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Walking With God - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-06-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

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NEW LIFE COTR
Sunday June 1, 2008
“Dressed For Battle”
WALKING WITH GOD

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)- Turn and Read
INTRODUCTION: We’ve been in this series titled “Dressed For Battle.”
1. Recognize you’re in the Battle.
2. Recognize who is in the Battle with you.
3. Put on the Armor of God.
But in the Spirit I could see weary, tired Christians trying to put on this heavy armor.
FIRST! God’s armor is not heavy.
Matthew 11:28-30- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
There’s part of Ephesians 6 we miss if not careful.
Ephesians 6:10- “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Then it says, “put on the full armor of God.”
FIRST BE STRONG, AND THEN PUT ON THE ARMOR.
Ephesians 6:10- (AMP) - “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides.”
Union- The act of uniting or the state of being united.
United- To bring together so as to form a whole. To combine in interest attitude or action. To become joined, formed, or combined in a unit. To join and act together in a common purpose or endeavor. To be bound together by adhesion.
When you and I are united with God we can win the battle every time!
BE EMPOWERED THROUGH YOUR UNION WITH HIM
2Corinthians 2:14 (AMP) “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.”
TRANSITION: When you think of two people being united what do you think of. A man and woman coming together in marriage.

“With this union of hearts and hands, and by the authority vested in me as a minister of the gospel, and by the laws of the state of Texas, and in the name of the Almighty God, our Father, I pronounce you man and wife.”
“May this holy union ever be a perfect type of God’s great love. May it be blessed and used that many souls shall find their places in the spotless Bride of Christ.”
Then after the groom kisses the bride and they are announced husband and wife they walk the isle together and it’s God’s plan that they walk together the rest of their lives.
So it is when we become Believers in Jesus Christ. When we believe the Good News of Jesus death and resurrection. When we recognize that we need Him and ask Him to come into our heart and be our Lord and Savior.
At this moment we begin a wonderful journey of WALKING WITH GOD! And it’s as we walk with God that we are empowered with His strength to defeat Satan in every area of our life.
TRANSITION: Steps to walking with God.

I. RECOGNIZE YOU MUST WALK WITH GOD
Amos 3:3- “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
For us to walk with God we must agree with Him!
2Corinthians 6:14-18
You can’t be a partner with God and the world at the same time!
When we walk with God we spread and make evident the fragrance and the knowledge of God!
1John 1:5-7- “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son, purifies us from all sin.”
WHAT BETTER PERSON TO WALK WITH THAN GOD? THERE IS NO DEFECT OR IMPERFECTION! HE IS THE LIGHT!
Colossians 3:5-8- “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature; sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
You used to walk in these ways but now your walk has changed.
Here’s my prayer for you:
Isaiah 30:21- “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it.”
TRANSITION: If you’re going to win the battle (1) You must walk with God. Or be empowered through our union with Him.
God says, “You must walk with Me.” Then He says, “So I’m going to make a way for you to walk with Me.”
John 14:6- “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
The second step to walking with God:

II. RECOGNIZE GOD HAS MADE THE WAY FOR YOU TO WALK WITH HIM
1Timothy 2:5,6- “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all men….”
Because of sin God and man could not walk together.
Genesis 3:8,9- “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, Where are you?”
I wonder how many days Adam and Eve WALKED WITH GOD in the garden instead of hiding from God!
But because of their sin God has to make a Way for man to walk with Him again.
1John 2:1,2,6- “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”
God has made the Way for you to walk with Him!
CONCLUSION: Steps to walking with God or in union with God.
1. Recognize we must walk with God.
2. Recognize God has made the way for us to walk with Him.

III. ACCEPT THE INVITATION TO WALK WITH GOD
Who better to walk with!
Revelation 3:20- “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
God invites you to walk with Him!
Maybe you’re hear today and you’ve walked away from God. You’re no longer walking with Him.
I was there once in my life.
1John 1:9- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Walk with God and be empowered through your union with Him. He will give you strength to stand in the battle.

The Fight - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-05-25T10:30:00.002-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday May 25, 2008
“Dressed for Battle”
THE FIGHT

INTRODUCTION: Last week we started a series called “Dressed for Battle.” Whether you realize it or not, as Christian’s, we are in a battle. There’s warfare going on all around us.
God wants you and me to win the battle.
Daniel 10:12,13,20,21
This is a clear picture of what is going on in the heavenlies. The Bible clearly informs us of fallen angels over a city. Fighting against believers in that city.
Today there are still demons and there are still angels.
Daniel is praying doing his part and the angels are battling over the answer.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Principalities- a prince over a region, a prince who has authority over a city or a region.
Here’s the New Testament confirming what we read in the Old Testament. Telling us there’s a war going on in in the air. IT IS REAL!
We’re not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities.
Have you ever driven into a city and felt evil? Satan takes advantage of these places.
One of the gloomiest places in America is Seattle. This city has more suicides than any other city.
THERE’S A REAL WAR GOING ON!
TRANSITION: How do you win this battle?

I. RECOGNIZE YOUR IN THE BATTLE
Don’t ignore it. Don’t sit our the battle. If you don’t show up you will loose!
Jude 1:9- “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
2Timothy 2:4- “No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer.”
You and I have been enlisted as soldiers.
In the natural the best advice is to walk away form a fight. It will not work in the spiritual.
You are in a fight with a bully, someone who doesn’t fight fair. He will sneak up from behind you and kill you if he can.
He’s the meanest, cruelest, violent, most vicious hateful person whose ever existed.
He’s a kidnapper, rapist, murderer, a thief. HE commits every violent crime. Satan is behind every violent crime.
He’s worse than Hitler and he hates you!
He’s prideful and arrogant and the accuser of the brethren.
He’s a divider and causes strife in the family of God!
AND HE HATES YOU!
TRANSITION: Now that’s the bad news. Here’s the good news!

II. RECOGNIZE WHO IS IN THE BATTLE WITH YOU
Satan is a bully! But big brother is behind you!
Satan is so scared of your big brother!
HERE’S YOUR CHOICE- Are you going to walk with big brother or fight the battle on your own?
Daniel was thrown in a lion’s den, guess who was in the lion’s den with him?
God sent His angel who was probably the Lord Jesus Christ.
The great thing is not that someone shut the mouth’s of the lions but that Daniel was not
alone!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast into the fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:24,25 (KJV)- “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto the counselors, Did we not cast three men into the midst of the fire? They answered and said to the King, True, O King. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
YOUR CHOICE IS ARE YOU GOING TO WALK WITH BIG BROTHER OR NOT?
It’s not hard for your big brother to take care of Satan! Satan is not a problem with Jesus!
Psalm 18:15-17- God blows His nose and gets rid of Satan!
Luke 11:20- “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come to you.”
Satan is not a problem for God!
1Timothy 6:12- “Fight the good fight of the faith….”
Do you know the difference between a good fight and a bad fight? A good fight is one you win!
Have you ever lost a fight? I have. It was five against two. Those were the toughest two guys I’ve ever met!
YOU AND JESUS ARE THE TOUGHEST TWO GUYS!!!
If you choose to walk with Him!
TRANSITION: If Jesus is in the fight with you, then what’s your part?

III. PUT ON YOUR ARMOR
Ephesians 6:11- “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Why would God tell you to put on armor if you don’t need it.
WHAT IS THE ARMOR? Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, scripture and prayer.
HOW DO YOU PUT IT ON?
PRAY AND OBEY! The Christian Life boils down to that. Hear God and do what He says!
We are in a battle! The only way you are going to win is to go meet with the Captain of the army!
You need to do it every day. Start your day with God!
You choose who you are going to walk with that day. It’s who you put first!
The enemy is waiting out the door for you. Take Big Brother with you!
WHO WOULD YOU SAY THE GREATEST WARRIOR IN THE BIBLE IS?
Most of us would probably say David. What made David a great warrior?
1Samuel 23:2- “he inquired of the Lord saying, Shall I go and attack these Philistines? The Lord answered him, Go attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
1Samuel 30:8- “and David inquired of the Lord, Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them? Pursue them, he answered, You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
2Samuel 2:1 - “In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah? He asked. The Lord said go up. David asked where shall I go? To Hebron the Lord answered.”
ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE?
2Samuel 5:18,19,22-25
What made David a great warrior? He kept inquiring of the Lord!
GOD WANTS YOU TO RELY ON HIM THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
Every day go into a room and ask God for help!
Every time you meet with God He will give you wisdom and strength!
2Samuel 22:40- “You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.”
Job 12:13- “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
If you will meet with God every day He will give you wisdom and strength.

CONCLUSION: What does the word inquire mean? TO ASK!
That’s how deep the Christian life is. It doesn’t get any deeper than this.
Ask God what to do, do it, and you’ll win the battle!
PUTTING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD IS A RESULT OF SPENDING TIME WITH GOD!
Remember I told you how bad your enemy is. Now let me tell you how good your God is!
Romans 8:37-39
You and I are in a battle. The devil wants to destroy your life. He wants hell on earth for you. He hates you!
The question is: will you meet with God?

Union With God - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-05-18T10:30:00.001-06:00

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New Life COTR Sunday May 18, 2008
“Dressed For Battle”
Union with God

INTRODUCTION: Today we begin a new series titled “Dressed For Battle.” I hope that you are aware that we are in a battle.
Our key scriptures for this series will be from the book of Ephesians.
I asked some people if they could have only one book of the Bible to read and live by for the rest of their lives what would that book be? Romans was the first response. Psalms was next. Then the book of James. And another was Proverbs.
My choice would be the Book of Ephesians. Let me tell you why.
Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. Most likely in Rome.
Paul wasn’t trying to bring order to some doctrinal controversy or handle some pastoral problem as he did in some of his other epistles.
He wasn’t trying to bring correction to some church.
***Ephesians conveys the impression of a rich overflow of revelation growing out of Paul’s personal prayer life.
Ephesians is believed to have been written with a wider readership in mind than just the church in Ephesus.
It was possible intended to serve as a circular letter to all the churches in the province of Asia.
Paul’s immediate purpose for writing Ephesians was because he prayerfully longs for his readers to advance in faith, love, wisdom and revelation of our Heavenly Father.
The two basic themes of the New Testament are (1) How we are redeemed by God and (2)How we as the redeemed are to live.
Chapters one through three of Ephesians deal largely with how we are redeemed by God through His Son Jesus Christ and Chapters 4-6 focus on how we are to live as those who now belong to God.
(36) times in Ephesians Paul mentions the phrase “IN CHRIST!”
Every “spiritual blessing” and every practical issue of life relates to us being “in Christ.”
God’s eternal purpose and goal for His church is found in Ephesians.
Paul gives you and me the key to becoming all that God has called us to be!
In Ephesians you understand who you are in Christ and you understand how to live life in (1) Your home (2) the church (3) On you job!
In Ephesians you discover who your are as a child of God and how you should live as a child of God!
TRANSITION: As Paul closes out this book he lets the readers in on some valuable information! There’s someone
1. Who doesn’t want you to know that Jesus has redeemed you by paying a price for you because He loves you?
2. He doesn’t want you to know who you are “IN CHRIST.”
3. He doesn’t want you to have harmony in your home.
4. He doesn’t want you to be the employer or employee God has called you to be.
5. He doesn’t want the church the purpose God has placed it here on the earth for. He doesn’t want the church to be in harmony and unity!
We’re talking about our enemy that we daily do battle with. The devil!
Satan, the devil doesn’t want you to be the person God has called and equipped you to be! In your home, in the church or on your job!
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
Ephesians 6:10-18 (Message)
It does us well to remember that we are fighting and enemy that wants to destroy the plan of God in your life.
1Peter 5:7(AMP)- “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”
That’s why Paul admonishes his readers with the following verse.
Ephesians 6:10 (Amp) “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [Be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides.]
TRANSITON: Four truths to take home with you that will help you get dressed for battle.

I. WE ARE UNABLE TO DEFEAT THE ENEMY, SATAN, ON OUR OWN.
“Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.” That’s why God gives us His armor.
Philippians 4:13- “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
(POLICE OFFICER ILLUSTRATION)

II. GOD DOESN’T WANT US TO DO IT ON OUR OWN
Don’t allow the enemy to tell you that you’re on your own. God doesn’t want you to do it on your own. Again that’s why He gives us the armor and says “be strong in the power of My might.”
Psalm 91:15- “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
(POLICE OFFICER ILLUSTRATION)

III. GOD SELDOM DEFEATS OUR ENEMIES IN LIFE WITHOUT OUR COOPERATION
We need to work with God. “Put on the whole armor of God.”
Joshua 6:2-5- Turn and Read
Jesus defeated the devil in the wilderness when he used the Word of God. The Word of God came out of His mouth.
(POLICE OFFICER ILLLUSTRATION)

IV. GOD AND YOU ARE AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE
If you will cooperate with God you will defeat the enemy!
God is an unstoppable force. You are not an unstoppable force. God and you are an unstoppable force.
“Be empowered through your union with Him.”
James 4:7- “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
1. We can’t defeat Satan on our own
2. God doesn’t want us to do it on our own.
3. God seldom defeats our enemies without our cooperation
4. God and you are an unstoppable force.
SO GET DRESSED FOR BATTLE. GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO BE A CHAMPION! WITH GOD YOU ARE A VICTOR AND NOT A VICTIM.
PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!

Does Mother's Day Matter to God - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-05-11T10:30:00.002-06:00

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God's Hand on Me - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-04-27T10:30:00.001-06:00

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New Life COTR Sunday April 27, 2008
GOD’S HAND, ON ME

***THIS THURSDAY (MAY 1) IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER****
1Chronicles 4:9-10- “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain. So God granted him what he requested.”
In the first nine chapters of 1Chronicles Ezra gives over 3000 years of genealogy.
He’s writing to the post-captive Jews who have returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. He’s writing about the pre-captive Jews.
He list more than 500 names of the official family tree of the Hebrew tribes and he begins with Adam.
He’s trying to connect the post-captive Jews with their inheritance as God’s children. He’s wants to remind them of the covenant between God and them.
As Ezra is writing the genealogy that is recorded in the library at Jerusalem he comes across some information that causes him to change his course of action.
Something that he believes the children of Israel need to know. THE PRAYER OF JABEZ!
Jabez- pain and sorrow.
Jabez was given a destiny of pain and sorrow. But Jabez realized that God can change your destiny!
The vehicle for the change? PRAYER
God chose to bless Jabez through prayer! Today God chooses to bless you and me through prayer.
Why? The opposite of prayer is pride. Pride says I can do it myself but prayer says GOD I NEED YOU!
Jabez asked God to “BLESS HIM INDEED.”
Blessed- “To be set apart for success, for happiness, for prosperity. A divine enabling.
Jabez asked God to “ENLARGE MY TERRITIORY.”
My willingness plus God’s power. When you ask to enlarge your territory you’re asking God to enlarge the Kingdom of God!
TRANSITION: But today I want to focus on this next part of the prayer.

“LET YOU HAND BE WITH ME.”
The dependence part of the prayer! God do something so big through me that I must have you or it will fail!
GOD I NEED YOUR POWER AND ANOINTING!
TRANSITION: Five things happen when God’s hand is on your life.

I. YOU HAVE DIVINE PEACE
2 Chronicles 30:12
II. YOU HAVE DIVINE PURPOSE
Nehemiah 2:18
III. YOU HAVE DIVINE PROTECTION
Psalm 37:23,24
IV. YOUR’RE IN A DIVINE PLACE
John 10:27-29
V. YOU’RE HAVING A DIVINE PARTY
Acts 11:21
TRANSITION: Jabez prayed, “Let you hand be with me.” When God’s hand is on your life you can have (1) Divine Peace (2) Divine Purpose (3) Divine Protection (4) You’re in a Divine Place (5) You’re having a divine Party.

CONCLUSION: Being in God’s hand is really about being in GOD’S DIVINE PRESENCE.
Exodus 33:12-23

Passover: Discovering Purpose - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-04-20T10:30:00.000-06:00

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Going from Grave Clothes and Delayed Promises to Freedom in a Resurrected Life - Cheri Osberg

2008-04-13T10:30:00.001-06:00

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Going from Grave Clothes and Delayed Promises to Freedom in a Resurrected Life
Have you ever found yourself wrapped up in something or battling something, where you almost felt dead, immovable, and incapable of worship, freedom or maybe even living?
If not, maybe you have found yourself waiting, waiting and waiting on a promise that God has given you that seems like it will never happen. You know God is capable but you question why He delays…as you wait, you feel your hope, faith and trust is dying.
If so, then God has a word for you today. He wants to show you how you can go from Grave Clothes and Delayed Promises to Freedom in a Resurrected Life!!!
Today we are going to chat a little bit about a story in the Bible you have probably heard of.
It is my prayer today to open up the Word of God to you in such a way that you will embrace Christ and live in His FREEDOM!!!
Turn in your Bibles to John 11:1-44.
Instead of reading 44 scriptures to you today, let me just give you a brief synopsis of the story.
Story Summary:
v. 1 - Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, were friends of Jesus.
v. 3 - When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
v. 4 - When Jesus heard the news, he waited two more days before going to Lazarus' hometown of Bethany. Jesus knew that he would do a great miracle for God's glory and, therefore, he was not in a hurry.
v. 17 - When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days.
v. 20 - When Martha discovered that Jesus was on his way, she went out to meet him.
v. 21 - "Lord," she said, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
v. 23 - Jesus told Martha, "Your brother will rise again."
v. 24 - But Martha thought he was talking about the final resurrection of the dead.
v. 25/26 - Then Jesus said these important words: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
v. 28 - Martha then went and told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her.
v. 30 - Jesus had not yet entered the village, most likely to avoid stirring up the crowd and calling attention to himself. The town of Bethany was not far from Jerusalem where the Jewish leaders were plotting against Jesus.
v. 32 - When Mary met Jesus she was grieving with strong emotion over her brother's death. The Jews with her were also weeping and mourning.
v. 35 - Deeply moved by their grief, Jesus wept with them.
v. 38 - Jesus then went to the tomb of Lazarus with Mary, Martha and the rest of the mourners. There he asked them to remove the stone that covered the hillside burial place.
v. 41-43 - Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed to his Father, closing with these words: "Lazarus, come out!"
v. 44 - When Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus told the people to remove his grave clothes.
There are three points in this story that I want to point out to you today that I feel each one of us relate to in some shape, form or fashion.

• Don’t you wish you could instantly solve all your personal problems?
• If you are a believer and still have problems, is something wrong?
• Are all of our ‘issues’ resolved instantly when we are saved or baptized?
• Are there issues that could be hanging on that we need to deal with after we have been born-again?
Read v.43 – 44 (NASB) – “43When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." 44The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
I. ‘Take off the grave clothes…’
A. When we are born-again and accept Jesus, we become clean in the Father’s sight. When the Father sees us, He sees Jesus!
B. However, all of us still have some grave clothes on.
1. There is still evidence that we once lived a ‘dead life’ – a life that was part of the world, rather than the kingdom of God.
2. What do you and I need to lay down?
3. What grave clothes do we continue to wear?
a. Religion, Failure, Depression, Debt, Fear, Low Self-Esteem, Regret, Sexual Sin, Disobedience, etc.
C. We wonder why we struggle at times, why we don’t worship freely, why we aren’t blessed and trust God without limit… How can I freely worship Him and love Him without limits, if I am bound and struggle to move?
1. We cannot share these spiritual privileges, if we retain the love of sin in our hearts and keep wearing our Grave Clothes.
D. It is time to rip off those Grave Clothes. Nothing from our dead lives is worth keeping us from living in our Resurrected Life!

Some of you may say – ‘Well, I’m not struggling in the bondage of my grave clothes’ but you dwell in disappointment because you have not received the promises that you’ve hoped for.
II. You ‘see’ Delayed Promises:
A. You have waited and waited for that new job, that son to come to Christ, healing, ministry opportunity or even a new church building…so you live in that prayer doubting stage – where you pray, but your mind is swarmed with ‘if onlys’.
1. If only I had gotten that job and not her, if only this would happen or that would happen now.
a. In verse 21 and 32 – Mary and Martha expressed their ‘if onlys’ – if only you were here Jesus, our brother wouldn’t have died.
2. It is interesting to read that in verse 5 & 6 it says that Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. SO when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.
B. Jesus responds to our ‘if onlys’ by saying that He’s glad (v. 15) it doesn’t always work out the way WE plan, because now He will be glorified in a greater way.
1. When you are believing God for His promises – you must believe that He can do what He says He can do.
2. Believe it or not, Jesus knows what lies ahead for you. He is not surprised by circumstances or your future.
a. v. 4 - Jesus knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.
b. Even though it may seem that God delays, that He isn’t listening or responding…trust that He IS and He knows the greater plan that He has for you.
3. It would have been a good miracle for Jesus to have come and healed Lazarus before He died…but He had a greater plan.
a. He would raise Him from the dead and show that He has ALL power over life and death.
4. Now, you choose – good or great?
a. WE could rush God (like Sarah and Abraham) and create a good plan or we can trust God and wait for His Great Plan.
5. v. 37 - Even when others are saying “could not have Christ answered you by now”…you need remember that what appears as a delay to us is the orchestration of God…for what seems dead to us, is ALIVE IN CHRIST!

V. 39 (NASB) – “Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days."
III. The church plays a role.
A. Jesus did not remove the stone. He asked the people around the tomb to remove the stone.
1. An important part of our spiritual life and as the church is helping non-believers remove the stone from their grave!
a. God calls us to pray for them and love them in ways that will remove the barriers between them and Jesus!
2. We can remove the stone for people but we cannot bring them to life!
a. Eph. 2:1, 4-5 (NLT) – “1Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 4But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
b. Jesus calls us to life through His grace.
c. According to 2 Cor. 5:17, this involves a ‘spiritual creation’ therefore can only be accomplished by the Creator!
B. John 11:44 (NASB) – “…Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
1. Even when we have the grave clothes removed, we still need to be let go.
2. Sometimes there are things in our life that we need others to help us to be free.
a. Church, we need to be there to pray with them and help others to be let go from those past things that bind them.
3. I’m sure Lazarus did not smell too lovely…he had been dead for four days! Sometimes church, you are going to have to reach out and touch the stinky, get out of your comfort zone and be Jesus with skin on to others…help let them go!

Closing:
• When you have removed your Grave Clothes, when you have embraced God to see what is Alive in Him and not delayed…then you experience Freedom and Christ in such a way that not only do you tell your story but it is just simply known.
• The fact that Lazarus was alive spread all over and as a result of this incredible miracle, many people put their faith in Jesus.
Psalms 66:19 (NASB) – “But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.”
• We should declare what He has done for our souls, and how He has heard and answered our prayers, inviting others to join us in prayer and praise.
• Christ alone raises us from our spiritual death and gives us life and life abundantly…which is why we must remove the grave clothes, believe in His promises and help others become ‘let go’.
• So, rip off those Grave Clothes, confirm in your heart that what may seem dead to us IS ALIVE in Christ! Live in FREEDOM in the Resurrected Life.

The Personality of God -Jamie Greer

2008-04-06T10:30:00.001-06:00

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Jonah, Part 3 - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-03-30T10:30:00.002-06:00

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New Life Church on the Rock
Sunday March 30, 2008
Jonah (Part 3)

INTRODUCTION: Go over Jonah Chapters 1 and 3.
1. God asks us to do things we don’t want to do.
2. There’s always a boat going in the opposite direction
3. God may send a storm to get our attention.
4. Jonah’s worst nightmare was just what he needed.
1. God is a God of second chances.
2. Go NOW!
3. To go you might have to let go.
Today we are going back to Jonah Chapter 2.
Jonah 2:1- “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to Lord his God.”
Jonah had stopped praying, like many people who claim to be Christians have done. During the storm while all the sailors were calling on their gods Jonah was asleep in the bottom of the boat.
But in Jonah 2 Jonah remembers the POWER OF PRAYER.
***Story of a small town church who prayed against a local nightclub. ****
From inside the fish Jonah PRAYED to the Lord his God. In other words, God got his attention! Some of you God has finally got your attention and your prayer life is about to come alive.
Jonah 2:2- “He said: In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
Can we even begin to grasp that we have the opportunity to call on the creator of the universe? The One who hung the stars in the sky! The First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending, the Almighty, all knowing, all powerful God. The supreme judge of all mankind!
WE CAN CALL ON HIM AND HE WILL ANSWER US!
After Jonah said forget you God, Jonah called on God and God in His mercy answered him! DON’T LET THE POWER OF THAT PASS YOU BY!
But how many people have said this? “Things are so bad, we’ve tried everything! All we can do now is pray!
How insulting that must be to the heart of God.
Hebrews 4:16- “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
YOU CAN CALL ON GOD AND HE WILL ANSWER YOU!
(Jonah 2:2) Jonah said, “In my distress…”
Distress- the travail of childbirth, the distress of labor.
In my agony I called on God and He answered me!
(Jonah 2:2) “From the depths of the grave I called for help..”
Grave- the realm of the dead, out of the belly of hell. From this place I called on God and he answered me.
From the place I was farther from God than ever I called on Him. From the place I was miserable, helpless, and desperate, I called on God and He answered.
When I had no place to turn, when I needed God the most but deserved it the least.

HERE’S WHAT VERSES ONE AND TWO ARE SAYING
I was as good as dead but God in His mercy caused me to be born again. I was as good as dead in my own power, I was helpless, I couldn’t contribute a thing.
Even though I didn’t deserve it, God in His mercy and love heard my cry and He caused me to rise from the dead so that I could be born again.
At any point in this story God could have changed things. He could of calmed the storm. He could have allowed the sailors to take Jonah to the shore. God could have sent a giant turtle so Jonah could have rode on its back to shore.
God could have sent a really good looking mermaid.
But God didn’t do any of those things but notice that God was actively working in Jonah’s life. Even though Jonah was in pain!
God was involved in Jonah’s life in every phase.
DON’T MISS GOD WORKING IN YOUR LIFE IN EVERY PHASE!
God is working in our lives even when we don’t recognize it. He’s preparing us for our future.
Don’t forget to embrace the phase your in now and celebrate what God is doing enroute to your ultimate destiny.
Jonah 2:3- “You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me..”
Technically the sailors threw Jonah in the sea but Jonah recognized the hand of God behind everything.
Jonah 2:6- “To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.”
Jonah was saying, “I’m a dead man, there’s no hope for me, It’s over.”
Some of you your life is seems like that. Spiraling downward!
NEVER FORGET THE BUT GOD MOMENTS!
My life was out of control BUT GOD intervened!
My marriage was in trouble and I thought it was over BUT GOD changed my heart and healed our marriage!
The doctor says it’s over, BUT GOD!
DON’T FORGET THE BUT GOD MOMENTS!
Luke 1:37- “For nothing is impossible with God.”
When Jonah was at a point that every physical thing said you will never survive, BUT GOD!
Jonah 2:7- “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”
When things are going well do we remember God or just put Him on a shelf until the next big crisis?
Jonah 2:8- “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
Jonah shifts his tone and gives a warning and basically he’s saying, “Don’t do what I did.”
Whatever you do don’t run from God! Whatever you do don’t neglect God and disobey Him!
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
Grace- loving kindness, the pursuing love of God!
Those who cling to the stupid things of this world that don’t matter, they are unable to receive the pursuing love of God.

WHAT WERE JONAH’S IDOLS?
1. Prejudice
2. Self- I heard God but I don’t care what He said, I’m going to do what I want to do.
We need to surrender the idol of self. If there’s one thing we need to do is lay down the idol of self. I know what God’s Word says but I don’t care!
Jonah 2:9- “But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.”
Some of you are going to make something good today. I don’t know what it is but you do. God has put it on your heart and today you need to make it good.
God has put it on your heart to give a radical generous offering. But this has been your prayer. “Satan, is that you again trying to get me to be like Jesus.”
“God’s called me to be a good steward, so I can’t give that generous offering to the church.” Like giving to God’s church makes you a bad steward.

CONCLUSION: Now look at the last phrase of verse 9.
“Salvation comes from the Lord.”
Remember Jonah couldn’t contribute anything from the belly of that fish. Salvation comes from God.
Ephesians 2:8- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no-one can boast.”
WHAT DID IT COST GOD FOR YOUR SALVATION? HIS SON JESUS CHRIST!
The only reasonable response to the Salvation of God is this, “HERE’S MY LIFE.”
Jonah 2:10- “And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry ground.”
Whether you’re on the top of the world or in the depths of hell, when you call on the Lord He will answer you!
Let’s pray!

What Difference Does Easter Make - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-03-23T10:30:00.001-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday March 23, 2008 (Easter)
“What Difference Does Easter Make”

Matthew 12:38-40(NIV)- Turn and Read
These religious leaders were not coming to Jesus with a heart of humility but instead with a heart of arrogance. Show us a sign!
Really what they were saying was, You claim to be the Son of God, show us your credentials Jesus. We want you to validate who you are.
Prove to us that you are who you say you are!
Jesus says, “The only proof I’m going to give to you looks like the absence of proof.”
I’m going to die! “I’m going to be three days in the heart of the earth.”
When there’s an absence of proof that God loves you, God is about to prove to you He loves you.
When there’s an absence of proof that God will deliver you, He’s about to deliver you.
When there’s an absence of proof that God is going to provide for you, God is about to provide for you.
WHEN IT APPEARS GOD IS UP TO NOTHING, HE’S UP TO SOMETHING!
Matthew 16:13-21 Turn and Read
Absence of proof- Jesus Died.
Matthew 27:62-66- Absence of proof He was the Son of God
If Jesus was a deceiver and was not who He claimed to be why would they need to seal the tomb?
Proof- The Resurrection- Just like Jesus Said!
84% of people who never go to church believe that Jesus died and rose again. It’s a historical fact.
There are at least 15 historical references to Jesus meeting people, touching people, and talking with people. One time He cooked breakfast for a group of people. One time He talked to 500 people after He had risen from the dead!
TRANSITION: What does that mean today for you and me?

I. JESUS IS WHO HE CLAIMED TO BE
Jesus made some outrageous claims.
John 11:25- “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live even though he dies.”
John 14:6- “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

II. JESUS HAS THE POWER HE CLAIMED TO HAVE
John 10:17-18- “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down My life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again….”
Matthew 28:18- “All power in heaven and earth is given to me…”

III. JESUS DOES WHAT HE PROMISES TO DO
Matthew 28:5,6- “The angel said to the women, DO not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus; who was crucified. HE is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He lay.”
TRANSITION: From the absence of proof Jesus proved He was who He claimed to be because He had the power He claimed to have and He did what He promised He would do.
Why does all this matter to us?

I. MY PAST CAN BE FORGIVEN
Have you ever been halfway through a project and wished you could start over?
Have you ever felt like you were going to have to spend the rest of your life sitting in the penalty box?
Colossians 2:13,14- “When you were dead in your sins and in the Uncircumcision of you sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away nailing it to the cross.”
Many people can’t get on with the present and the future because they’re stuck in the past.
Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross so I can stop nailing myself to the cross!
Romans 8:1- “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
JESUS DIDN’T COME TO RUB IT IN HE CAME TO RUB IT OUT!

II. MY PRESENT PROBLEMS CAN BE MANAGED
Maturity is when you figure out that you can’t have it all figured out! BUT GOD CAN!
Ephesians 1:18-20- “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparable great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead…”
Philippians 4:13- “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

III. MY FUTURE CAN BE SECURE
Everybody has a deep longing to know about the future. Not just the future of the is earth but the future of eternity.
People don’t like to talk about death but it’s inevitable.
John 17:3- “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
1Peter 1:3-5- Turn and Read
Hope means you don’t have anything to fear. You don’t fear death anymore. YOU’RE NOT READY TO LIVE UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO DIE!
YOU CAN’T REALLY LIVE UNLESS YOU’RE NOT AFRAID TO DIE.
YOUR FUTURE CAN BE SECURE!

CONCLUSION: I think this is what God wants to say to you today. “You matter to me, I understand everything about your life. I know you. I made you, remember! You matter to me. I want to have a relationship with you. I sent my Son to die for you. I want you to get to know me.
1. Jesus is who He claimed to be.
2. Jesus has the power He claimed to have.
3. Jesus does what He promised to do.
1. Your past can be forgiven.
2. Your present problems can be managed.
3. Your future can be secure.

There's Room in God's Love - Scott Cloud

2008-03-16T10:30:00.001-06:00

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Dealing With God's Dealings - Chris Isaac

2008-03-09T10:30:00.001-06:00

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Jonah, Part 2 - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-03-02T10:30:00.002-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday March 2, 2008

JONAH
Part 2

INTRODUCTION: Last week we looked at Jonah Chapter 1 and learned four things.
When God speaks to us it might be something we don’t want to do.
1. When God speaks to us there is always a boat going in the opposite direction.
2. If God has to He’ll send a storm to get our attention.
3. Our worst nightmare may be just what we need.
In Jonah chapter 2 Jonah is in the belly of the fish and we read about Jonah’s prayer of repentance. We’ll come back to that.
Today we’re going to look at Jonah 3.
Jonah 3:1- “Then the Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.”
Many people in life will not give you a second chance at something. They draw the line and say “I’m going to write you off.” You blew it with me.

I. GOD IS A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES
God came to Jonah a second time.
Some of you have blown it with God before, but God is a God of second chances.
Some of you have blown it with church, but God is a God of second chances.
Some of you have blown it with ministry, but God is a God of second chances.
Some of you have blown in marriage but God is a God of second chances.
GOD CAME TO JONAH A SECOND TIME!
Some of you God has come to you in the past and you have yet to surrender your life to God. Well God is coming to you again today!
Some of you today are coming back to God after disobeying Him.
SOME OF YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE GRACE OF GOD TODAY!
GRACE- God giving you what you don’t deserve!
SOME OF YOU ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE THE GRACE OF GOD TODAY!
Ephesians 2:4-9- Turn and Read
(ILLUSTRATION)
This is what God wants to do in your life. Young or old!
2Corinthians 5:17- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
TRANSITION: There are those of you like me, who don’t deserve the grace of God. But the Word of the Lord will come to you a second time.
Just like it did Jonah! What was the Word of the Lord for Jonah?

II. GO NOW
Jonah 3:2- “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
GO- Go now, go immediately, go now, go suddenly!
Whenever God comes to you and gives you a second chance the time is always NOW!
The time to go is NOW!
When God says it’s time to GO you need to do it immediately because if you don’t you’ll talk yourself out of it.
God may be saying He wants you to go and forgive someone. God and apologize. God and give something away. DO IT NOW!
GO and repent of some sin, make it right NOW!
Jonah 3:3- “Jonah obeyed the Word of the Lord and went to Nineveh…”
Jonah got it right and obeyed the Word of the Lord.
“God I’ll go where you want me to go but don’t go there.”
THREE TYPES OF CHRISTIANS

1. I want what I want period!
2. I want what God wants but!
3. I want what God wants period!
TRANSITION: Jonah got a second chance to go and he did.

III. TO GO YOU MIGHT HAVE TO LET GO
Jonah 3:4- “On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.”
STARTED- to untie or loosen so you can go.
To go the direction Jonah needed to go he had to let go of the things he was holding on to.
Jonah 2:8- “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
Jonah had to let go so he could do what God was calling Him to do!
YOU MUST UNTIE YOURSELF TO YOU CAN DO WHAT GOD CALLED YOU TO DO!
I don’t know what that could be for you?
1. Your self-will, I’m going to do whatever I want period!
2. Could it be your holding on to a sense of financial security or control? I can’t take that job because this ones just to secure.
3. Could it be you’re holding on to your reputation? What other people think about you. If I do what God calls me to do others will think I’ve lost it?
4. Could it be some sin in your life?
5. Maybe it’s a relationship.
WHAT IS IT YOU’RE HOLDING ON TO THAT GOD NEEDS YOU TO LET GO OF?
UNTIL YOU LET GO YOU CAN NEVER DO WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO!

CONCLUSION: What are you holding on to today that you need to let go of?
God is speaking and for some of you it’s a second chance. GO NOW! Let Go and do what God needs you to do.
Jonah 3:4-10- Turn and Read
God had compassion on the Ninevites.
God is a God of Grace. GOD IS A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES!

Jonah, Part 1 - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-02-24T10:30:00.003-06:00

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NEW LIFE COTR
Sunday February 23, 2007
JONAH

Jonah 1:1-17- Turn and Read
As you study the Bible you discover the nature of God. You learn the heart of God.
Ephesians 1:17-“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
As you get to know God better there’s something you find out. Go is in God! God is always on the go!
Many people struggle with this issue and we shouldn’t. It’s settled in the heart of God and it should be in our as well.
Go is in God! God is always on the go!
Genesis 12:1- “The Lord said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to land I will show you.”
Exodus 3:10- “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 1:21- “See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of you fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Isaiah 6:8- “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
Jeremiah 1:7- “But the Lord said to me, Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
Go is in God! God is always on the go!
Luke 10:3- “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
Matthew 28:19- “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 16:15- “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
In Acts 16 Paul was told by the Spirit to not preach the gospel in the province of Asia (or told not to go) but that was only because God wanted him to go to Macedonia.
Go is in God. God is always on the go!
Therefore it’s not strange that God would tell Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it…”
God is a speaking God! God wants to speak to each of us today. You can hear the voice of God through opening His Word.
THE WORD OF GOD WILL COME TO YOU TODAY!
You can be obedient or disobedient!
TRANSITION: But when the Word of God comes to you

I. GOD WILL OFTEN ASK YOU TO DO THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO.
And many times we don’t want to do it because we think we know what’s best. We don’t obey because we think we know what’s best.
WHY DID JONAH DISOBEY?
Nineveh was the metropolis of the Assyrian monarchy. It was a great city, great in the number of the inhabitants, great in power and dominion. It was the city that for some time ruled the kings of the earth.
The Assyrian empire was so brutal and was feared by all. They would go in and kill all the people. Before they killed the women they would rape them.
They would rape and kill the children. Then they would take the husbands as prisoners of war and take them outside the city and then skin them alive.
Then they would bury them in the sand. Imagine that. Then they would pull their tongues out and drive a stake through their tongues into the ground. Can you see how brutal these people were?
Then after the people were dead they would cut their heads off and stack them in the form of pyramid outside the city so they could communicate to the world that this was a city they conquered.
Knowing this information may help you have a little mercy on Jonah. Jonah despised these people. Jonah had some legitimate reasons he didn’t want to obey God.
MAYBE YOU CAN RELATE!
The Word of the Lord will come to you clearly but in your mind your saying, “Okay I understand, but I don’t want to do it.”
Perhaps you can relate in some different ways.
Forgiving those God’s word clearly tells us to forgive. I know that’s what God wants me to do but I just can’t. I DON’T WANT TO DO IT!
How about tithing? The Bible is crystal clear that we should return to tithe to God as an act of worship. As an act of putting God first.
But we say, “I don’t want to. I like my things more than I want to obey God.”
I know what God says about sex outside of marriage but I don’t care what God says. I want to do this. It feels good! THERE’S A LITTLE JONAH IN ALL OF US!
Or, I’ll do it later. Delayed obedience is really disobedience.
***You can tell the maturity of the believer by the distance between the command and the obedience. The lag time.
TRANSITION: The Word of God comes to you and you don’t want to do it. When God speaks to you, and he will

II. YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A BOAT SAILING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
Jonah 1:3- Turn and read
God says, “Go to Nineveh,” and Jonah heads to Tarshish, 2500 miles in the opposite direction.
One commentator said that it would take about a year for Jonah to get to Tarshish. That’s a lot of running.
You of us may be able to relate to that. We’ve been running and we’re a long way from God.
The Word of the Lord has come to you and you’ve said no to God and you’ve went the other direction.
YOU CAN’T RUN FOREVER!
We stop going to church, we put down our bibles, we stop praying, all along we’re drifting from God.
When we disobey God we are drifting and separating ourselves from Him.
There’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us.
TRANSITION: The Word of the Lord comes to us. It may not be what we want to hear. When you run you will always find a boat going in the other direction. And while you’re running

III. GOD MAY SEND A STORM TO GRAB YOUR ATTENTION
Jonah 1:4-8- Turn and read
Evidently this was a big strong ship because it was carrying cargo.
Because of the storm the integrity of the ship was compromised. They threw some cargo off but that didn’t work.
They drew straws to find out who caused this. It was Jonah.
Verse 9- “He answered, I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
Do you really worship God Jonah?
This highlights one of the biggest problems in the Christian church in America.
A generation of Christians who say they are followers of Christ but don’t live like it at all!
It’s a cultural Christianity. It’s a Christianity in name only. We live like the sinner next to us.
A “consumerist” religion. As long as God does good things for me I’ll go to church and serve God.
Worshipping God is not something you do one day a week. It’s a lifestyle.
Jonah finally humbles himself and realizes, “hey this storm is my fault. I’m hurting all these innocent people because of my disobedience.
Verse 12- “Pick me up and throw me into the sea, he replied, and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”
The sailors have mercy on Jonah and wanted to row him back to shore.
Verse 13(MSG)- “But no. The men tried rowing back to shore. They made no headway. The storm only got worse and worse, wild and raging.”
The Storm was Jonah’s greatest friend!
So they throw Jonah overboard. Then the sea gets completely calm,.
TRANSITION: God has something to say to you. It may not be what you want to hear. There’s always another boat going in the opposite direction. If you take this boat God may send a storm to grab your attention.

IV. JONAH’S WORST NIGHTMARE WAS EXACTLY WHAT HE NEEDED.
Verse 17- “But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
Talk about a nightmare. But Jonah’s greatest nightmare was just what he needed.
“The Lord provided a great fish.”
Some of you may be facing your worst nightmare and your saying “I’m done.”
Now God says, “Okay, Now do I have your attention.”
I don’t believe that everything bad happening in your life is God. But I do believe there are times when God may cause or allow our worst nightmare so tat God can fully GET OUR ATTENTION!
Your worst nightmare is because God loves you and He has something for you to do.
Proverbs 14:12- “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

CONCLUSION: The storm and the fish was Jonah’s greatest friend at this time in his life.
God is speaking to you. He might be asking you to do something you don’t want to do. There’s always a ship going in the opposite direction. If God has to He’ll send a storm to get your attention. And your worst nightmare may be exactly what you need to get you headed in the right direction.
“God will never leave you or forsake you.”

Big Church, Small Church - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-02-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

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NEW LIFE CHURCH ON THE ROCK
Sunday February 17, 20008

BIG CHURCH….SMALL CHURCH

INTRODUCTION: We want to be a Life-Giving Church. After the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 what we call the “Early Church” was birthed. We are going to take a look at the early church and discover a pattern we like to use for how we do church.
Acts 2:41-47- Turn and Read
Sounds exciting! Church should be the most exciting entity on earth.
But there is a key principal we need to understand.
Acts 20:20- Turn and Read
The Bible wants our church to do two things-they seem opposite.
WE BELIEVE OUR CHURCH MUST GROW LARGER AND SMALLER AT THE SAME TIME!
Today we’re going to talk about big church and small church and why both are important.

BIG CHURCH:
People who prefer small church usually say...
I. We need quality not quantity.
I say we can have both.
II. God isn’t interested in numbers.
God has the hairs of your head numbered. He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.
If I lost one of my kids would I say well I’ve got the other one? 50% isn’t bad. No I care about every one of them!
Every number is a person, every person is a soul!
III. Big Church’s are impersonal.
Yes they can be. But I’ve seen and been a part of many smaller churches that are impersonal and unfriendly. THAT’S WHY THERE SAMLL!
They’ve bought Sea World and closed the gates and are watching the fish do tricks!

TRANSITION: Here’s the truth about Big Church and why God wants it big.
I. God wants everyone to be saved.
The church exists to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ!
Matthew 28:19,20- “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15- “He said to them, God into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
As long as there are lost people we have no choice. The Church isn’t here for just us. We must always make room for other people.
Luke 14:23(LB)-“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that my house will be full.”
“But I like a small church.” If we don’t want our churches to grow we’re telling our neighbors and our city that they can go to hell.
Why does God want it big? God wants everyone to be saved.
II. There is strength in numbers.
There are so many things you can’t do small that you can do big!
You can accomplish something bigger than just yourself!
Ecclesiastes 4:12- “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Here’s the third truth about big church.
III. We must make relationships a core value.
God doesn’t want churches to be impersonal but we must buy into this key principal.
1Thessalonians 2:8- “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
TRANSITION: God wants everyone to be saved. There is strength in numbers. We must make relationships our core value. THAT’S BIG CHURCH!

SMALL CHURCH
Big churches can be very effective-But it’s not all about being big. God also wants the church to be small.
How is that accomplished? SMALL GROUPS!
Many people don’t want to be part of a small group. Here’s what they say.
….IT’S A WASTE OF TIME.
I don’t need another thing to do.
…IT’S NOT WHAT I WANT OR NEED.
I want to be with my friends doing what I like.
…IT’S AWKWARD
We sit in a room and everybody holds hands and I’m asked to share my darkest secrets.

HERE’S THE TRUTH ABOUT SMALL CHURCH
I. IT’S A PLACE YOU CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It’s not a waste of time. Some people will never come to a church service but they’ll attend a small group.
It’s a way to reach people and teach people.
1Corinthians 9:22(LB)- “…yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”
II. IT’S A PLACE YOU CAN GROW
All of us need to grow in our in an area.
Proverbs 27:17- “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
III. IT’S A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME
Remember the words to the “Cheers” theme song?
“Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. You want to be where you can see our troubles are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”
That should be church, not a bar!
In small groups you can be prayed for by name every week. Develop relationships that help you in a crisis.
1John 3:16(NLT)- “We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.”
CONCLUSION: Now –if you’re perfect and have it all together-we’re probably not for you.
If you have a few hang-ups. If you have a few loose screws. If you’d have a past you’ve like to get rid of.
THIS IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOU!
Today I encourage you to be part of Big Church, Small Church.

Marriage Minute, Part Four - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-02-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

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Why Tithe - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-02-10T10:30:00.001-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday February 10, 2008
FIRST THINGS FIRST
“Why Tithe”

INTRODUCTION: Today it is my goal to convince you to tithe. Tithing is for your benefit.
Malachi 3:6-12- Turn and Read
If you don’t tithe you are under a curse. I believe tithing is for your good.
If I found a cure for cancer would you want me to share that with you?
GOD SAID: “I THE LORD DO NOT CHANGE.”
The Immutability of God- “I do not change.” The reason God can’t change is because He’s already perfect. If God could change He could get better. You can’t improve on perfection.
If God said 3000 years ago, “I’m 6’0” tall would He still be 6’0” tall today?
3000 years ago God said “The tithe belongs to Me.” Does it still belong to God today? YES! He can’t change!
God makes statements that are related to His person, to who He is. It’s a principle with God that He’ll always be first! He can never be second.
The tithe falls under this principle. It’s an ordinance of the Bible. Tithe was before and after the law.
Here’s what God is saying, “The tithe tells me something about you.”
TRANSITION: Four things about tithing today.

I. TITHING IS A TEST
Tithing is a test of your heart.
Why would we ever argue about being blessed? God says, “I’ll open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing there’s not room enough to receive.”
And we argue about that. Why would we argue? It’s the devil!
TITHING IS A TEST OF THE HEART.
Matthew 6:21- “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 15:8- “These people honor me with there lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
They say they love me, but they don’t honor me!
If you put your treasure in the house of God, your heart will be there.
TITHE MEANS TENTH AND THE NUMBER TEN REPRESENTS TESTING IN THE BIBLE.
1. How many plagues were in Egypt? (God tested Pharoahs heart.)
2. How many commandments did God give Moses?
3. How many times did God test Israel in the wilderness?
4. How many times were Jacobs wages changed?
5. How many days was Daniel tested in Daniel chapter 1?
6. How many virgins were tested in Matthew 25?
7. How many days was the church in Revelation 2:10 tested?
THE NUMBER 10 REPRSENTS TESTING. EVERY TIME YOU GET PAID YOU’RE TESTED!
Some of you are failing that test and the Bible says you’re cursed!
I thought Jesus bore the curses on the cross?
Did Jesus bare sin on the cross? Do you still sin?
Did Jesus bare sickness on the cross? Do you still get sick?
You must appropriate what Jesus did on the cross to receive the benefit of it.
TRANSITION: WHY TITHE? Tithing is a test of our hearts.

II. TITHING IS BIBLICAL
Many people don’t tithe because they don’t believe it’s in the Bible.
Genesis 14:18-20- Turn and read
This is 500 years before the law.
Abraham represents our Spiritual Father and Melchizedek represents Jesus.
Genesis 28:22- “and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”
400 years before the law our Spiritual Fathers tithed. Why? Because it was a principal.
Leviticus 27:30- “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 26:1,2,12-15
Take your tithe with you to a place of worship.
I’ve taken the Holy tithe from my house and I’ve brought it to your house. I’ve not done anything else with it.
I didn’t send it to a TV ministry, a missionary. I didn’t pay my bills with it or pay the kids Christian school tuition.
I BROUGHT IT TO YOUR HOUSE!
The tithe goes into the storehouse. The place God has chosen to make His name abide. This is a principle all through scripture of the place the tithe is supposed to go!
I haven’t given it to a charity, it goes to the house of God!
The Biblical principle is 10% to the house of God.
Matthew 23:23 Turn and Read (A NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGE)
Hebrews 7:1-10- Turn and Read
When I give I’m not giving to man but to God!
TRANSITION: Why Tithe? Tithing is a test. Tithing is biblical.

III. TITHING IS A BENEFIT
2Chronicles 31:4-10 (MESSAGE TRANSLATION)
When they began to tithe, God blessed them.
Tithing is a benefit.
TRANSITION: Tithing is a test. Tithing is Biblical. Tithing is a Benefit.

IV. TITHING IS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE
Do your actions back up your words?
Matthew 15:8- “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Matthew 6:21- “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What if I told my wife I loved her but everything I have is mine and she can’t have any?
You’d call me a hypocrite.
Tithing is an expression of my love. Tithing is personal to God!
ILLUSTRATION: I’m going away and I want three people to care for my wife. My bride.
Jesus said: “I’m going away. Take care of my wife.” Doesn’t the Bible refer to the church as the Bride of Christ.”
CONCLUSION: This is personal to Jesus. Every time you get paid you’re telling Jesus just how much you love Him. You respect Him. You love His bride.
WHY TITHE? (1) Because it’s a test (2) Because it’s Biblical (3) Because it’s a benefit. (4) Because it’s an expression of your love to God.

The Place of Prayer - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-02-03T10:30:00.000-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday February 3, 2008
FIRST THINGS FIRST
“The Place of Prayer”
Matthew 6:5-8- Turn and Read
WHEN YOU PRAY!
You will never put God first in your life until you put prayer first in your life.
Make prayer a priority. A set time and a set place. NOT PRAYER ON THE GO!
If we don’t have the time and decency to stop everything and pray and seek God I’m not sure we’re putting God first in our life.
If we’re to busy to go into a room and pray, we’re in trouble.
When the church began to grow in the Book of Acts it got very busy.
People began to say to the disciples, “you need to spend more time doing busy things.
Acts 6:1-4- Turn and Read
The Disciples said “we must give ourselves to prayer and ministry of the Word.”
Prayer was first!
What brings the unction and anointing? Prayer!
Without prayer you will live a dry boring life.
The enemy has deceived us into thinking that prayer is boring. SPENDING TIME WITH GOD IS BORING!
If you think prayer is boring it’s only because you don’t do it.
Mark 14:23- “After He had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,”
Luke 5:16- “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Luke 6:12- “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”
If Jesus needed to pray while on earth, do you think you might need to?
Mark 1:35- “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
RISING EARLY TO PRAY! Would it be worth your time to begin your day with God?
First things First!
HOW DO YOU PRAY?
In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us how to pray. He gives us a contextual model of prayer.
Matthew 6:9-13- Turn and Read
TRANSITION: How do you pray?
I. PRAISE-(Verse 9)
If you want to have an audience with God, PRAISE HIM!
Psalm 100:4- “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name.”
II. PERMISSION-(verse 10)
God, what are you permitting in my life? God I can’t make it through the day without you!
“I DELIGHT TO DO YOUR WILL O GOD!”
III. PROVISION-(verse 11)
We get angry at God for not answering a prayer we didn’t pray
Matthew 6:31-34,
Matthew 6:8- “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
BUT WE MUST ASK
IV. PEACE-(verse 12)
Peace with God and peace with others.
1John 1:9- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all righteousness.”
V. PROTECTION-(verse 13)
“Lead us not into temptation.”
Ephesians 6:18- “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Praying in the Spirit is part of our warfare everyday.
WE NEED TO PRAY EVERYDAY.
Matthew 26:41- “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
You guys are going to fall, close the door on temptation through prayer.
CONCLUSION: THE BEST THING ABOUT PRAYER!
WHERE DOES THE FATHER LIVE? In your house, in a room behind a door. I wonder how many are to busy to spend time with the Father. We wonder why we can’t overcome. THE BEST THING ABOUT PRAYER IS NOT WHAT YOU TALK ABOUT BUT WHO YOU SPEND TIME WITH!

Marriage Minute, Part Three - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-30T19:00:00.001-06:00

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How to Manage your Mouth - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-27T10:30:00.001-06:00

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New Life COTR
Sunday January 27, 2008

FIRST THINGS FIRST
“How to Manage your Mouth”

INTRODUCTION: We love to talk. There are talk shows on every channel. Everybody always has something to say.
The Average American has 30 conversations a day.
In one year your conversations will fill 66 books of 800 pages a book.
If you’re a man you speak on the average 20,000 words a day and if you’re a woman you speak 30,000.
Like the guy who was asked, “Do you resent that your wife always has the last word?” He replied, “No, I’m just glad when she finally gets to it.”
Some of us have the natural ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Our mouths get us into a lot of trouble. In your Bible the book of James talks more about the tongue than any other book in the New Testament. Every chapter in James says something about managing your mouth.
James 3:2- “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
James says that if you control your mouth your perfect. Not sinless. But the word “perfect in the Greek literally means “Mature, Healthy.”
When you go to the doctor and say I’m not feeling well, the first thing the doctor says is, “stick out your tongue.”
Your tongue reveals what’s going on inside of you, both physically and spiritually.
James tells us that we’ve got to get our tongues under control.

TRANSITION: Why must I watch what I say?

I. MY TONGUE DIRECTS WHERE I GO

My tongue has tremendous influence and control over my life.
Where are you headed in life? Where do you want to be ten years from now? Look at your conversation. What do you talk about the most?
James 3:3,4- “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.”
A 95 pound jockey can control a 2,000 or 3,000 pound horse by a bit in the horses mouth.
THAT’S THE POWER OF YOUR TONGUE.
Your tongue controls the direction of your life wherever you want to go!
Our tongue is like a rudder that steers a ship. It directs the way we go.
FIRST THINGS FIRST, MY TONGUE DIRECTS WHERE I GO!
TRANSITION: Why must I watch what I say?

II. MY TONGUE CAN DESTROY WHATEVER I HAVE

Imagine a beautiful forest with tall beautiful trees everywhere. Now imagine it in one minute up in smoke, completely destroyed with a little tiny match. It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
In 1983 in Australia, one fire overnight destroyed 600 miles of land, villages and livestock. ALL FROM A SINGLE MATCH.
James says your tongue can do that.
James 3:5-8- Turn and read
A careless camper can destroy a national forest overnight. A careless word can destroy a life overnight.
Gossip is like fire. It spreads quickly and it wrecks havoc.
I wonder how many people because of a careless word have ruined a marriage, a career, or their reputation, or the reputation of another or their church, or a friendship.
MY TONGUE NOT ONLY HAS THE POWER TO DIRECT MY LIFE BUT IT ALSO HAS THE POWER TO DESTROY WHAT I HAVE IF I DON’T LEARN TO CONTROL IT.
Fire and words under control can bring tremendous warmth and light, but fire and words out of control can be devastating. It can destroy miles and miles of homes and lands and peoples.
Proverbs 21:23(Good News)- “If you want to stay out of trouble be careful what you say.”
Proverbs 18:20 (Good News)- “You have to live with the consequences of everything you say.”
Your tongue is like poison the Bible says. You can assassinate somebody with your words. Assassinate their character. The tongue is a deadly weapon.
TRANSITION: Why must I watch what I say? My tongue directs my life. My tongue can destroy what I have.

III. MY TONGUE DISPLAYS WHO I AM

It reveals my real character. It tells what’s really on the inside of me.
James 3:9-12- Turn and Read
The highest use of your mouth is praising God! Then we get in the car and argue about where we’re going to eat lunch.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly our attitude can change? We’re like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
We speak lovingly in one breath and then lash out in the next!
WHAT COMES OUT OF THE WELL IS WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE OF IT.
Matthew 12:34- “….For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Matthew 15:18- “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things make a man unclean.”

THE PROBLEM: THE HEART!
THE SOLUTION:
1. Get a New Heart
Ezekiel 18:31- “Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit.”
Painting the outside of the pump doesn’t make any difference if there’s poison in the well!
2Corinthians 5:17- “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has passed away. Behold all things have become new.”
Pray like David in Psalm 51 “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
2. Ask God for help every Day
You need supernatural power to control your tongue. You can’t do it on your own.
Psalm 141:3- “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 19:14- “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Sidlow Baxter: “The proof that God’s Spirit is in your life is not that you speak in an unknown tongue but you control the tongue you do know.”
Get a new heart. Ask God for help every Day.
3. Think before you speak
James 1:19- “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

CONCLUSION: What does your tongue say about you? What does it reveal about you? If we played back a tape of your conversations you’ve had this last week what would we learn about you?
What direction is your tongue leading you? Our tongues control the direction of our lives.
Maybe you need to ask for forgiveness from some you’ve said the wrong things to. Maybe you need to apologize to your wife or your husband.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: MANAGE YOUR MOUTH.
1. Get a new heart.
2. Ask God for help every day.
3. Think before you speak.

Marriage Minute, Part Two - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

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Living a Stress Free Life - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-20T10:30:00.002-06:00

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Marriage Minute, Part One - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-16T19:00:00.000-06:00

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First Things First in Relationships - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-13T10:30:00.001-06:00

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Healing, Yes or No - Pastor Kenneth Woolf

2008-01-06T10:30:00.001-06:00

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