“How To Experience Resurrection Power”

Fall Forward: Restart.Revive.Renew — September 4, 2011

If your car is having a hard time getting up a hill, what do you need?

If your computer is having a hard time processing information, what do you need?

The answer is, power!

If your first love for Jesus Christ is running low,

If your marriage is running low,

If your passion to make a difference is running low, If your joy is running low, If your outlook is running low, If your expectation is running low,

The good news is it does not have to be that way!

There is a power that God provides: a power that is a Person! It is the Person of the Holy Spirit!

A few questions to ask: * “Is there a difference between being in the presence of God and knowing God personally? * “Is there is a difference between being in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Spirit?”

The Apostle Paul said “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” (Phil 3:10) Resurrection power!

We gain needed wisdom on the subject of Resurrection Power by freeze framing the ten days between the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the day of Pentecost.

The core inspiration and blessing that the Holy Spirit brings to our lives is that He testifies of Jesus! “But I will send you the Advocate–the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” John 15:26 If you are experiencing resurrection power, Jesus will be front and center in your life!So how do you experience resurrection power?

#1 Ask the Heavenly Father (Lk. 11:9-11)

#2 Give Room to His presence by learning how not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Behind every sin is a lie. The Lord is in the mind-changing business. Allow the Lord to change your mind! (Eph. 4:30-32)

#3 Be available to be a conduit of the life of God–quenching not the Spirit, but allowing the “fire” to be flamed through your life in your world! (I Thess. 5:19

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:9-11 NIV)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph 4:30-32)

“Do not quench the Spirit.” (I Thess 5:19)

THIS WEEKS “FALL FOWARD APPLICATION?”

Spend time alone with God. Looking to Him for resurrection power! How?

#1 Ask the Heavenly Father (Lk. 11:9-11)

#2 Give Room to His presence by learning how not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Behind every sin is a lie. Allowing the Lord to change the way you think. (Eph. 4:30-32)

The Holy Spirit works in conjunction with the Truth of God’s Word to rewrite the programming that informs our thinking. This will include revealing the lie behind the sin in your life which grieves God and inhibits His presence of blessing and healing. Behind your lifestyle is a belief system. It needs to be identified! Ask the Lord to reveal the lie behind the sin of: Lying; Anger; Stealing; Cursing;Bitterness; Unforgiveness; Sexual immorality.

#3 Be available to be a conduit of the life of God –quenching not the Spirit, but allowing the “fire” to be flamed through your life in your world! (I Thess. 5:19

FALL FOWARD: Restart.Revive.Renew.

What’s dominating world headlines recently?

America’s financial debt is paralyzing growth and progress! People are fearful! Stuck. Parked. In a rut!

But contrast this with Christianity.

In Christ there is no spiritual debt before God. The nature of our position in Christ carries with it an explosive potential of growth, progress and redemption. The skies are open to us. And the Lord is not finished with us.

As your pastor I’m passionate to see you blessed! I-want-you-to-be-blessed!! I want you to know Christ. Experience Christ. Grow in Christ. And enjoy the blessings that God has already given you in life.

So I’m going to ask something of you …

As your pastor who loves you, I’m going to ask that you do your best to prioritize the Sunday Services each week between Sept 4th – Nov. 6th. Do your best to be in town and attend services on these Sunday’s. Why?

For 10 weeks we will give the Lord our attention and devotion while being instructed in His Word and open our hearts to His Spirit as we focus on:

** “How To Grow When Alone With God?” 

** “How To Win The Battle That Is Against You?” 

** “How Grace Changes Everything?” 

** “How To Experience Resurrection Power?” 

to name just a few …

Each week I will provide notes for you to take home and incorporate in your time of meditation, reflection and prayer so that your time spent on Sunday morning’s are maximized in your life.

Much of the world is amidst a recession, but I believe this will be a time that you will experience resurrection power. Our world faces huge debt issues but I believe in your life it will be a season of experiencing the wealth in Christ. Our world is paralyzed by fear and uncertainty — but I believe that you will experience freedom and new beginnings in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Why do I believe this?

Because I believe the Lord will graciously bless us with His presence in a fresh and generous gifting of His Spirit, a fresh outpouring from Him! Because Jesus is True and God’s Word is sure!

You are in my heart and prayers!

Love,

Pastor Greg

THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS

Are you happy?

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your happiness: a 2,5,8?

What makes you happy?

Historians argue that our generation is actually less happy than our forefathers who didn’t have the vacations, the health benefits and the longer life expectancy that we have today. Interestingly, even with today’s abounding materialism and technology that has made us more comfortable and safer, more people are actually manic and addicted (which I’ll explain in a moment).

What’s going on?

First of all, we need to understand that inside we all want to be happy. This is a deep innate desire that we all have. We want happiness. We want joy. We want our soul dancing. Granted, many end up cynical about whether happiness is even possible but still the longing for happiness remains. Sadly, you’ll discover the most educated, experienced and wealthiest among us are the most cynical on the subject of happiness.

Yet even in the face of cynicism there is no denying this innate need and drive to be happy!

Ok, so what does the BIble teach us on, “The Search For Happiness!”

Psalm 1 is one of the most famous passages in the Bible – called by some the “gate-keeper” to the entire book of Psalms — some even saying it captures the message of the entire Bible .

It begins with the term, “Blessed”. The word “blessed” means to be “Happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable” One translation reads, “Oh, the joys …”

What’s important to recognize is that once the Psalm acknowledges the reality that happiness does in fact exist, it does NOT then read “Blessed(or Happy) is the man who seeks happiness”. In fact you’ll never be happy if you directly pursue happiness. In some ways it makes matters worse. When happiness becomes the direct pursuit you will either become “manic” or like an “addict”. How? Manic, because your happiness is based on the ebbs and flows of circumstances; like waves on the beach. Depending upon the tide of circumstances, you’ll either be up or down. An addict, because the “right circumstances” only deliver a superficial happiness, not a fundamental and substantive one.

On Sunday July 3rd we’re going to study the phenomenal passage of Scripture known as, PSALM 1.

From this study we’ll learn four realities about “The Search For Happiness”.

#1 Happiness is possible.

#2 The REAL happiness that is offered by God is a fundamental happiness not a superficial one.

#3 Happiness can never be found by directly pursuing it but rather by pursuing righteousness.

#4 Happiness is not based on what happens to you, but what you choose to do and who you are.

Read and Ponder Vs. 3 — read it slowly – think about it. It will give you a great head start to our study. It reads, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

The implications of that verse along with the entire Psalm is incredible. I can’t wait to dive in!

Tell A Friend And Invite A Friend — Sunday, July 3rd — and let’s see what the Lord Jesus will do. The Lord is doing a wonderful work in our Church Family!!

God Bless you,

Greg

I thought I’d share a picture of our son Pete and the great Head Football Coach of Boise State, Coach Chris Petersen. Pete was invited by the Qb Coach of Boise State, Coach Pease, to their Boise State Camp to throw for the coaches. Pete had a GREAT workout and the best part was Pete and I hung together for a few days! The Lord blessed!!

If a matter is important to you than the only reasonable course of action is the application of excellence.

Your family is important to you, right? Your job? Your witness for Jesus Christ? The relationships that you have with your loved ones? Of course all of these things are important to you! Again, if a matter is important to you than the only reasonable course of action is the application of excellence.

So, what is the application of excellence?

Based on 1 Cor 9:24-27 it is the following …

(#1) It is to give your best effort.(Vs. 24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”)

(#2) It is not merely expending energy, but giving your best effort aligned with specific objectives and goals that have been clearly defined. (Vs. 26 “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.”)

(#3) It’s not enough to merely specify an objective, what is necessary is an actionable plan to reach that objective.(Vs. 24 “…Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” Vs. 26 “…I run …not with uncertainty…)

(#4) The catalyst that brings it all together is, discipline! Discipline is making consistent choices that align with the will of God and the priorities that have been defined. This will require the right management of one’s body.(Vs. 27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”)

(#5) The motivation behind the application of excellence? That God be glorified!(Vs. 25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.)

Again, if a matter is important to you than the only reasonable course of action is the application of excellence!

Go for it!!

It’s good to blog again. I haven’t written in a while, I’ve been swamped!

We experienced an incredible Resurrection Sunday witnessing some 30 people receive and recommit their life to the Lord Jesus. It was one of the most fruitful responses on a Resurrection Weekend that we’ve seen over the years. It was very exciting. Praise the Lord!

As many of know, last Sunday we began a new series of Bible studies on “God’s Wisdom For Relationships”. It was a fantastic time!  But this Sunday, which is Mother’s Day(don’t forget!), we’re going to explore Biblical principles on “How To Find The Right Person(Dating, Love And Sex)? Obviously, this is a message primarily directed to those who are unmarried. However, indirectly it is a message for us all and we will all benefit from it, why? Because all of us have either a sibling, son or daughter, a grand-child, or a friend who is or will be dating –trying to find the “Right Person” and we can be a godly influence in the process.

In case you missed the first message in the new series, below are the main themes that we learned and developed which lay the foundation for the rest of the series. We will be building on these themes in the weeks to come!

#1 None of us have been through life before. And, yet, this is not a dress-rehearsal. Therefore, we need wisdom which is the right application for life. Perspective: a life without the application of wisdom would be like hiring a guide to climb Mt Everest who had never been there before.

#2 One of the most important areas that wisdom is needed is relationships! Would you not agree, that some of the greatest blessings in life and the greatest bummers in life are linked to relationships?

#3 The Bible places a huge emphasis upon relationships and no wonder because one of the greatest needs and blessings in life are harmonious and healthy relationships.

#4 There are specific “ingredients” that contribute to healthy and harmonious relationships that you want to make sure are in the “mix” of your life.

Ingredient #1 Teachability  (Prov 9:9; Pr 12:15)

Ingredient #2 Strength Before Honor (Pr 31:25)

Ingredient #3 Put a “10” over people’s heads (value and esteem human relationships!)

Ingredient #4 do what YOU can to be at peace (Romans 12:18)

Ingredient #5 add Forgiveness

Ingredient #6 add Respect (1 Peter 2:17)

Many churches make pilgrimage to Israel on a yearly basis. If you ever get a chance to take a tour of the land of the Bible jump at the opportunity. Believe me, you will not regret it!

However, might I be so bold to say, the tour that our church has planned for Dec. 1-11, 2011 is exceptional and unique!

In fact, in all my more than a dozen occasions of visiting, teaching, and leading tours in the land of Israel – I have never been more excited over an Itinerary than I am about the trip we have planned for this year!  It is a tour tailored and purposed to maximize your visit to Israel in the following ways:

#1 To experience your heritage as a Christian (the “church” began in Jerusalem) and to better understand your future – as Jesus will return to the City of Jerusalem at His Second Coming (where we will rule with Him during His reign on the earth!).

#2 I will personally equip you with an understanding of the “Old City Of Jerusalem” that would enable you, if you would like, to navigate the City on your own during our “Free Days” on the Tour so that you might as Ps. 48:13 says, “… tell it to the generation following”.

#3 To enjoy the land looking through a “Biblical lens” where we will focus over and over on the person and work of Jesus Christ – past, present and future. Our tour will begin in Jerusalem, then we’ll launch out to the ancient city of Joppa and Caesarea and then travel North to the city of Capernaum which is on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. We’ll then head South down the Jordan Valley to the Judean Wilderness and the Jericho Road and enter the City of Jerusalem as Jesus did when He set His face to Jerusalem. The Bible will come alive in a type of “3-D” which will make reading the Bible a deeper experience for you.

The price of the tour is $2,999.00 which includes: round trip airfare out of Los Angeles to Tel Aviv on El Al (Israel’s Airline); 7 days touring (see Itinerary); 2 free days to explore Jerusalem; first class and Kibbutz hotels with breakfast and dinner daily plus 3 lunches; all transfers, entrance fees, taxes and tips to hotels, drivers and guides.

Spaces are limited, by design. This is why we require a $200.00 non-refundable deposit per person to hold your spot until full deposit is due in June and full payment is due September 16th. You can contact, Cherie, in the church office to secure one of the few spaces that are left or call her Tuesday-Friday at (530) 885-6332.

Till Jerusalem,

Pastor Greg

p.s. here’s the link if interested in viewing itinerary –  http://calvaryauburn.com/ministries/israel-tour-2011/

What’s happening in our world today?

The courageous stand taken by thousands in Egypt, Libya and Iran is incredibly inspiring! Men and women fighting for justice and freedom.

Some background …

The Arab world is behind in history approximately 50 years. Sadly, at the dawn of the 21st century, there were 60 million illiterate adults in the Arab world, the majority of whom were women. Education, freedom and women’s empowerment are the three huge deficits that make up the Arab world that has been insulated by the same Kings and Dictators for 50 years! Why?

What is keeping the Arab world “dumbed down”, “in the dark”, “backwards?”

The answer in one word is — Islam!

It’s why Mosab Yousef writes,“…today’s despots bear a striking likeness to the true Muhammad. Mubarak, Gaddafi, Ben Ali, Ahmadinejad are Islamic leaders who get their strength from Islam and maintain their iron grip by Islam. They are the same stripe as caliphs from Muhammad and Abu Bakr to Al-Mustansir Billah and Abdul Majid.” He continues, “…only when Muhammad and the Qur’an are exposed will the people of North Africa and the Middle East have freedom. If we fail to reach them with the truth, they will rebuild far worse regimes than those they tore down.”

Today, genuine follower’s of Jesus Christ, “Get IT!”

Get IT?

They understand that there is a fight for the minds of men, women, boys and girls. They understand that ideas are important. They understand that what a person believes has consequences. They understand that it is the “truth shall set you free”. And genuine followers of Jesus Christ, fight the fight! They fight the good fight of faith. They fight the fight of Truth! They fight the fight “For God so loved the world that He gave HIs Son that whosever would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!” They take a stand for the Gospel! And, in the day of the, “all-seeing-eye of technology”, in the day of greater global inter-dependence, in the day when the world is hungry for answers and desperate — Jesus Christ follower’s “GET IT” and “LIVE IT!”

As believers we understand where the world is headed, what the world will look like and who will remain standing. We understand that God values every human being and loves every human being enough not to leave them the way they are. We understand that the church is the salt, light and laborers in our generation. We understand that it is the Gospel that is the power of God to transform and heal and redeem. We understand that prior to the return of Jesus Christ that God will even send angels to preach the Gospel not willing that any should perish.  We understand that everything is moving toward an eternal kingdom! We understand that in the darkest moment of history that Jesus Christ will appear! He will come! He is the Savior(of man and the world). He is the Judge (of evil and injustice). He is the Lord and King who will establish His Kingdom on earth. A Christian “GET’S IT”! They know that Jesus Christ is the LORD and they’re unashamed of the Gospel, which is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. Like the Hebrews boys in Babylon, they bow only to the true and living God!

Not only does a follower of Jesus Christ, “Get IT” but “LIVES IT!”

As believers we understand that there is a glory to live for. We  know that nothing lasts forever –with the exception of the will of God, what we do for God, the Word of God, the Kingdom of God, and the man and woman of God! This wisdom provides us the right navigation for life. Our life is not wasted in self indulgence and consumerism, but lived to God’s glory – to know Jesus Christ and make Him known in this generation! We understand that we are our brother’s keeper. We understand what is temporal vs. what is eternal, so it frees us up to enjoy the moment, live in the moment, and stand for Jesus Christ in the moment. We understand that there are seasons to life which enable us to make the transitions with victory getting better rather than bitter! We understand what the right allegiance is. Our loyalties are in order, and because of that we have confidence and courage to stand before any man, institution or threat. We are not paralyzed by fear, but freed by genuine faith! We follow Jesus Christ not because He is a means to an end, but because He is TRUE, and we’re proud to be “Jesus Christ Followers!”

But, in order to “Live IT” we have to, “Get IT!”

Do you “Get IT?”

That’s what the next four-five weeks on Sunday morning’s are dedicated to. We’re going to be trained in Christian growth and discipleship by studying six main passages of Scripture; Dan 1-4; Revelation 18; II Thess. 2; Matthew 24, Acts 1 and I Thess. 4. We’re going to be challenged to “Get IT” and “LIVE IT”. The new Sunday morning series is entitled, “Jesus Christ Followers Get it, and Live it!”

The world is watching. Let’s “GET IT” and “LIVE IT” to the glory of God!

See you Sunday.

pastor Greg

It’s true that every Christian is a “member” of the “church” universal, but what about, local? Actually in the Bible that’s how a Christian “member” is defined(1Cor.1:2). A Christian is not only a member of the church universal, but also local.

So what does a member look like?

Some churches have “formal memberships” to their church — while this is not the case at Calvary Chapel — we do believe in being a “member” of the church. That’s why we’re encouraging every Christian to be a “N.T. Member In 2011” which stands for a “New Testament Member In 2011!” That’s what we want to be at CCA(Calvary Chapel Auburn) to the glory of Jesus Christ, the King and Lord!

#1 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” Commit to be trained for Christian growth (Discipleship!) (John 8:31-32; Acts 2:42; Romans 10:17; Eph 4:11-16)

#2 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” Grow in love with our/your Father, the Heavenly Father. Have your identity, value, and security in nothing else than the Father in Christ. Cut out the thinking that God is a “means to an end!” (I Jn 3:1-2; Rom 8:15; Col 3:3) 

#3 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” “PLANT A TREE:” invest in the “Soil” of the community. “Volunteer” short term or long term! “…joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:16). 

#4 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” never tear believers apart! Be a responsible local Christian and global Christian. Understand that differences will exist among Christians. Commit to “Unity in diversity”. “In the essentials, unity. Non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love!”(Jn 13:35; 1Cor 1:10-13; Rom 16:17)  

#5 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” see Placer County as a Mission Field. Be Missional. Be a part of planting the “seed” of the Gospel in this generation. The church that fails to evangelize will fossilize! e.g. “Don’t be the Dead Sea!” (Matt 28:18-20; Matt 9:37-38; 1 Cor 3:9) 

#6 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” add your voice to the praise of the King. “If Jesus led a hymn would you sing along?” (Heb 13:5; Matt 26:30; I Tim 2:8) 

#7 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” support the ministry of the church financially! (1Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:7; Mal 3:10)  

#8 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” turn from all secret sin because you are linked to others and your influence will either add to the ministry of the Gospel or it will weaken it. (Acts 5)

#9“N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” make a genuine profession of faith in Jesus Christ and to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:4)

#10 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” make the profession “I am a Jesus Christ follower!” Be His hands and feet to help meet Physical, Emotional and most important, Spiritual needs! (Matt 16:24; Matt 9:37-38)  

Are you in?