Church Notes 1-20-08

Calvary Chapel reads through the entire Bible, line by line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10) and right now we're in John 7.

"Knowing God's Will for Your Life"

--if we're not looking to God and His word for guideance we'll be getting it from the world

--it's not easy, requiring obedience & willingness of heart to do what God says, but much easier and not complicated like some make it out to be

--we're called to follow Him

--as followers we're to walk in:

• humility
• gentleness
• patience
• bearing with one anther in Love

John 7:17 (Jesus speaking) If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

--Jesus says DO God's will first and then you will know it

--DO= obeying and performing what you already know to be God's will and then God will show you more

--if you're unwilling to do God's will then you will prefer the 'wisdom of the world' but if you ARE WILLING to do God's will then you'll prefer the wisdom of God's Word

John 7:7 Jesus said: (the world) hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil

--if you're shining bright, the enemies in darkness will hate you

--your life style is part of evangelism, but entually you must present the sacrifice on the cross by Jesus

--no matter who clean on the outside, we're all sinners on the inside; therefore, needing Jesus to be clean

--the world emphasizes "self" (self service, self scholarship, self righteousness, self image, self love, self esteem, etc.) and Jesus refuted these in John7

--real Love is esteeming others above yourself

Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For ifwe live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

--our loyalty as christians is 1st and formost to the Lord as our authority

--if we're not following the Lord then "self" will take over and wickedness will prevail in our lives

--Letting god deal w/us is part of knowing God's will; if god shows you something He wants you to turn from, then do it!

--the Law (10 commandments) was given tot show that you can not be righteous before God - perfection is required

--The Law can not make you righteous b/c we are sinners and miss the mark of perfection

--Self righteousness comes when people stand on their own works and not on the finished work of Jesus on the cross

--Jesus' Word is constant and authoritative; it is the same yesterday, today and forever

Matthew 24:35 (Jesus speaking) Heaven and earth will pass away , but My words will by no means pass away.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

conclusion:

• be willing to do God's will and HE (not you) will be glorified!
• immerse yourself in the God's Word and He will guide you
• forgive, let go of bitterness, and live honestly