter 2:9-10)

6. Holy Rhythms (23): (1) 23:1-2, topic headings (2) walk through a year at Grace (3) special days vs. normal days, activity vs. breaks (4) God’s people set apart through resisting incessant production

7. Holy Presence (24): (1) God our light (v.1-2), our provider (v.5a,8), our judge (2) God’s presence as navigator, provider, arbiter (3) may or may not “feel” his presence

8. Holy Freedom (25): (1) v.3-4, 8-10 — freedom for land, people (2) NT — Romans 6:22, 8:22-23 (3) trust, sharing — where are these hard? (4) what sin or wound do you desire freedom from?

9. Holy Choices (26): (1) obedience (v.3-4, 11-13) vs. disobedience (v.14-16) (2) blessing, curse —fulfillment in Christ (3) v.40-42 — grace final word over all our choices for those who are humble

10. Holy Promises (27): (1) giving of ourselves (v.1-2) and possessions (v.9,14,16) (2) to follow Christ is to give up ownership, Christian life is living this out (3) importance of integrity (i.e. not pretending)

Conclusion: which one of these is an area the Lord may want you to grow in?

Summer Community - SERMON NOTES

Summer Community | Listen to Sermon Audio

Summer Community - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) annual rhythms — from shep groups to summer (2) two concepts — friendship, hospitality (3) intro GWCTD

Principle #1: Household: (1) Eph. 2:19 — strangers vs. members of the household (cf. practice of welcoming) (2) 1 Tim. 3:14-15 — behavior in the sight of God (cf. one another’s) (3) Heb. 3:5-6 — recognizing Jesus as the head of the house (cf. Scripture, communion) (4) role of GWCTD

Picture #1: Ruth: (1) Ruth 1:13, 21 — we are all broken/orphaned (2) Ruth 2:10-12 — God provides someone to take us in (3) Ruth 4:3-4, 9-10 — God has paid the price needed for us to be in his household (4) Ruth 4:13, 17 — we become part of God’s plan for others to come into the household

Principle #2: Family: (1) 2 Peter 1:3-8 — familial affection for one another part of sanctification (2) NT only place this word found outside of physical family context (3) other examples — Mark 3:31-35, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, John 13:34-35 (4) role of GWCTD

Picture #2: Philemon: (1) v.8-12 — former slave escaped, met Paul, placed faith in Christ, now being sent back (2) v.4-7 — Philemon commended for his love/affection (3) v.15-18 — appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother despite the wrong he did to him — love developed through those who stretch us

Conclusion: (1) mechanics of GWCTD (2) Gal. 6:10 — importance of the calendar

Messy Work, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Messy Work, Part 1 | Listen to Sermon Audio

Messy Work, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) series recap (2) master/servant (3) Chappell book (4) five biblical perspectives on work

Dignity of Work: (1) occupation vs. vocation (2) Gen. 2:15 — sustaining, flourishing (3) work preceded by identity (cf. Gen. 1:26) — picture of the gospel (3) work comes before fall (cf. 3:15) — not evil but purpose-giving (cf. retirees) (4) variety of work — no calling/job more important than any other (cf. pastor plumber)

Purpose of Work: (1) Col. 3:17, 23-24— work as profession (i.e. professing Christ) (2) “George Bailey” test — tire plant (3) true even in jobs we don’t like — job are not our fulfillment (4) Jesus is our boss —flight attendant’s quote of Col. 3:17 (5) additional purpose of provision (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8)

Integrity at Work: (1) “how would Christ do my job?” — Psalm 25:8, 21 (2) v.19 — witness to others (3) v.4-5 — shapes our souls (cf. managers/college students) (4) v.16-18 — may be tested through waiting (cf. Bae’s prayer) (5) may lead to God moments (cf. raising food)

Success at Work: (1) Deut. 8:7-10 — “living from God’s provision, blessing him for his provision” (2) stewarding our talents (cf. Mt. 25) — bus driver, cardiologist (3) ability to work comes from God — produces gratitude and perseverance (4) world’s values/expectations vs. God’s (cf. Sheffler, Paul Norton)

Witness at Work: (1) 1 Thess. 4:11-12 (p.129) who we work with (cf. 8 th graders, maintenance workers) (2) how we work (cf. p.141-142) (3) witnessing in small ways (cf. devo book gift) (4) expect pushback but remember eternal perspective (cf. Mt. 5:11-16) (5) think creatively (cf. Phil’s ministry)

Conclusion: burger king employee

“Battery researchers believe they are solving fuel issues and helping the environment. Politicians believe they are advancing justice, national security, and a prosperous future for our nation. Salespeople believe they are taking care of their families and contributing to our economy because no business prospers until somebody sells something. Doctors see beyond the pressures and repetitiveness of clinical practice to the lives, families, and communities made healthy by their labors. Highway workers understand that without their labors, every trip becomes dangerous, the nation comes to a halt, the economy collapses, and suffering becomes universal. Preschooler moms are not simply changing diapers, building Lego sets, and enduring exhausting days, but are shaping the joy, health, and faith of little bodies inhabited by eternal souls. And bricklayers can believe that they are not merely stacking bricks, but rather building cathedrals and homes and research centers and police stations and art museums.”

Messy Parenting, Part 2 - SERMON NOTES

Messy Parenting, Part 2 | Listen to Sermon Audio

Messy Parenting, Part 2 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) God shapes our kids through us and vice versa (cf. Steve Young)

Obedience for Children (1-3)

1. Nature: (1) “children” here denotes those being “brought up” (v.4) — “obey” stronger than “submit” (2) universal truth (cf. Romans 1:28-30, 2 Tim. 3:2) — nature shows (3) evidence in other ancient cultures, modern therapy examples (4) not free to express yourself however you want

2. Law: (1) OT quote (Ex. 20, Deut. 5) — continued use of law (2) obedience a command from God — “honor” denotes all seasons of life (4) promise of well-being — protection, habits and friends, character development (5) examples of Proverbs (4:10, 30:17) — transition within decalogue

3. Gospel: (1) “in the Lord” a reference to Christ (cf. 5:22-23, 6:5) (2) obedience key to discipleship — apply to teens (3) right relationships within families a gospel witness — friend in high school (3) obedience shift from begrudging to joyful — external compliance to internal softness of heart

Wisdom for Parents (4)

1. Encouragement: (1) “fathers” — cultural background, general reference to parents (2) spectrum of misusing authority — favoritism/over-indulgence vs. harshness/cruelty (3) children possess their own unique personalities/interests (4) “bring them up” — nourish/cherish (cf. my journey)

2. Discipline: (1) corrective action against wrong behavior (2) necessary but in controlled ways (cf. Prov. 19:18) (3) can take a number of forms, including corporal punishment — needs to fit the crime/age and include explanation (4) goal of maturity maturity (cf. Heb. 12:11) — speeding ticket

3. Instruction: (1) presenting wise considerations/warnings (cf. Eli in 1 Sam.3:11-13) (2) requires time and thought — praying for opportunities to speak to kids’ hearts (3) the passing along of certain information —importance of Scripture (cf. 4:14) (4) goal of transformation (5) role of church

Conclusion: (1) exhortation to serve the purposes of the Lord in our generation (cf. Acts 13:36) (2) exercise — go home and look at your belly button (3) asking Christ to heal pain of no parents or bad parents

Messy Parenting, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Messy Parenting, Part 1 | Listen to Sermon Audio

Messy Parenting, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) intro to parenting (2) ownership vs. stewardship (3) Tripp book

God

1. God offers grace: (1) past vs. present vs. future (2) calling not based in ability (3) 2 Cor. 12:9 —ability = pride (4) God calls us to that which exposes our hearts — more like children than unlike them (cf. responding to their shortcomings) (5) God parents us as we parent

2. God offers rest: (1) burden of parenting (p.180) — goal is NOT academics, athletics, future career, popularity, religious activity (3) Mt. 28:18-20 — lifelong followers of Christ (4) no control over this — dependent on authority and presence of Christ (cf. Mt. 11:28-29) (5) faithfulness vs. results

Parents

1. Parenting is a process: (1) “I’ve tried everything” — how do you know? (cf. p.86) (2) 1 Tim. 1:14-16 — model for parenting (3) communication principle — many small conversations for few big ones (cf. fried egg Sundays) (4) children leave home unfinished (cf. John 16:12-13)

2. Parenting is NOT our identity: (1) all looking for purpose — horizontal or vertical (2) Galatians 2:20 — our pre-Christ selves are crucified, no longer defined horizontally (4) parenting as identity both natural and miserable (5) symptoms — reputation, control, activity, personal

Children

1. Children are spiritually lost: (1) behavior vs. condition (2) sin as being lost — parables in Luke 15 (sheep, coin, son) (3) we get lost, God goes out of his way to find us — application to parenting (4) reacting to behaviors vs. responding to hearts (toddlers, teens) (5) Eph. 4:15 — truth and love

2. Children need authority: (1) “self-appointed sovereigns” — we are all naturally at the center of our own worlds (2) 2 Cor. 5:15 — only the gospel can free us from living for ourselves — not possible through tone, force of personality, physical size, threats (3) God parents us as we parent

Conclusion: the need for community