Bel Air Church

But They're So Different From Me: The freedom of obedience in loving people different than us. (World Missions Sunday)Hymns & Songs:`Wa Wa Wa Emimimo? (Come, O Holy Spirit, Come)`Let the Whole Creation Cry`Ain'a That Good News`Lord, You Give the Great CommissionSermon Notes:Jonah's Response to God's Call Jonah's disobedience 1:1-16 God's grace to Jonah 1:17-2:10 Nineveh's Response to God's Call Pagan sinners saved 3:1-9 Jonah's complaint against God 3:10-4:11 God's grace and our call Jesus' law of life transforming (evangelism)- "One sows, another reaps"- "One goes, another sends"Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

A Mother's Epic: One family's drama touched by the prophet Elisha.Hymns & Songs:`Praise to the Lord, the Almighty`I Lift Up Mine EyesSermon Notes:The Shunammite Woman's Generous Spirit She was a mother to Elisha before she was a mother to her son The Lord Created a Void in Her Life That Only He Could Fill The miraculous provision of oil The miraculous provision of a son The miraculous raising of her son The giving of God's Son for our sake Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

A Mother's Epic: One family's drama touched by the prophet Elisha.Hymns & Songs:`Praise to the Lord, the Almighty`I Lift Up Mine EyesSermon Notes:The Shunammite Woman's Generous Spirit She was a mother to Elisha before she was a mother to her son The Lord Created a Void in Her Life That Only He Could Fill The miraculous provision of oil The miraculous provision of a son The miraculous raising of her son The giving of God's Son for our sake Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Transformed People Transforming Communities: The process of changing our own lives by caring for others.Hymns & Songs:`All Creatures of Our God and King`Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us`My Jesus I Love Thee`Blest Be The Tie That Binds[ The Rev. Robert Gelinas, our guest preacher, is the Senior Pastor of Colorado Community Church in Denver.]Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

How Far Will God Go?: Why does God take us back even when we've been unfaithful to Him and others?Hymns & Songs:`Alleluia, Sing to Jesus`In Thee is Gladness`Great Is Thy FaithfulnessSermon Notes:A Faithful God to an Unfaithful People (Chapters 1-3) The setting of Hosea's ministry (750 BC) Hosea and his tragic marriage to Gomer The children of a broken covenant Hosea's Spiritual Message (Chapters 4-14) The effects of a lack of knowledge of God The futility of mere religion God's changeless compassion Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

The Lessons of Jesus' Resurrection: What we can learn about our new life in Christ from Jesus' resurrection.Hymns & Songs:`Christ the Lord Is Risen Today`Lord of the Dance`Jesus Loves Me`Jesus Loves the Little Children`At the Name of Jesus (Rene Clausen)`The Love of God`Sing with All the Saints in GlorySermon Notes:The Resurrection's Lessons on Our New Life in Christ-The New Life is Physical Jesus' new body was a 'spiritual / physical body' The Incarnation - "God With Us" The New Life is Relational Jesus' relationships were taken to a new level The Crucifixion - "God For Us" The New Life is Eternal The 'death of death' was accomplished Easter morning The Resurrection - "God In Us" Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: The power of forgiveness in everyday life.Hymns & Songs:`Hosanna, Loud Hosanna`The Easter Song (Anne Herring)`Were You There`When I Survey the Wondrous Cross`Who Is This King of Glory? (William Mathias)`Lead On, O King EternalSermon Notes:Jesus' Triumphal Entry was Pivotal for Our Forgiveness The conquering power of humbleness The parable of "grace gone sour" We Must Forgive to Redeem Our Past Justice is where offenders pay for their sin Forgiveness is where the offended willingly pays for the sin We Must Forgive to Embrace Our Future The only way to win the final freedom is to forgive We Must Forgive to Liberate Our Present The triumphal ride into Jerusalem becomes the procession to the cross Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Christ's Return: What happens to the Church in the last act? When does Christ return for His bride?Hymns & Songs:`Soon and Very Soon`The Solid Rock`I'll Fly AwaySermon Notes:What happens to the church in the last act? The church goes through a time of testing and purifying through trials. (I Peter 1:6-9, Matthew 24:15-28, Revelation 13:7-10, etc.) The church is victorious in conquering through sacrificial faith. (Revelation 7:13-17) When does Christ return for His bride? Some Old Testament Imagery for the Kingdom Coming: Daniel 7 'Four Beasts (Babylonian, Medes, Greece, Rome') Daniel's 70 Weeks (9:24) Ezekiel's Gog and Magog of 38 Some New Testament Imagery for Jesus' Return: The Parousia or 'going out to meet' the coming King. (I Thessalonians 4:13) The 'thief in the night' (Matthew 24:32-44) The 'blessed hope' (Titus 2:11-14) The 'appearing' (I John 2:28) Since we cannot know the chronological time, can we know the sequential tim

Christ's Return: What happens to the Church in the last act? When does Christ return for His bride?Hymns & Songs:`Soon and Very Soon`The Solid Rock`I'll Fly AwaySermon Notes:What happens to the church in the last act? The church goes through a time of testing and purifying through trials. (I Peter 1:6-9, Matthew 24:15-28, Revelation 13:7-10, etc.) The church is victorious in conquering through sacrificial faith. (Revelation 7:13-17) When does Christ return for His bride? Some Old Testament Imagery for the Kingdom Coming: Daniel 7 'Four Beasts (Babylonian, Medes, Greece, Rome') Daniel's 70 Weeks (9:24) Ezekiel's Gog and Magog of 38 Some New Testament Imagery for Jesus' Return: The Parousia or 'going out to meet' the coming King. (I Thessalonians 4:13) The 'thief in the night' (Matthew 24:32-44) The 'blessed hope' (Titus 2:11-14) The 'appearing' (I John 2:28) Since we cannot know the chronological time, can we know the sequential tim

Parable of the Banquet: How do we share our faith with unbelieving friends and family?Hymns & Songs:`I Will Greatly Rejoice`Lift High the Cross`Liquid`Jesus Shall ReignSermon Notes:Jesus' perspective of the Kingdom: 'Now a King gave a banquet...' Many are called, a few are chosen. Why Some People Refuse the Invitation Good things that got in the way of the best. It's a question of the heart, not the event. The mystery of the 'call.' Why God Refuses Some People No one comes on their own worthiness. The dignity God gives of letting people choose to refuse. Loving Those Closest to Us Our job is simply to invite. It's up to them and God how they respond. The three start-up questions for the invitation Do you have spiritual beliefs? What do you think of the person of Jesus? Would you want to know if you were wrong? Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Parable of the Mustard Seed: The power of small faith to transform.Hymns & Songs:`How Great Thou Art`My God Is So High (Moses Hogan)`This Is My Father's WorldResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

The Churches: Lessons from the Seven Churches of RevelationSermon Notes:Quick Overview:Theories:To 7 Specific Churches To 7 Ages of the ChurchTo Every ChurchLife phase of a congregationSomething for allStructure of the 7 Letters: 1. Address2. Titles of Jesus (from Ch. 1:12-20)3. Commendation4. Rebuke5. Counsel6. PromiseOverview:To 3 both commendation & rebukeTo 2 only commendationTo 2 only rebukeEphesus: (Apostolic Church)Commendation-Patient EnduranceCannot tolerate evil nor falsehoodEnduring patientlyRebuke-Abandoned first loveCounsel-RememberRepentDo the works you did at firstSmyrna: (Persecuted Church: Diocletian to Constantine)Commendation-Affliction & povertySlanderedRebuke-None!Counsel-Do not fearBeware the devilBe faithful until deathPergamum: (Church under Imperial favor: Constantine)Commendation-Holding fast to My nameDid not deny faith in MeRebuke-Some hold to false teaching:Fornication/sexual sinIdolatryCounsel-Repent!Thyatira: (Papal Church: Dark Ages)Commendation-Love, faith, service &am

Parable of the Weeds: Why does God allow evil to exist and how should we respond?Hymns & Songs:`Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing`Jesus' Hands were Kind Hands`Christus Paradox`There Is a Balm in Gilead`Spirit of the Living GodResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Issues of War & Peace: As Christians and as Christ's church, what position should we take regarding war versus peace?Sermon Notes:Perspectives on War and Morality Crusade Cost-Benefit Analysis Pacifism Just War Theory Going-to-war considerations legitimate authority just cause right intention/motives proportionality likelihood of success Conducting warfare proportionality non-combatant immunity Additional theological considerations Global church Nature of patriotism/nationalism Impact on missions/evangelism Why evangelicals don't speak out much against war policies Scepticism about "official" church pronouncements Dissatisfaction with selective use of biblical passages Presumption of "subjection" to authority (Romans 13) America and "chosen nation" thinking Individualizing of authority Spiritual issues John Calvin's warning: Rules for "competing pray-ers" Keep praying about what matters to you. Focus on underlying issues. Pray for those whom you consi

Issues of War & Peace: As Christians and as Christ's church, what position should we take regarding war versus peace?Sermon Notes:Perspectives on War and Morality Crusade Cost-Benefit Analysis Pacifism Just War Theory Going-to-war considerations legitimate authority just cause right intention/motives proportionality likelihood of success Conducting warfare proportionality non-combatant immunity Additional theological considerations Global church Nature of patriotism/nationalism Impact on missions/evangelism Why evangelicals don't speak out much against war policies Scepticism about "official" church pronouncements Dissatisfaction with selective use of biblical passages Presumption of "subjection" to authority (Romans 13) America and "chosen nation" thinking Individualizing of authority Spiritual issues John Calvin's warning: Rules for "competing pray-ers" Keep praying about what matters to you. Focus on underlying issues. Pray for those whom you consi

The Award that Belongs in the Desk: Humility and PrideHymns & Songs: `We Gather Together`This Is My Song`Eternal Father, Strong to Save`Let There Be Peace on EarthResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

The Award that Belongs in the Desk: Humility and PrideHymns & Songs: `We Gather Together`This Is My Song`Eternal Father, Strong to Save`Let There Be Peace on EarthResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Christ: Understanding Jesus Christ as the central figure in the Book of Revelation.Sermon Notes:A New Perspective (v. 16) Illustration (The blind man and the elephant) Everything is spiritual-you use your vision to see others as God sees them A New Person (v. 17) A new creature- like a snake becoming an eagle In Christ- nothing remains the same A New Purpose (v. 18) All things are of God- no longer living for self A heavenly calling A New Power (v. 19) The word of reconciliation (Jeremiah 23:29; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12) A New Position (v. 20-21) As Christ died on the cross in our stead So we take the gospel to others in His stead An ambassador Conclusion- Are you walking in newness of life? How do you see others? Are you a new creature in Christ? Do you trust God to strengthen you? Are you walking worthy of your vocation? "Even so we should walk in newness of life."Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Parable of the Soils: If Jesus is who He claims, why doesn't everyone believe?Hymns & Songs:`Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights`O Sing a Song of Bethlehem`Fairest Lord Jesus`Lord of the DanceResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

What are the 'Last Days' and Who are the Main Players?: What are the prevalent perspectives on how the world will end? Hymns & Songs:`Lord, Who Throughout`I Will Sing of My Redeemer`Jesus, Remember Me`Create In Me A Clean Heart`O Calvary's LambSermon Notes:The Study of Eschatology (Last Things) Every religion has eschatology - how does it all end? Eastern (Hindu and Bhuddist) Nirvana is the goal through differing worlds of destruction and recreation to get there. Judaism - Daniel's prophecies and the Coming Messiah. Zionist debate: Do we build Israel or is that Messiah's call? Islam - Allah and the great judgement (Jesus - one of the prophets returns, but as a Muslim: Jesus is revered but never worshipped) Christendom's Primary Colors of the Last Days (Think Impressionist's Painting - Broad colors and strokes) The Biblical Divisions This Age The Age to Come The Church Trying to Piece the Biblical Puzzle Together Technically, the "last days" began at Pentecost.