God is Greater Than: Your Greatest Sin
[click on above to get the mp3 file]
May 2 & 3, 2009
Ephesians 2:1-10
Phil Hotsenpiller, Teaching Pastor
“Becoming a Community of Authentic Christ Followers”
GOD IS:
• Greater than death (v. 1)
• Greater than Satan (v. 2)
• Greater than desires of the flesh (v. 3)
GOD HAS:
• Greater mercy (v. 4)
• Greater love (v. 4)
• Greater grace (v. 5)
GOD GIVES US:
• A greater perspective (v. 6) “in heavenly places”
• A greater future (v. 7) “ages to come”
• A greater reward (v. 7) “riches of His grace”
LIFE APPLICATION:
• There is no limit to God’s grace.
• Take a step in God’s direction.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
you have to watch the video along with hearing the sermon!
GOD IS GREATER THAN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE
Judges 6
YLFC/april 25,26. 2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
A Challenge is:
I. AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECLAIM THE HARVEST
It’s time to reclaim the harvest when your are:
A. Sitting in Darkness
“…Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the
caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains.” Judges 6:2
Ps 107:13-15 “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved
them our of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow
of death, and broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to
the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of
men! (Isa 9:2-4)
Ps 40:1,2 “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard
my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And
set my feet upon a rock”
B. Waste Deep in Dust
“…Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites.”
Judges 6:11
Gideon was in the winepress threshing wheat -- he was fearful, defeated and
discouraged – The place to thresh wheat was in the field where the wind could carry
away the chaff – not down in the winepress!
WHEN YOU’RE WASTE DEEP IN DUST…
You think you’re the only one
You can’t see your potential
You don’t enjoy life
You don’t know which way to turn
You don’t want advice
WHEN YOU’RE WASTE DEEP IN DUST…
Everything looks bad
You don’t want to do anything or go anywhere
You want everyone to know how bad it is
You waste emotional energy
No direction seems right
No opportunity seems possible
No wants to help you
BUT, GOD, WANTS TO…
Dust you off
Clean you up
Point you in the right direction
Give you hope
Inspire You
Challenge you
GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU – that God is greater than your greatest Challenge –
It doesn’t matter what it is – He is greater.
II. AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A FRESH WORD FROM GOD
Seven harvests were stolen and destroyed before Israel woke up! --- How many
harvests will you yield to the enemy before you wake up and see what God can do?
You busy yourself with sowing and watering & cultivating – with joy and expectation
you prepare for the harvest – then Midian comes, and the harvest is stolen away
before your very eyes.
Instead of standing strong in the Lord you sign over the title deed to the enemy – you
feel helpless and weak – you are tired of the battle – what you need is a fresh Word
from the Lord!
You need to hear Him say, “I am with you to deliver you from the hand of the enemy –
be strong and wait for the salvation of the Lord – I am you shield and strong tower – I
am your strong right arm – I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – put on the
whole armor of God and stand against the Enemy – listen carefully as I whisper in
your ear – you – you are more than a conqueror – you are the heritage of the Lord and
you will prevail against everything that comes against you!
A. Get your second “when”
“And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of
the Midianites, that the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to
them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I brought you up from Egypt
and brought you out of the house of bondage” Judges 6:7-8
B. Know who you are
“And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD [is] with
you, you mighty man of valor!" Judges 6:12
SET UP VIDEO:
Susan Boyle by Eric Golub
True beauty and true ugliness do not enter the room quietly. They barrel in, and
spread quickly.
A woman named Susan Boyle walked onto a stage in a British singing competition. A
47 year old woman who lives with a cat, she drew derisive laughter from the moment
people saw her. To describe her as “frumpy” would be generous. People looked at her
and thought that she was “ghastly.”
[click here for video!]
Competitions like the one she was in are for beautiful people. Frumpy people need not
apply... -- After all, how could society possibly survive if anything other than A-List
celebrities were allowed in our living rooms? -- Then she began to sing. She chose
the song “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.” From the moment the audience
heard her voice, they began cheering wildly.
There is beauty, and then there is sheer gorgeousness. This was one of the all time
stunningly beautiful vocal performances….Some of the most ruthless men sat in
judgment of Ms. Boyle. They could not stop cheering.
If Susan Boyle’s sudden fame does not represent the best aspect of this world, then I
do not know what does. Her triumph is a victory for every everywoman and every
everyman that has ever been kicked around by life for being too fat, too short, too
bald, too old, too young, too poor, or too little.
The best part of this is that she was not given sympathy or charity. She entered a
difficult and sometimes vicious industry and conquered it solely based on merit.
She did not deserve ridicule because her outward physical appearance is not what
much of society categorizes as beautiful. She did deserve accolades because her
singing voice is a talent that she honed to absolute perfection.
She would not be denied. She would not take no for an answer. She brought a crowd
to their collective feet and showed them what true beauty is about.
C. ASK FOR A SIGN
Then he said to Him, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign
that it is You who talk with me.” Judges 6:17
III. AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
A. Identify the Possibilities
B. Build an Altar
“…build an altar to the LORD your God on top of this rock in the proper
arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of
the image which you shall cut down.” Judges 6.26
How to:
1. Decide what’s important “to the LORD”
2. Must be the priority “on top of this rock”
3. Involve Sacrifice
4. Destroy false worship “cut down”
C. Blow the Trumpet
“But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet…”
Judges 6.34
When the Spirit of God comes upon you:
• The victory is right around the corner
• Your courage comes from God “of the Lord”
• The sound of your triumph goes before you “trumpet”
LIFE APPLICATION:
• Transform your mess into a message
• Your greatest challenge may be your greatest strength
• Unlock the Power of God
YLFC/4.25,26.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
Judges 6
YLFC/april 25,26. 2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
A Challenge is:
I. AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECLAIM THE HARVEST
It’s time to reclaim the harvest when your are:
A. Sitting in Darkness
“…Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the
caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains.” Judges 6:2
Ps 107:13-15 “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved
them our of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow
of death, and broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to
the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of
men! (Isa 9:2-4)
Ps 40:1,2 “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard
my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And
set my feet upon a rock”
B. Waste Deep in Dust
“…Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites.”
Judges 6:11
Gideon was in the winepress threshing wheat -- he was fearful, defeated and
discouraged – The place to thresh wheat was in the field where the wind could carry
away the chaff – not down in the winepress!
WHEN YOU’RE WASTE DEEP IN DUST…
You think you’re the only one
You can’t see your potential
You don’t enjoy life
You don’t know which way to turn
You don’t want advice
WHEN YOU’RE WASTE DEEP IN DUST…
Everything looks bad
You don’t want to do anything or go anywhere
You want everyone to know how bad it is
You waste emotional energy
No direction seems right
No opportunity seems possible
No wants to help you
BUT, GOD, WANTS TO…
Dust you off
Clean you up
Point you in the right direction
Give you hope
Inspire You
Challenge you
GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU – that God is greater than your greatest Challenge –
It doesn’t matter what it is – He is greater.
II. AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A FRESH WORD FROM GOD
Seven harvests were stolen and destroyed before Israel woke up! --- How many
harvests will you yield to the enemy before you wake up and see what God can do?
You busy yourself with sowing and watering & cultivating – with joy and expectation
you prepare for the harvest – then Midian comes, and the harvest is stolen away
before your very eyes.
Instead of standing strong in the Lord you sign over the title deed to the enemy – you
feel helpless and weak – you are tired of the battle – what you need is a fresh Word
from the Lord!
You need to hear Him say, “I am with you to deliver you from the hand of the enemy –
be strong and wait for the salvation of the Lord – I am you shield and strong tower – I
am your strong right arm – I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – put on the
whole armor of God and stand against the Enemy – listen carefully as I whisper in
your ear – you – you are more than a conqueror – you are the heritage of the Lord and
you will prevail against everything that comes against you!
A. Get your second “when”
“And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of
the Midianites, that the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to
them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I brought you up from Egypt
and brought you out of the house of bondage” Judges 6:7-8
B. Know who you are
“And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD [is] with
you, you mighty man of valor!" Judges 6:12
SET UP VIDEO:
Susan Boyle by Eric Golub
True beauty and true ugliness do not enter the room quietly. They barrel in, and
spread quickly.
A woman named Susan Boyle walked onto a stage in a British singing competition. A
47 year old woman who lives with a cat, she drew derisive laughter from the moment
people saw her. To describe her as “frumpy” would be generous. People looked at her
and thought that she was “ghastly.”
[click here for video!]
Competitions like the one she was in are for beautiful people. Frumpy people need not
apply... -- After all, how could society possibly survive if anything other than A-List
celebrities were allowed in our living rooms? -- Then she began to sing. She chose
the song “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.” From the moment the audience
heard her voice, they began cheering wildly.
There is beauty, and then there is sheer gorgeousness. This was one of the all time
stunningly beautiful vocal performances….Some of the most ruthless men sat in
judgment of Ms. Boyle. They could not stop cheering.
If Susan Boyle’s sudden fame does not represent the best aspect of this world, then I
do not know what does. Her triumph is a victory for every everywoman and every
everyman that has ever been kicked around by life for being too fat, too short, too
bald, too old, too young, too poor, or too little.
The best part of this is that she was not given sympathy or charity. She entered a
difficult and sometimes vicious industry and conquered it solely based on merit.
She did not deserve ridicule because her outward physical appearance is not what
much of society categorizes as beautiful. She did deserve accolades because her
singing voice is a talent that she honed to absolute perfection.
She would not be denied. She would not take no for an answer. She brought a crowd
to their collective feet and showed them what true beauty is about.
C. ASK FOR A SIGN
Then he said to Him, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign
that it is You who talk with me.” Judges 6:17
III. AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
A. Identify the Possibilities
B. Build an Altar
“…build an altar to the LORD your God on top of this rock in the proper
arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of
the image which you shall cut down.” Judges 6.26
How to:
1. Decide what’s important “to the LORD”
2. Must be the priority “on top of this rock”
3. Involve Sacrifice
4. Destroy false worship “cut down”
C. Blow the Trumpet
“But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet…”
Judges 6.34
When the Spirit of God comes upon you:
• The victory is right around the corner
• Your courage comes from God “of the Lord”
• The sound of your triumph goes before you “trumpet”
LIFE APPLICATION:
• Transform your mess into a message
• Your greatest challenge may be your greatest strength
• Unlock the Power of God
YLFC/4.25,26.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
sermon notes... april 18.19 2009
the most amazing series....
God is Greater than Your Fear
Philippians 4:6-9
(click on above for link to MP3 file.... you gotta hear this sermon series)
YLFC/4.18,19.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
WHY WE WORRY?
1. We don’t know the future
2. Limited control over the present
3. Our past becomes our measurement for success
Worse Case Scenario Best Case Scenario
-10 [---------------------------]+10
90% of what you worry about doesn’t happen!
Law of:
• Fixation – Stuck in a pattern of thought or behavior that prevents you from moving
forward
• Regression – Constantly going back in your mind to find Joy, Answers or Pain
• Control – If you think about something often and long enough you will not be able to
think about anything else.
I. OPERATE WITH A DIVINE STRATEGY
v.6 Be anxious (1 Peter 5:7)
-for nothing,
-but in everything
-by prayer and
-supplication,
-with thanksgiving,
-let your requests be made known
-to God;
v.7 and the peace of God, [Rom 15:13; Ps 16:11]
-which surpasses all understanding,
-will guard your
-hearts and
-minds
-through Christ Jesus.
• REFUSE FEAR AND WORRY
~FAITH
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13
~PEACE IS GIVEN BY GOD
”But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, MY
PEACE I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”
~John 14.26-27
~STEDFAST
You will keep him in perfect (shalom) peace (shalom), Whose mind is stayed on You, because
he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” ~Col. 3:15
When fear knocks at your door…
Tell it to go somewhere else – IF IT KEEPS KNOCKING --
Refuse to answer -- DO NOT TALK TO FEAR – REASON WITH FEAR – IF FACT – DON’T
EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE FEAR
There is a spiritual principle CALLED THE SPIRIT OF AGREEMENT – God tells us that when
two or more agree about anything it shall be done for them – He’s giving a spiritual principle –
the same principle is true with Hell – Hell needs agreement to operate – WHEN YOU GIVE IT
ENTRANCE INTO YOUR MIND YOU AGREE THAT IT HAS A RIGHT TO CONTROL YOU
When fear knocks at your door…
Don’t be curious – just tell fear NO! Instead go to the door that’s labeled FAITH – IF you prefer
truth or Hope – I think you might even like the DOOR called – Courage – God has lots of
doors – He doesn’t mind if you swing them open – walk thorough the door – but leave doubt
and fear behind!
When fear knocks at the your door…
Tell fear that you moved and don’t live here anymore – NO there is no forwarding address and
I will not hold the mail --- What did Fear and worry ever do for you anyway?
Did it make life easy – did it make you happy?
• Embrace Prayer
“…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God.” ~Phil. 4:6
II. USE THE RIGHT FILTER
v.8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are
-true, whatsoever things are
-honest, whatsoever things are
-just, whatsoever things are
-pure, whatsoever things are
-lovely, whatsoever things are of
-good report;
-if there be any
-virtue, and if there be any
-praise,
-think on these things.”
Thoughts
Filter
Mind Peace of God
• Identify the Good Things
• Direct Your Thoughts
Ask: Is this thought True? Honest? Just? Pure? Lovely? Good Report?
III. NEVER STOP LEARNING AND GROWING
v.9 Those things, which ye have both
-learned, and
-received, and
-heard, and
-seen in me,
-do: and the
-God of peace
-shall be with you.
• Be observant of people
• Review what’s valuable
• Cling to the promises of God
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all ways acknowledge Him
And HE shall direct your paths” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
LIFE APPLICATION:
• BE STRATEGIC IN YOUR LIFE
• POUR YOUR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE RIGHT FILTER
• ENJOY THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM GOD
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ~Talmud
YLFC/4.18,19.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God is Greater than Your Fear
Philippians 4:6-9
(click on above for link to MP3 file.... you gotta hear this sermon series)
YLFC/4.18,19.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
WHY WE WORRY?
1. We don’t know the future
2. Limited control over the present
3. Our past becomes our measurement for success
Worse Case Scenario Best Case Scenario
-10 [---------------------------]+10
90% of what you worry about doesn’t happen!
Law of:
• Fixation – Stuck in a pattern of thought or behavior that prevents you from moving
forward
• Regression – Constantly going back in your mind to find Joy, Answers or Pain
• Control – If you think about something often and long enough you will not be able to
think about anything else.
I. OPERATE WITH A DIVINE STRATEGY
v.6 Be anxious (1 Peter 5:7)
-for nothing,
-but in everything
-by prayer and
-supplication,
-with thanksgiving,
-let your requests be made known
-to God;
v.7 and the peace of God, [Rom 15:13; Ps 16:11]
-which surpasses all understanding,
-will guard your
-hearts and
-minds
-through Christ Jesus.
• REFUSE FEAR AND WORRY
~FAITH
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13
~PEACE IS GIVEN BY GOD
”But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, MY
PEACE I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”
~John 14.26-27
~STEDFAST
You will keep him in perfect (shalom) peace (shalom), Whose mind is stayed on You, because
he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” ~Col. 3:15
When fear knocks at your door…
Tell it to go somewhere else – IF IT KEEPS KNOCKING --
Refuse to answer -- DO NOT TALK TO FEAR – REASON WITH FEAR – IF FACT – DON’T
EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE FEAR
There is a spiritual principle CALLED THE SPIRIT OF AGREEMENT – God tells us that when
two or more agree about anything it shall be done for them – He’s giving a spiritual principle –
the same principle is true with Hell – Hell needs agreement to operate – WHEN YOU GIVE IT
ENTRANCE INTO YOUR MIND YOU AGREE THAT IT HAS A RIGHT TO CONTROL YOU
When fear knocks at your door…
Don’t be curious – just tell fear NO! Instead go to the door that’s labeled FAITH – IF you prefer
truth or Hope – I think you might even like the DOOR called – Courage – God has lots of
doors – He doesn’t mind if you swing them open – walk thorough the door – but leave doubt
and fear behind!
When fear knocks at the your door…
Tell fear that you moved and don’t live here anymore – NO there is no forwarding address and
I will not hold the mail --- What did Fear and worry ever do for you anyway?
Did it make life easy – did it make you happy?
• Embrace Prayer
“…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God.” ~Phil. 4:6
II. USE THE RIGHT FILTER
v.8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are
-true, whatsoever things are
-honest, whatsoever things are
-just, whatsoever things are
-pure, whatsoever things are
-lovely, whatsoever things are of
-good report;
-if there be any
-virtue, and if there be any
-praise,
-think on these things.”
Thoughts
Filter
Mind Peace of God
• Identify the Good Things
• Direct Your Thoughts
Ask: Is this thought True? Honest? Just? Pure? Lovely? Good Report?
III. NEVER STOP LEARNING AND GROWING
v.9 Those things, which ye have both
-learned, and
-received, and
-heard, and
-seen in me,
-do: and the
-God of peace
-shall be with you.
• Be observant of people
• Review what’s valuable
• Cling to the promises of God
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all ways acknowledge Him
And HE shall direct your paths” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
LIFE APPLICATION:
• BE STRATEGIC IN YOUR LIFE
• POUR YOUR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE RIGHT FILTER
• ENJOY THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM GOD
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ~Talmud
YLFC/4.18,19.2009
Copyright © 2009 by Phil Hotsenpiller
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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