Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

Knowing God - Lesson 1 “Who Is God?” - Cameron Jungles Wed PM 1/8/14

“Knowing God”
 
This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of
their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their
riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the
understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice
and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
(Jer. 9:23–24, NIV)

 Lesson 1
 
“Who Is God?”
 
The Existence &
Self-Revelation of God
 
1. Who Is God?
 
Improper Views of God
Ø  Atheism
Ø  Agnosticism
Ø  Animism
Ø  Pantheism
Ø  Henotheism
Ø  Polytheism
Ø  Deism
 
Definition of God
Ø  God
is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source,
support, and end.
Ø  God
is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power,
holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
 
2. How can I know God exists?
 
God’s Existence
Ø  Assumed
in Scripture w/o proof
Ø  God
is under no obligation to prove to man that he exists.
Ø  Proof
of God’s existence is not necessary because everyone already has an innate knowledge
of God (Psalm 19; Romans 1).
 
God’s Existence
Ø  Existence
of God must be accepted by faith not reason.
Ø  Rational
arguments are inadequate to prove the existence of God.
Ø  We
know God because he has revealed himself to us.
 
3. How can I know God?
 
General Revelation
Ø  Declares
God’s existence and greatness through his works
ü  Creation
ü  Man’s
Conscience
ü  Providence/History
Ø  Lays
framework for special revelation
Ø  Insufficient
for salvation
 
Special Revelation
Ø  Declares
God’s goodness and saving grace through his words
ü  Direct
Revelation
ü  Angels
ü  Prophets/Apostles
– Bible
ü  Jesus
Christ
Ø  Completes/interprets
general rev.
Ø  Sufficient
for salvation

John 6:1–15 - Cameron Jungles - Sun AM, Jan. 5, 2014

“Jesus Feeds the People” (John 6:1–15)
Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Jan. 5, 2014
 
 1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far
shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a
great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed
by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat
down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near. 5
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to
Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6
He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to
do. 7 Philip answered him, "It would take more than half a
year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9
"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how
far will they go among so many?"
 10
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in
that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were
seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the
pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13 So they
gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley
loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 After the people saw the
sign Jesus performed, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who
is to come into the world." 15 Jesus, knowing that they
intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by
himself. (Jn. 6:1-15, NIV)
 
1. Jesus is the Divine Son of God who is infinite in
power.
 
2. Jesus is the master Teacher who instructs his
disciples about faith.
 
3. Jesus is full of compassion and feeds the hungry.
 
4. Jesus is the new and greater Moses, who leads,
teaches, provides, and intercedes for his people.
 
5. Jesus is the king of his own kingdom; he refuses to be
used as a symbolic figurehead of a kingdom of our own design.

Genesis 2:18-25 - Cameron Jungles - Sun PM. Dec. 29, 2013

“The First Marriage” - Genesis 2:18-25 –
(Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Dec. 29, 2013)
 
1. Marriage is intended to be a union of companionship.
 
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Gen. 2:18, NIV)
 
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild
animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he
would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its
name. (Gen. 2:19, NIV)
 
So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the
sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. (Gen.
2:20, NIV)
 
2. Marriage is intended by God to be a relationship in
which both the man and the woman fulfill their complementary roles.
 
*  The woman was
created to be man’s helper.
 
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Gen. 2:18, NIV)
 
*  The woman was
made after the man.
 
*  The woman was
made out of the man.
 
So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep;
and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the
place with flesh. (Gen. 2:21, NIV)
Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out
of the man, and he brought her to the man. (Gen. 2:22, NIV)
 
*  The woman was
named by the man.
 
The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh
of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."
(Gen. 2:23, NIV)
 
3. Marriage is intended to be a permanent union between
one man and one woman bound by covenant.
 
 That is why a man
leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one
flesh. (Gen. 2:24, NIV)
 
4. Marriage is intended to be a union of holiness and
harmony.
 
Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. (Gen.
2:25, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Marriage is intended by God to
be a covenantal union in which one man and one woman fulfill their
complementary roles as lifelong companions in holiness and harmony.

Psalm 119:9-16 - Cameron Jungles - 12-29-2013 AM

“The Bible and Godliness” - Psalm 119:9-16 -
 
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you. (Ps. 119:11, NIV)

 Main Idea: The Word of God is a graciously
appointed means of eliminating the practice of sin from our lives.
 
1. The Word of God is essential for the elimination of
sin, so begin now.
 
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living
according to your word. (Ps. 119:9, NIV)
 
2. If you are going to sustain your intake of the Word of
God, then it must become your treasure.
 
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your
commands. (Ps. 119:10, NIV)
 
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you. (Ps. 119:11, NIV)
 
 Praise be to you,
LORD; teach me your decrees. (Ps. 119:12, NIV)
 
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in
great riches. (Ps. 119:14, NIV)
 
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
(Ps. 119:16, NIV)
 
3. If you are going to consistently employ the Scriptures
in the elimination of sin from your life, then you must diligently learn it.
 
*  Learn the Word
of God through verbal repetition.
 
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your
mouth. (Ps. 119:13, NIV)
 
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the
LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when
you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as
symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the
doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut. 6:4–9, NIV)
 
*  Practice the
Word of God through obedience.
 
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in
great riches. (Ps. 119:14, NIV)
 
*  Meditate on the
Word of God.
 
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Ps.
119:15, NIV)
 
*  Make the intake
of the Word of God a regular and consistent part of your life.
 
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you. (Ps. 119:11, NIV)

Philippians 2:1-11 - Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Dec. 18, 2013

“Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation” - Philippians
2:1-11 -
(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/Dec. 18, 2013)
 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united
with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to
the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider
equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by
becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him
to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the
earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father. (Phil. 2:1–11, NIV)
 
1. Because of his faithful, humble obedience, Christ was
vindicated and exalted by God.
 
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him
the name that is above every name,
(Phil. 2:9, NIV)
 
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you
in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving
together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way
by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed,
but that you will be saved--and that by God. For it has been granted to you on
behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since
you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I
still have. (Phil. 1:27–30, NIV)
 
2. The risen and exalted Christ is the Lord of the entire
universe, and all will bow in submission before him.
 
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him
the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9–11)
 
"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my
glory to another or my praise to idols. (Isa. 42:8, NIV)
 
"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has
uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee
will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, 'In the LORD
alone are deliverance and strength. '" All who have raged against him will
come to him and be put to shame. But all the descendants of Israel will find
deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in him. (Isa. 45:22–25, NIV)
 
3. God the Father is glorified through Christ’s
humiliation and exaltation.
 
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.
(Phil. 2:11, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Our Lord Jesus Christ showed us
that the path to exaltation by God is through humble, obedient service.
 
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and
those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Lk. 14:11, NIV)
 
Implications:
Ø  Unity
is achieved through self-giving, humility.
Ø  The
path to vindication and exaltation is through humble, obedient service.
Ø  We
glorify God when we live in humility & obedience.

Luke 2:8­-20 - Cameron Jungles - Sun PM, Dec. 15, 2013

“The Song of the Angels” (Luke 2:8­-20)

Matthew 1:18-25 - Cameron Jungles - Sun AM, Dec. 15, 2013

“Jesus, Immanuel”- Matthew 1:18-25 -
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Dec. 15, 2013)
 
1. The Incarnation was accomplished by the powerful plan
of God.
 
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be
afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from
the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 1:20, NIV)
 
2. The Incarnation fulfilled the purpose of God.
 
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the
name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matt. 1:21,
NIV)
 
3. The Incarnation brought us the presence of God.
 
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said
through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"). (Matt.
1:22-23, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Jesus, Immanuel came to live
with us and die for us, so that we might live with God forever.

Philippians 2:1-11 - Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Dec. 11, 2013

“Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation”- Philippians 2:1-11
-
(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/Dec. 11, 2013)
 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united
with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to
the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the
same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider
equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by
becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him
to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the
earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father. (Phil. 2:1–11, NIV)
 
1. Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be fully God.
 
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality
with God something to be used to his own advantage; (Phil. 2:6, NIV)
 
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Heb.
1:3, NIV)
 
2. Jesus Christ willingly humbled himself when he took on
a human nature and lived among us.
 
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality
with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself
nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
(Phil. 2:6–7, NIV)
 
3. The ultimate display of Christ’s humility was when he
willingly died on a Roman cross for our redemption.
 
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:8, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Jesus Christ, the eternal God,
showed us the path of humility and service when he became a man and died on a
cross for us.

Micah 5:1–4 - Cameron Jungles - Sun PM, Dec. 8, 2013

“The Messianic Hope”- Micah 5:1–4 -
(Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Dec. 8, 2013)
 
The word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth during
the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah--the vision he saw
concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. (Mic. 1:1, NIV)
 
"Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a
place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay
bare her foundations. All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple
gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images. Since she
gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as the wages of prostitutes
they will again be used." (Mic. 1:6–7, NIV)
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6, NIV)
 
Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid
against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. (Mic. 5:1,
NIV)
 
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler
over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Mic.
5:2, NIV)
 
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she
who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the
Israelites. (Mic. 5:3, NIV)
 
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on
those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isa. 9:2, NIV)
 
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the
LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live
securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. (Mic.
5:4, NIV)
 
1. God always acts to magnify his glory.
2. God always keeps his promises.
3. God protects his people.
 
Main Idea: The Christ of Bethlehem is the
defender and shepherd of his people.

Jesus Came to Save - 1 Tim 1:15 - Cameron Jungles - 12-8-13

Jesus Came to Save - 1 Tim 1:15

Philippians 2:1-11 Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Dec. 4, 2013

“Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation”- Philippians 2:1-11
-
(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/Dec. 4, 2013)
 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being
united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the
Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy
complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of
one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to
your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to
be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by
taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the
highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:1-11,
NIV)
 
1.
Christian unity is rooted in our common experience of grace.
 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united
with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion, (Phil. 2:1, NIV)
 
Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, (Col. 3:12,
CSB)
 
2. Christian unity is lived out in real life through
humility and deference to others.
 
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the
same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Phil. 2:2, NIV)
 
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather,
in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests
but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:3-4, NIV)
 
3. Christian unity through humility has been modeled for
us by the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus:
(Phil. 2:5, NIV)
 
Main Idea
Through his humility and exaltation, the Lord Jesus has
become a model for us to live in humility and deference to others.

Genesis 2:8-17 - Cameron Jungles - Sun PM, Dec. 1, 2013

“The Original Paradise” - Genesis 2:8-17 -
(Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Dec. 1, 2013)
 
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the
churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the
tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Rev. 2:7, NIV)
 
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the
middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the
tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.
And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Rev. 22:1–2,
NIV)
 
1. God prepared an ideal paradise for human beings to
enjoy.
 
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden;
and there he put the man he had formed. The LORD God made all kinds of trees
grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.
In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil. (Gen. 2:8–9, NIV)
 
A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it
was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it
winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of
that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the
second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name
of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the
fourth river is the Euphrates. (Gen. 2:10–14, NIV)
 
2. Human beings enjoy God’s paradise by fulfilling their
responsibilities in obedient service.
 
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You
are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly
die." (Gen. 2:15–17, NIV)
 
Main Idea: True enjoyment is found in the
paradise of God.

Isaiah 9:6-7 – Cameron Jungles - Sun AM, December 1, 2013

“The Coming King” - Isaiah 9:6-7 –
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/December 1, 2013)
 
1. Our dark world longs for the light of hope, peace, and
justice.
 
Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If
anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished,
they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their
God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness
and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isa. 8:20–22,
NIV)
 
2. The longing of the world was fulfilled in a baby boy
who would be King.
 
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were
in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of
Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of
the Sea, beyond the Jordan– The people walking in darkness have seen a great
light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isa.
9:1–2, NIV)
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders…
(Isa. 9:6, NIV)
 
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
(Jn. 1:4, NIV)
 
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life." (Jn. 8:12, NIV)
 
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who
believes in me should stay in darkness. (Jn. 12:46, NIV)
 
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and
brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14, NIV)
 
3. This King is a righteous king who will bring the hope,
peace, and justice that we long for.
 
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be
no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and
upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The
zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:7, NIV)
 
4. This is no ordinary King, but the God-man Jesus
Christ, who will reign forever.
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isa. 9:6, NIV)
 
Main Idea: The only hope for our dark world
is found in the God-man, Jesus Christ, and the peace, justice, and
righteousness that he brings.

1 Chronicles 16 - Cameron Jungles - 11-24-2013

“A Thankful People” - 1
Chronicles 16 –
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov.
24, 2013)
 
1. Thankfulness springs
from reflecting on our own unworthiness.
 
When they were but few in
number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another. (1 Chr. 16:19-20, NIV)
 
The LORD did not set his
affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other
peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD
loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out
with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of
Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deut. 7:7–8, NIV)
 
As for you, you were dead in
your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the
ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who
is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at
one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and
thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Eph. 2:1–3,
NIV)
 
2. Thankfulness comes by
exulting in God’s grace and goodness.
 
Give praise to the LORD,
proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him,
sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. (1 Chr. 16:8-9, NIV)
 
*   Delighting in God’s Sovereign Rule.
 
For great is the LORD and
most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of
the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. (1 Chr. 16:25-26, NIV)
 
Tremble before him, all the
earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens
rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD
reigns!" (1 Chr. 16:30-31, NIV)
 
*   Delighting in God’s Gracious Covenant.
 
He remembers his covenant
forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made
with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. (1 Chr. 16:15-16, NIV)
 
*   Delighting in God’s Mighty Acts of
Redemption.
 
Remember the wonders he has
done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, (1 Chr. 16:12, NIV)
 
When they were but few in
number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake
he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no
harm." Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after
day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all
peoples. (1 Chr. 16:19-24, NIV)
 
But because of his great love
for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were
dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 2:4-5, NIV)
 
Praise be to the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth
into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and
into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is
kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the
coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet.
1:3–5, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Thankfulness
is the natural response of unworthy sinners who have been blessed by God’s
grace and goodness.
 
Give thanks to the LORD, for
he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy
name, and glory in your praise." Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen" and
"Praise the LORD." (1 Chr. 16:34–36, NIV)

“The Potter and the Clay” - Genesis 2:4-7 – Cameron Jungles - Sun PM, Nov. 17, 2013

“The Potter and the Clay” - Genesis 2:4-7 –
(Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Nov. 17, 2013)
 
4 This is the account of the heavens and the
earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.
(Gen. 2:4, NIV)
 
5 Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and
no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and
there was no one to work the ground, 6 but streams came up from the
earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. (Gen. 2:5-6, NIV)
 
7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of
the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man
became a living being. (Gen. 2:7, NIV)
 
1. Every human being is a unique, personal creation by
God.
 
2. Every human being owes his life’s breath to the
Creator God.
 
3. Every human being is a unified, living being created
by God.
 
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples
of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with
your bodies.
(1 Co. 6:19-20, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Human beings are living, physical, spiritual beings that owe their lives to
God because they are his unique, personal creation.

“What Is a Healthy Church Member? An Active Team Player” - Cameron Jungles - Sun AM, Nov. 17, 2013

“What Is a Healthy Church Member? An Active Team Player”

(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov. 17, 2013)
 
A healthy church member?
Ø  Is
a genuine believer in Christ
Ø  Is
a growing disciple, seeking to make other disciples
Ø  Is
a worshiper of God
Ø  Strives
for unity in the body
Ø  Uses
their spiritual gifts to build up the body
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member is
not a spectator, but an active team player.
 
1. Regular Attendance
 
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)
 
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord
added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46–47, NIV)
 
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:24–25, NIV)
 
2.  Active Service
 
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become
in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From
him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:15–16,
NIV)
 
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to
serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone
speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone
serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things
God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for
ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet. 4:10–11, NIV)
 
3.  Cheerful,
Sacrificial Giving
 
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you
should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you
abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you
will abound in every good work. (2 Co. 9:6–8, NIV)
 
4.  Joyful
Submission to Leadership
 
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their
authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no
benefit to you. (Heb. 13:17, NIV)
 
5.  Building
Healthy Relationships in the Church
 
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another."
(Jn. 13:34-35, NIV)
 
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts, (Acts 2:46, NIV)
 
6.  Praying for the
Church
 
Brothers and sisters, pray for us. (1 Thess. 5:25, NIV)
 
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our
message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in
chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
(Col. 4:3-4, NIV)
 
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God
may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to
fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.
(2 Thess. 1:11, NIV)
 
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each
other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful
and effective. (Jas. 5:16, NIV)

Main Idea: A healthy church member is
not a spectator, but an active team player.

Psalm 102 - Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Nov. 13, 2013

“Prayer of the
Afflicted”
Psalm 102
(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/Nov. 13, 2013)
 
A prayer of an
afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the LORD.
 
1.      A Cry for Help (vv. 1–2).
 
 1 Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to
you. 2 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn
your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
 
2.      The Distressful Situation (vv. 3–11).
 
 3 For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like
glowing embers. 4 My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I
forget to eat my food. 5 In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced
to skin and bones. 6 I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the
ruins. 7 I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. 8
All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a
curse. 9 For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears 10
because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. 11
My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
 
3.      Confidence in the Lord in the Midst of a
Distressful Situation (vv. 12–17).
 
 12 But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown
endures through all generations. 13 You will arise and have
compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has
come. 14 For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust
moves them to pity. 15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. 16 For the LORD
will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. 17 He will respond to the
prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
 
4.      God’s Concern for His Distressed People (vv.
18–22).
 
 18 Let this be written for a future generation, that
a people not yet created may praise the LORD: 19 "The LORD looked
down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, 20
to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."
21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise
in Jerusalem 22 when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to
worship the LORD.
 
5.      Hope for the Future, because God is Eternal (vv.
23–28).
 
23 In the course of my life he broke my strength; he
cut short my days. 24 So I said: "Do not take me away, my God,
in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations. 25
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the
work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you remain; they will
all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will
be discarded. 27 But you remain the same, and your years will never
end. 28 The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you."

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov. 10, 2013)

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/Nov. 10, 2013)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member uses
their gifts for building and strengthening the body of Christ.
 
What are Spiritual Gifts? A spiritual
gift is any talent or ability given or enhanced by the indwelling Holy Spirit
for the benefit of the body of Christ.
 
1.  The Lord Jesus
Christ sovereignly bestows the gifts through the Holy Spirit.
 
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ
apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he took
many captives and gave gifts to his people." (What does "he
ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly
regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens,
in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the
prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach
unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:7–13, NIV)
 
This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was
confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs,
wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed
according to his will. (Heb. 2:3-4, NIV)
 
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit
distributes them. (1 Co. 12:4, NIV)
 
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he
distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Co. 12:11, NIV)
 
2.  Every believer
possesses spiritual gifts, but not all have the same gifts.
 
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for
the common good. (1 Co. 12:7, NIV)
 
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he
distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Co. 12:11, NIV)
 
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many
parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Co. 12:12, NIV)
 
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one
of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would
the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. (1 Co. 12:18-20,
NIV)
 
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of
you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members
do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according
to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching,
then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving,
then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show
mercy, do it cheerfully. (Rom. 12:3–8, NIV)
 
3.  Spiritual gifts
are given for use within the body of Christ, in order to build and strengthen
it.
 
But God has put the body together... so that there should be
no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each
other. (1 Co. 12:24-25, NIV)
 
When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of
instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be
done so that the church may be built up. (1 Co. 14:26, NIV)
 
Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in
those that build up the church. (1 Co. 14:12, NIV)
 
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the
evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in
the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:11–13, NIV)
 
4.  Spiritual gifts
should be developed and used with a motivation of love for others and the glory
of God.
 
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not
have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift
of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a
faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give
all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Co. 13:1–3, NIV)
 
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the
greatest of these is love. (1 Co. 13:13, NIV)
 
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the
beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might
have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18, NIV)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member uses
their gifts for building and strengthening the body of Christ.

Genesis 2:1-3 - Cameron Jungles - Sun PM, Nov. 10, 2013

“God Finishes His Creation” - Genesis 2:1-3 –
(Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Nov. 10, 2013)
 
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you
first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to
complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it,
everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'This person began to build and
wasn't able to finish.' (Lk. 14:28–30, NIV)
 
Main Idea: God always finishes what he
starts.
 
1.  The universe is
a completed project.
 
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their
vast array. (Gen. 2:1, NIV)
 
2.  God completed
the creation of the universe in six days.
 
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been
doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (Gen. 2:2, NIV)
 
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days
you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the
LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or
daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner
residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the
earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exod. 20:8–11,
NIV)
 
3. God stopped his creative activity on the sixth day.
 
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been
doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (Gen. 2:2, NIV)
 
In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always
at his work to this very day, and I too am working." (Jn. 5:17, NIV)
 
He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you
will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor
sleep. (Ps. 121:3–4, NIV)
 
4. Because God ceased from his creative work on the
seventh day, God blessed the seventh day and set it aside as holy.
 
Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because
on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Gen. 2:3, NIV)
 
* The seventh day has cosmological significance.
 
He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that
he established forever. (Ps. 78:69, NIV)
 
This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and
the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will
my resting place be? (Isa. 66:1, NIV)
 
* The seventh day has redemptive significance.
 
"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the
LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do
any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female
servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner
residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you
do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought
you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD
your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. (Deut. 5:12–15, NIV)
 
* The seventh day has covenantal significance.
 
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites,
'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the
generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
"'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it
is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from
their people. For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath
rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put
to death. The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the
generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the
Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,
and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. '" (Exod. 31:12–17,
NIV)
 
* The seventh day has eschatological significance.
 
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in
you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6,
NIV)
 
"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." (Matt. 11:28–30, NIV)

Psalm 14 - Cameron Jungles - Wed PM, Nov. 6, 2013

“Fools at Heart” - Psalm 14 – (Eastside Baptist/Wed
PM/Nov. 6, 2013)
 
1.  The
irrationality of those who deny God (verse 1a).
 
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
(Ps. 14:1, NIV)
 
2.  The evil
practices of those who deny God (verses 1b-4).
 
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who
does good. (Ps. 14:1, NIV)
 
The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if
there are any who understand, any who seek God. (Ps. 14:2, NIV)
 
All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no
one who does good, not even one. (Ps. 14:3, NIV)
 
Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people
as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD. (Ps. 14:4, NIV)
 
3.  The destiny of
those who deny God vs. the destiny of the righteous (verses 5-7).
 
But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is
present in the company of the righteous. (Ps. 14:5, NIV)
 
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD
is their refuge. (Ps. 14:6, NIV)
 
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When
the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Ps. 14:7,
NIV)
 
Main Idea: Those who foolishly reject
God and live in open rebellion before him do so to their own destruction, but
God will rescue his people.