The Joy Formula! (Part 1) | John Black | 08-13-17

Date:  August 13, 2016

Title:  The Joy Formula!

Text:  Philippians 3:1-20 9HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Our Question:

How can we have a life that is full of Joy?

Paul’s Answer:

We must live our life with …

• An unwavering love for Jesus (v.1-11)
• A never-ceasing pursuit of Jesus (v. 12-14)
• An eternally-focused mindset on Jesus (v.18-20)

Kingdom Expansion! (Part 3) | John Black | 08-06-17

Date:  August 6, 2017

Title:  Kingdom Expansion Part 3

Text:  Acts: 4:29-37 (HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Kingdom Expansion!

As seen in the book of Acts, the Kingdom of God rapidly expanded when the believers in the early church …

1. Embraced their Purpose!

The church's focus produced power! 

• Power for explosive growth
• Power to withstand satanic assault
• Power through strength in diversity

2. Each did their Part!

The believer’s role within the church included . . .

• Courageous Prayer
• Commitment to Unity
• Sacrificial Giving

Kingdom Expansion! (Part 2) | John Black | 07-30-17

Date: July 30, 2017

Title: Kingdom Expansion, Part 2

Text: Matthew 20:20-28 (HCSB)

 Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

Kingdom Expansion!

Am I investing my life for the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God

I. Theological Scope

The Kingdom of God is …

• Any place where God rules and reigns.

The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over …

• The universe.
• Our lives.

The Kingdom of God is …

• Something that has come and something that is coming!

II. Applicable Principles

A Kingdom-invested life is a life that lives …

• To glorify God rather than the advancement of self.
• In complete submission to God.
• In humble service to others.

III. Personal Application

If I am investing my life for the Kingdom of God, then my life will reflect …

• Commitment
• Christ
• Sacrifice

Kingdom Expansion! (Part 1) | John Black | 07-23-17

Date: July 23, 2017

Kingdom Expansion! Part 1

Text: Luke 19:11-27 (HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

Kingdom Expansion!

Am I investing my life for the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God

I. Theological Scope

The Kingdom of God is …

• Any place where God rules and reigns.

The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over …

• The universe.
• Our lives.

The Kingdom of God is …

• Something that has come and something that is coming!

II. Applicable Principles

A Kingdom-oriented life is a life that lives . . .

1. To glorify ________ rather than the advancement of _________.
2. Under the complete _________________ of God.
3. In _____________ to others.

III. Personal Application

If I am investing my life for the Kingdom of God, then my life will reflect . . .

• _______________________
• __________________
• _____________________

Danger: Your Church May Be Hazardous to Your Health! | Dr. Michael Haynes | 07-16-17

Blesses Assurance | Jerry Francisco | 07-09-17

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Authentic Worship! (Part 2) | John Black | 07-02-17

July 2, 2017

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Authentic Worship! (Part 2) - The Six Hour Sermon!

Text:  Nehemiah 8:1-12 (HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

Review from last Sunday:

- What is Authentic Worship?

Authentic worship is a reverent recognition of God that produces a personal response from me. 

- What does Authentic Worship involve?

• A mindful focus on God
• A heartfelt response to God

- What does Authentic Worship require?

• Purity in our lives
• Humility in our spirits
• Surrendering of our wills
• Praising of our Lord

Our challenge for today:

- How can I consistently worship God well?

I must …

• Gather with others to hear God’s Word
• Hunger to know God’s Word
• Highly Revere God’s Word
• Listen closely to God’s Word
• Personally Apply God’s Word
• Rejoice in the truth of God’s Word!

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Authentic Worship! | John Black | 06-25-17

Life Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Authentic Worship!

June 25, 2017

Text:  John 4:23; Revelation 4:1-11

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

What is Authentic Worship?

• Authentic worship is a reverent recognition of God that produces a personal response from me.

What does Authentic Worship involve?

 Jesus said, “But an hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” 

1. A mindful Focus on God

2. A Heartfelt response to God

What does Authentic Worship require?

• Purity in our lives
• Humility in our spirit
• Surrendering of our will
• Praising of our Lord

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Silence and Solitude | John Black | 06-11-17

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Silence and Solitude

June 11, 2017

Notes and Application

Pastor John Black

Donald Whitney defines the spiritual discipline of Silence and Solitude as follows:

“The Discipline of silence is the voluntary and temporary abstention from speaking so that certain spiritual goals might be sought.  Sometimes silence is observed in order to read, write, pray, etc.  Though there is no outward speaking, there are internal dialogues with self and with God.  This can be called “outward silence.”  Other times silence is maintained not only outwardly but inwardly so that God’s voice might be heard more clearly.”

“Solitude is the Spiritual Discipline of voluntarily and temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes.  The period of solitude may only last a few minutes or for days.  As with silence, solitude may be sought in order to participate without interruption in other Spiritual Disciplines, or just to be alone with God.”

“Silence and solitude are usually found together.” 

Six reasons we should practice silence and solitude in our lives:

1. To follow the example set by Jesus
   • Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 4:42
2. To hear the voice of God
   • 1 Kings 19:11-13, Habakkuk 2:1, Galatians 1:17
3. To express worship to God
   • Zephaniah 1:7, Zechariah 2:13, Habakkuk 2:20
4. To be physically and spiritually restored
   • Mark 6:31
5. To gain or regain a proper spiritual perspective
   • Luke 1:20, Luke 1:63-64
6. To control our tongues
   • James 1:26, Proverbs 17:27-28, James 1:19
7. To seek the will of God
   • Luke 6:12-13

How to get started in the Spiritual Discipline of Silence and Solitude:

• Set a goal each day to have an outward time of silence and solitude with God.
• Start with “minute retreats” each day and build up to more focused time, over time.
• Plan half-day or full day solitude retreats at least one time per year.

A.W Tozer said …

“Retire from the world each day to some private spot, even if it be only the bedroom (for a while I retreated to the furnace room for want of a better place.)  Stay in the secret place till the surrounding noises begin to fade out of your heart and a sense of God’s presence envelopes you … Listen for the inward Voice till you learn to recognize it.  Stop trying to compete with others.  Give yourself to God and then be what and who you are without regard to what others think … Learn to pray inwardly every moment.  After a while you do this even while you work … Read less, but more of what is important to your inner life.  Never let your mind remain scattered for very long.  Call home your roving thoughts.  Gaze on Christ with the eyes of your soul.  Practice spiritual concentration.  All the above is contingent upon a right relationship to God through Christ and daily meditation on the Scriptures.  Lacking these, nothing will help us; granted these, the discipline recommended will go far to neutralize the evil effects of externalism and to make us acquainted with God and our own souls.” 

• Most information above was adapted from Donald Whitney’s book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession (Part 3) | John Black | 06-04-17

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession, Part 3

Date:  June 4, 2017

Text:  James 5:16

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

A quick review of what we have covered …

I. Two types of necessary divine forgiveness …

1. Judicial Forgiveness -- Forgiveness of sin’s penalty
2. Parental Forgiveness -- Forgiveness from sin’s consequences

II. Why is confession necessary for a Christian?

• Christians are frequently in need of parental forgiveness!
• Christians are harmed spiritually by unconfessed sin!

III. What does Biblical confession require?

• A recognition and acknowledgement of our sin
• A deep sorrow for our sin
• A personal confession to God regarding our sin
• A determination to stop engaging in the sin

IV. Three Biblical types of sin requiring confession:

• Secret Sin – Sin known only to God
• Private Sin – Sin committed against another person
• Public Sin – Sin committed against the church

V. Who should I confess my sins to?

• Always to God
• The person or persons I committed the sin against

“The circle of response should be no wider than the circle of offense.”

• A person or persons who can help me live a righteous life

VI. When should I confess my sin to another person?

• When my sin has wronged another person (Matthew 5:22-24)
• When I need help overcoming my sins (Ephesians 4:11-16, Galatians 6:1-2)
• When I need to “feel” forgiven and not just “be” forgiven (James 5:16)
• When the Holy Spirit directs me (Galatians 5:25, John 16:13a)

VII. What should I look for in a person to confide in?

• Someone who is of the same gender
• Someone who is living their life in accordance with Scripture
• Someone who will listen more than they will talk
• Someone who will speak the truth in love
• Someone who has been proven trustworthy

VIII. How should I respond when someone chooses to confide in me?

• Be accepting
• Be quiet
• Be prayerful

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession (Part 2) | John Black | 05-28-17

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession, Part 2

May 28, 2017

1 John 1:9 (HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

A quick review of what we have covered . . .

I. Two types of necessary divine forgiveness . . .

1. Judicial Forgiveness -- Forgiveness of sin’s penalty
2. Parental Forgiveness -- Forgiveness from sin’s consequences

II. Why is confession necessary for a Christian?

• Christians are frequently in need of parental forgiveness!
• Christians are harmed spiritually by unconfessed sin!

________________________

III. What does Biblical confession require?

• A recognition and acknowledgment of our sin
• A deep sorrow for our sin
• A personal confession to God regarding our sin
• A determination to stop engaging in the sin

Reflection Question

What action do you need to take to ensure you completely forsake your sin?

Next Sunday . . .

• When should we confess our sin to another person?
• What should I look for look for in a person to confide in?
• How should I respond when someone chooses to confide in me?

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession (Part 1) | John Black | 05-21-17

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Biblical Confession (Part 1)

Date:  May 21, 2017

Text:  Ephesians 4:17-32; 1 John 1:9

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

I. Two types of necessary divine forgiveness …

1. Judicial Forgiveness -- Forgiveness of sin’s penalty
2. Parental Forgiveness -- Forgiveness from sin’s consequences

II. Why is confession necessary for a Christian?

• Christians are frequently in need of parental forgiveness!
• Christians are harmed spiritually by unconfessed sin!

Reflection exercise for this week

With the help of the Holy Spirit, thoroughly examine your life for any sin

 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me. . . .”  Psalm 139:23-24a

Next week

• What does Biblical confession require?
• When should we confess our sin to another person?
• What should I look for in a person to confide in?

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Serving Others! (Part 2) | John Black | 05-14-17

May 14, 2017

Life Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Serving Others! (Part 2)

Pastor John Black

I. Why should I serve others?

1. I was created for service                           (Ephesians 2:10)
2. I have been gifted for service                    (1 Peter 4:10)
3. I am commanded to serve others              (Matthew 20:26-28)
4. My church needs my service                     (1 Corinthians 12:27)
5. Serving others gives meaning to life         (Mark 8:35)
6. I will be held accountable for my service  (Romans 14:12)
7. I will be rewarded for my service              (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12)

II. What are three common barriers that can keep me from serving?

1. Availability
2. Self-Centeredness
3. Perfectionism

III. How can I overcome these barriers?

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.  (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT)

How?

*We must develop an attitude like Christ (Philippians 2:5)

A Christ-like attitude is one that …

• Values others more than themselves                         (Philippians 2:6)
• Becomes less so others can become more               (Philippians 2:7)
• Lives in total obedience to God, no matter the cost  (Philippians 2:8)

A spiritual gifts survey and a serving opportunities booklet are available!

Please contact the church office if you'd like one!

(admin@southgate.org or 417-886-3851)

Life-Changing Spiritual Disciplines: Serving Others! (Part 1) | John Black | 05-07-17

Date:  May 7, 2017

Title:  Serving Others! Part 1

Series:  Life Changing Spiritual Disciplines

Pastor John Black

I. Why should I serve others?

1. I was created for service     (Ephesians 2:10)
2. I have been gifted for service     (1 Peter 4:10)
3. I am commanded to serve others     (Matthew 20:26-28)
4. My church needs my service     (1 Corinthians 12:27)
5. Serving others gives meaning to life     (Mark 8:35)
6. I will be held accountable for my service     (Romans 14:12)
7. I will be rewarded for my service     (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12)

Reflection Questions:

1. How am I using my gifts to serve others?
2. If I am not serving others, why is that?
3. Am I serving others out of love for God, or am I motivated by other reasons?

Next Sunday . . .

II. What are three common barriers that can keep me from serving?

III. How can I overcome these barriers?

If you'd like a spiritual gifts survey or a serving opportunities booklet, contact the church office (417-886-3851 or admin@southgate.org)!

Amazing Grace! Part 3 - Forgiveness! | John Black | 04-23017

Date:  April 30, 2017

Title:  Amazing Grace, Part 3

Text:  Matthew 6:9-15 (HCSB)

Pastor John Black

Listening Guide

I. What is forgiveness?

When we strive against all thoughts of revenge; when we will not do our enemies harm, but wish them well, grieve at their misfortunes, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to help them.  (Thomas Watson, Body of Divinity) 

II. What does Biblical forgiveness in my life look like?

 Forgiveness is not ….

• The absence of anger at the sin
• Removing the consequences from the sin
• Forgetting what happened
• Resuming a relationship without change

Forgiveness is …

• Releasing my “right” to get even
• Responding to evil with good
• Unlimited
• Unconditional

III. Why should I forgive someone who has hurt me?

Because …

• Bitterness and defiling others is the alternative
• It gives evidence to the authenticity of my salvation
• God has forgiven me, and He expects me to forgive others

IV. How can I forgive someone who has hurt me?

It is easier to act our way into feeling than to feel our way into acting.

• Pray for them
• Let it go