Greg Denham

HOW TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST YOU? Pt. 1 

(Eph 6:10-17) 

Greg Denham Series: Fall Forward: Restart. Renew. Revive!

You are in a war and you have three enemies!

You will go through life facing these enemies in one of three ways:

#1 You’ll refuse to acknowledge that there are influences that will harm you but this will not make the threat go away. You’ll inevitably and unnecessarily suffer.

#2 You’ll recognize that you do have an enemy but at the same time will not responsibly protect yourself in order to keep from being harmed unnecessarily.

#3 You’ll go through life recognizing that you do have an enemy, understand who or what that enemy is, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from being harmed.

What are these three enemies you face?

Enemy #1 Sinful Nature(“flesh”, self). The act of sin is selfishness! (Gal 5:19-21; Rm 8:13; 1 Peter 4:2) 

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt 16:24) “Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Matt 5:4) “I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live …” (Gal 2:20) “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin …” Roman’s 6:6

Enemy #2 Worldliness (Culture) (John 1:10; 1Jn 2:15-17; Rom12:2; Jn 17:15-16; 2 Cor 4:4) Jesus said we’re to be “in the world but not of the world!” (Jn 17:15-16) “I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:19. The Bible says that “satan is the god of this world” (1 Cor 4:4). The Bible says we’re not to “love the world!” (IJn 2:15-17)

“How should we wrap our minds around these things?” The Bible speaks of the world in three ways: the planet, the population, and the priorities/ values of our world(culture). I John 2:15-17 tells us “not to love the world!” #1 the lust of the eyes = the World’s Treasure; #2 the lust of the flesh = the World’s Pleasure; #3 the pride of life = the World’s Measure.

Enemy #3 The Devil (2 Cor 4:4; Jn 10:10; Eph 2:2; Jn 16:11)

One of the chief ways the devil influences is by inserting bad or harmful ideas into the heart of man (like a computer virus that ends up making a mess!) The Bible says satan is the “god of this world …” (2 Cor 4:4). I Jn 5:19 “the whole world is under the sway of the wicked one”

How do we protect ourselves? By living in the strength of Jesus Christ!

“…my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ….Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth …” (Eph 6:10-18)

What does it mean to wear the “belt of truth?” (Pastor Rick Warren did a great job nailing this!)

Wearing the belt of truth is living out your profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It means that the truth is being practiced in all areas of your life. This is what integrity is. The word “integrity” comes from the word “integer,” which means a unit of one.

Wearing the belt of truth is wearing integrity!

It means that you not only know the truth, but that you also act on the truth. It doesn’t mean that you are perfect but it does mean you are honest and authentic. If I know the truth but don’t act on it, then I don’t have integrity but hypocrisy. God says if you are a hypocrite, you have no defense against satan. Don’t give any room to the devil. NONE! If you give a foothold to satan in your life, he will turn it into a stronghold.

Have you compartmentalized your life? Are there some areas where you lack integrity? God wants you wrapped in the truth. Confess your sins to Him and ask Him to help you wear the belt of “truth!”

Prayer: “Father, teach me to live in a manner not according to self, culture or the devil. Guide me to live—even in fighting, arguing or in conflict —with weapons of the Spirit and not weapons of the flesh. Help me to fasten the belt of truth, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ permeates every area of my life to Your glory!”

“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)

“MOSAB YOUSEF: A VOICE FOR OUR TIME!”

Are we living in a unique time, or what?

Our world is fast becoming a global community.

Our world is more interdependent than ever before.

What happens in a nation half-way around the world is now of interest to every nation because we’re linked by a global community.

It’s because of this that the challenges that we face are becoming more pronounced with the stakes only getting higher. There’s more to lose, there’s more to gain. We now have seven billion people “in the boat of humanity” moving through uncharted waters.

In this midst of this one of the major challenges coming to the surface has to do with, ideas!

We understand there are weapons of mass destruction, but there are also ideas of mass destruction. This means that the subject of religion is a top five talking point. The differing views of reality, truth, God, and what the world should look like, is front and center.

Today many believe that the problem in the world is, religion! It’s the reason for the crazy wars and power grabs and aggressive behavior toward fellow man. Some are even calling to do away with religion. They argue that the world would be a much better place with less divisiveness and hangups.

Yet, in recent memory, as Historian Alistair McGrath noted – “The 20th century gave rise to one of the greatest and most distressing paradoxes of human history: that the greatest intolerance and violence of that century were practiced by those who believed that religion caused intolerance and violence.” (i.e. The Soviet Russia; Communist China; Khmer Rouge; in some ways “Nazi Germany”)

I don’t know what comes to mind when you think, Religion? Generally we think of those who believe in God. But this is not necessarily the case. Buddhism is one of our major world religions yet does not believe in God.

The reality is we’re all religious. Even an atheist is religious! As one noted religion “..is a set of beliefs that explain what life is all about, who we are, and the most important things that human beings should spend their time doing.”

A religion is a “worldview” –some call it a “narrative identity”.

The point?

It will be impossible to do away with, religion! What we need to do is evaluate what we believe and why we believe it. We owe it to ourselves — our generation  — our future — our Maker!

And, might I add — it is essential that we protect the right that a person has to choose their values, their worldview, their religion! You don’t have to agree ultimately with what a person values or believes but the line is crossed when we devalue other human beings for holding views that we ourselves do not agree with. In this way we need to do two things: protect the freedom to discuss, dialogue, deliberate and examine ideas without it becoming personal or destructive in nature and at the same time demonstrate the kind of love that God has for the world that led Him to send His only begotten Son.

For me, what makes Mosab Yousef particularly unique is that his life put him in a place to experience and evaluate the “DNA of ideas” in ways not many of us have experienced.

As you know, once the DNA of something is identified, you can predict what it’s going to look like.

Mosab has unique experience with DNA: Ideologically; Politically, Spiritually!

Because of these unique experiences Mosab has something to say.

In fact, I believe, that Mosab Yousef is one of the most important voices in our world today!

His life embodies the global conflict of our day and what the solution of that conflict is!

It’s my hope and prayer that this Wednesday every person in attendance would enjoy the man Mosab Yousef, his story, his testimony, his life, his Hope, and that that they will take a good look at the God He worships and serves!

Doors open at 6:00pm. Program begins at 6:30-8:30 pm.

See you Wednesday!

MOSAB YOUSEF: “SO MANY OWE HIM THEIR LIFE!”

Given the code name, “The Green Prince”; Green because of the color of the flag of the Palestinian people, and Prince because he was the heir apparent to his father’s role in Hamas, Israel’s security said that, “So many people owe Mosab their life and don’t even know it. The amazing thing is that none of his actions were done for money. He did things he believed in. He wanted to save lives. His grasp of intelligence matters was just as good as ours — the ideas, the insights. One insight of his was worth 1,000 hours of thought by top experts.”

Forbes Magazine described Mosab as “a genuine Palestinian freedom fighter” and former CIA director James Woolsey called Mosab a “remarkable young man” who should be commended for “extraordinary heroism and courage.”

But to many in Mosab’s community in the West Bank, he is a traitor and now a marked man. It’s why an Israeli interviewer remarked, “I ask myself — if this is courage, or total craziness.”

Yet how refreshing it is that in a day when peer pressure can make a puppet out of man, that a person like Mosab Yousef steps up to the plate, thinks for himself and at risk to his own life — does what is right! We need more like him. Men and women of courage. John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” I thank God for Mosab Yousef. A man who amidst great danger to his own life, saddled up anyway. He saddled up to save lives! And he continues to saddle up in following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

I encourage you whatever your vocation or lot is in life may you be inspired by Mosab’s life to saddle up and be a courageous Jesus Christ follower!

And I also want to encourage you to reach out to someone you’d like to introduce to Jesus Christ and bring them to hear Mosab in person Wednesday March 16th 6:30 pm(doors open at 6:00pm – I recommend you arrive no later than 6:00pm)

“The Harvest is truly plentiful .. the laborers are few …”

See you soon!

Greg

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/