Justin Welford 5/16/21 Justin Welford 5/16/21

Non-Negotiables: Salvation

The Gospel (The Good News) is this:

We are a fallen creation, born with a sinful nature
- We, by this nature, need reconciliation to God

Jesus Christ, the son of God, became incarnate, and lived a sinless life
- He gave himself as the payment for redemption
- Because of HIS life, HIS death and HIS resurrection, redemption has been paid for

It then becomes our option (because of free will) to, either:

Live in the reality of this redemption in our lives to eternal life with God - heaven.

Deny the reality of this redemption in our lives to eternal separation from God - hell.

We would call this being "Saved"

So the question today is: "What does it mean to be "SAVED"?

Here's what Romans 10:9-13 says:

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 10:9–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

We can deduct then, that all I have to do to be saved is:

Believe it, and say it
confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart

EASY! - Right?

With this reality, then salvation is an extravagant gift

John 3:16 comes to life! God SO loved that he GAVE his son!

If that is so, how do we handle something like Matthew 7:

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 7:21–23). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

In other words, Jesus said that it is possible to say the right words and do the right things, and never have a saving relationship with him.

I want to bring to attention the MAJOR theological divide that exists here:

It's the idea of Free Grace vs Lordship Salvation

Free Grace - in it's absolute form says: If you believe it, and confess it - it's done. Forever. Period.

Lordship Salvation - in it's absolute form says: There is no salvation apart from Lordship. If he's not Lord then he's not savior.

If you are not actively following Jesus - you're not actively saved.

Lordship Salvation would cite: Philippians 2:

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 2:12–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

So, get to work, right!?

Here’s the free Grace rebuttle:

Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV): 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Lordship Salvation would say, “But what about...”

Romans 6:15 (ESV): 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

And....

2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV): 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

These two ideas are constantly pulling in opposite directions:

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CAR THAT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT?

Our nature is like that, it is constantly pulling to one side!

Pulling toward Free Grace:

I said the prayer!
I believed it!
I took care of it a long time ago - It was free! It was easy! I haven’t had to worry about it since!

Pulling toward Lordship Salvation:

Is always asking: "What have you done today?"
It is always giving "angry eyes"
It is pulling toward the idea that we can do enough to be saved - prideful and arrogant

The dangers in our local culture is not that of paganism, atheism, or even agnosticism.

The dangers in our local culture are those of apathy and religion. Which are extreme expressions of free grace and Lordship Salvation!

Apathy puts our will at the center of worship

Religion puts our work at the center of worship

True Christianity puts Jesus Christ at the center of our worship!

As we talk about what we believe - This is my non-negotiable:

We want to be a church that wants more of Jesus!

What does it mean to be saved?

It means, His grace was free and He's the Lord of my life

It means that it isn't so free that I take him off the throne of my heart

It means that I couldn't earn it if I wanted to

Salvation means that my life is oriented toward Christ and I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to make me more like Him.

Justin Welford 5/9/21 Justin Welford 5/9/21

Non-Negotiable: God

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time."

-Oswald Chambers

This is the tightrope we walk.

we are attempting to have a faith in God that we don’t entirely understand
In essence, to live a life of faith - there will be more days that you don’t understand everything than days that you do.

So here’s the question - Do you have room for the unknown in your life?

AG Official Position:

The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Trinity:

We are a Trinitarian Church - This means we have a triadic monotheistic view of God - specifically that there is ONE God who has revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are co-equal, and co-eternal.

We use the term: TRINITY - not a New Testament word - Early church believers never sought to establish this idea, as it was already understood -

The concept however, is thrown around in both thought, practice, prayer and teaching.
- Jesus taught to baptize in the Name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit
- Paul's letters are saturated with statements referring to all three expressions of God.
- In the moments Jesus was Baptized by John, all three persons of the Trinity are present
  - Jesus is Baptized
  - The Spirit descends in the form of a dove
  - The Father speaks from Heaven, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.

I am not going to spend a great deal of time here - we ARE Trinitarian in our belief -

Why? New Testament language is filled with this idea, and this was a presupposed idea in the early church that had walked with Jesus. It was more part of the common vocabulary than something they taught

Scripture List Supporting The Trinity of God

Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mark 1:10–12

10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

John 16:13–15

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

John 17:21–24

21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

1 Corinthians 8:6

yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Hebrews 1:1–3

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

He is: "The eternally self-existent 'I AM' "

He is Eternal

God has one foot one each side of eternity!

I love what Peter said in 2 Peter 3:8

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Peter 3:8). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

We measure everything in seconds, minutes, days, and years

God looks at your life through the lens of eternity

2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared;

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 John 3:2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The things that are going on in your life right now are the things that God is using to shape you into the eternal citizen that he has called you to be.

Thats why we learn to worship
We learn to love Jesus
We learn to pray
We learn to internalize scripture

He is eternal - he's seen it before - there is nothing new!

You are not a unique case that he has no experience with - He's an eternal God!
- When He moves - it shapes eternity
- When He speaks - nothing can remain the same!

He is Self-Existent

He is an uncreated-creator

God is not lacking anything - He is in need of nothing else to supply his limitlessness!

We say these things about God:

Omniscient - He knows all things, past, present, future, seen & unseen
Omnipresent - He is everywhere - there is not height to go above him, or deep depth that you can escape him
Omnipotent - there is no limit to his power

He is the "I AM"

This actually comes from the story of Moses in the wilderness at the call of God:

Who do I tell them sent me?

Exodus 3:14

14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Exodus 3:14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Who is God to you? If you asked these Biblical figures, here’s who they’d tell you that God was to them.

Our Bible is the revelation of who God is to us:

Abraham said that God was his "Jehovah-Jireh" - God was his provider
Gideon would say that God was Jehovah-Shalom" - God is my peace
Moses: Jehovah-Nissi: He is my banner
Meshach, Shadrach, Abednigo - The 4th man in the flame

Daniel - He's the one who shuts the lion's mouth

David - He is my song

Ruth - He's my kinsman redeemer

Isaiah - He's Immanuel - God with us

Mary Magdalene - He's my deliverer

Lazarus - He's the resurrection

He is everything that we need!

Justin Welford 5/2/21 Justin Welford 5/2/21

Non-Negotiable: The Word

2 Timothy 3:12-17

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Ti 3:12–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

If you look at our values as Hub City Church on HCC.guide:
- We have an unwavering commitment to Biblical Authority
  - This is a CORE VALUE
  - We say it like this:
    - We won’t stop short of our Biblical responsibility; We won’t push past Biblical authority.

What we do, what we say - HOW we do it are all shaped right here!

We refuse to crown tradition King
We refuse to crown preference King
We refuse to crown opinion King
WE WILL CROWN CHRIST KING
- As we crown him king - we will uphold his word as true!

If we are going to establish a belief system we have to have some foundation of authority -

For the Christian believer, that foundation of authority is the Word of God.

So, this is the written revelation of God

Let's say this - you cannot have a working relationship with God and not have a working relationship with the Word!

Stats:

66 Books
1189 Chapters
At least 35 authors

INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE

We believe in the Plenary Inspiration of the Word of God
- Absolute -
  - 2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable.....
- Inspired -
- 2 Peter 1:21 says:
  - for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Pe 1:20–21). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Scripture Inspired vs Scripture Dictated

This means that God didn't grab their hand and scripture was written - they were moved by the Spirit
- We see their personalities
- We see their priorities

IT IS IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS SOMETHING

The problem of the circular argument:

Above we have used scripture to validate scripture
- This would be the same as saying that something I say is correct because I say it is.

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

For this, we need:

NON-CIRCULAR ARGUMENT FOR SCRIPTURE

1. Jesus of Nazareth declared himself to be the Son of God (that he was from and was God).

2. God validated Jesus of Nazareth when he raised him from the dead.

3. Jesus of Nazareth taught that the scriptures were inspired of God.

He validated the OT and prepared the way for the NT; the NT is based off him.

4. Therefore, since Jesus of Nazareth was God, his validation of the OT and NT gives it authority that we call inspiration.

SO - THE SCRIPTURE IS VALIDATED BY JESUS' RESURRECTION (WHICH IS NOT ONLY CONFIRMED BY SCRIPTURE, BUT OTHER HISTORICAL EXTRA-BIBLICAL REFERENCES)

CONTEXT OF SCRIPTURE

The Bible says so much!

It is easy to find something that is so easy to take out of context - we want Scripture to be its own commentary.
- The Bible seamlessly works together within itself -
  - Over hundreds of years
  - Dozens of authors
    - Miraculously, it was not it's own undoing through contradiction!
  - It will affirm itself!

A Biblical text outside of it's context is pretext!

Understanding cultural context will provide us the ability to create and appreciate it's relevancy.

THE USEFULNESS OF SCRIPTURE

The Word (Your Bible) is God's revelation to you personally.
- When you invest time into the Word - you are investing time with God - it pays dividends spiritually, emotionally, tangibly

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Useful for correction, teaching, training,

This Week’s Challenge::

Up your scripture intake
- If it is currently 5 min, make it 6 min!
Begin praying scripture over your life
- Colossians 1:9-14

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 1:9–14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Find ways to conform your life to the Word
- This is the ultimate expression of obedience

Justin Welford 4/25/21 Justin Welford 4/25/21

The Story Continues: Part III - The Ascension

ACTS 1:1-11

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Acts 1:1–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Introduction:

Do you ever think about that feeling?

The feeling they must have been feeling that day?
To have Jesus right there - and then lose him!
They had Jesus so close - then he was gone!

Jesus, for forty days, had been more alive than ever, and they were spending so much time with him, then he leaves!

That's got to be hard!

(Earlier in His ministry) As disciples were following Jesus:

He's doing what Jesus does -
- Healing sicknesses
- Telling Parables
- Delivering the possessed and oppressed
- Miracles are happening -

He looks at them and says:

"You know, you'd be a whole lot better off without me!"

John 16:7-15

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 16:7–15). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

“Jesus didn't come to make your life easier, he came to make your life meaningful”

He would tell them things like:

John 14:12-14

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 14:12–14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

We have to understand how much better it is this way!

If you read The Book of Hebrews, thats the key idea through the majority of the book - Superior!

In chapter one, SUPERIOR to angels
In Chapter three, GREATER than Moses
In Chapter five, BETTER than the High Priests
In Chapter seven, SUPERIOR to Melchizedek
In Chapter eight, a BETTER covenant
In Chapter Ten, a GREATER sacrifice
In Chapter 11, he is faith PERFECTED
In Chapter 12, he is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith

IT'S JUST BETTER THIS WAY!

Hebrews gives us such a look into the various aspects of the character of Christ:

We're gonna take two passages from Hebrews - notice these THREE things:

Jesus in his Humanity

Jesus as a High Priest

Jesus as the Son of God

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Hebrews 4:14–16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Hebrew 7:25-28

25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 7:25–27). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus was a man!

1 Timothy 2:5

5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

The New King James Version. (1982). (1 Ti 2:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Hebrews 4:10 tells us that He was in all points tempted like we are, yet he never sinned.

He was a man. He walked this earth just like you and I - He knows what it is like:

Nobody truly : “Knows how you feel”

However, Jesus (the man) has lived on both sides:

He was a man, and understands the pressure on the outside
He is your creator and understands all the pressure on the inside

BUT HE WASN'T JUST A MAN

Jesus is our high priest!

Those passages also tell us that he is our High Priest
- *If you don't know the OLD TESTAMENT reference, that is the one who would offer a sin offering for the entire nation in the Holiest place of the temple (He was the only person allowed there)

Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Look at the position of our High Priest currently:

Romans 8:33-34

33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 8:33–34). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

So it is Christ, our high priest, who is pleading our case before the throne of God!

He is our advocate and intercessor, taking our need before God.

Lastly, This one is important:

Jesus is the Son of God!

There is an OLD TESTAMENT concept known as a "Kinsman Redeemer" (Read the OT Book of Ruth)

In simplest terms:
- A kinsman redeemer was a relative who had the responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in danger, had a need, or somehow had developed a debt they could not pay

In Ruth, the kinsman redeemer is Boaz, who redeems Ruth (consequently, you find them in the geneology of Jesus.

When I look into my own life, I was born into sin

I needed somebody who could pay my ransom
I have a kinsman (the very son of God) who payed for me to go free!

Here's the best part - when he bought me, He brought me into kinship with God!

Here's how we are going to leave it today:

“If Christ THE MAN has the ability to relate to us and…

Jesus THE HIGH PRIEST has the assignment of representing us…

It is Jesus THE SON OF GOD who has the authority to redeem you!”

Justin Welford 4/18/21 Justin Welford 4/18/21

The Story Continues- Part II

ACTS 1:1-11

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Acts 1:1–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Christ did not spend a whole lot of time teaching things that he had previously taught, but rather emphasized the importance of the mission.

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 28:18–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus gave them jobs to fulfil

"The Great Commission"

Go, (While you're going - as you go) Make Disciples of all nations

He tells them where
He tells them what
- He leaves the how up to them

As a disciple of Christ, making disciples is not an option

Becoming a disciple is the process of learning to love Jesus above all else.

Religion skips the "love Jesus" and goes straight to “all else”
Humanism will assert that you can “love Jesus AND everything else”

Question: Do I love Jesus more than my...
- Spouse
- Kids
- Hobbies
- Job
- Money

Most of us our still battling to put Jesus at the center of everything.

Its a constant struggle!

We read so many verses about what happens when God directs his love toward us
This is what happens when our love is directed toward Him:

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 14:21). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

In this verse, a true disciple is one who love for Jesus is marked by obedience!

In the process of learning to love Jesus above all else, I learn to trust Jesus above all else.

Some of us cannot figure out why we never see the "MANIFESTATION" of The Spirit of God in our lives
- "Well, I go to church"
- "I give online"

Jesus said here that the people that see the power of God manifested in their lives are the ones who are actively becoming obedient to the Word of God.

In other words, I'm making adjustments

“The battle for the disciple is not whether I believe Jesus is who he says HE IS, but rather do I believe who Jesus says that I am?”

So, the resurrected Jesus, gets up from the grave

He doesn't find a thriving church

He finds a group of men and women who were hiding, scared and insecure
- (That sounds like us)

So Jesus returns to life to fund that none of them were actually doing what He had left them to do.

Because being a disciple is hard

In light of the difficulty of this task, Jesus give them one more assignment before he left:

Stay in Jerusalem until you’ve been empowered

THIS WAS LITERALLY THE LAST THING JESUS SAID ON THIS EARTH:

ACTS 1:4-8

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 1:4–8). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

To disciple someone, you have to live it out
- Because you can tell people what you know, but you will reproduce what you are

To live it out, you have to learn to trust Jesus
- That means making adjustments!

To live it out, you need Spirit-empowered living

Justin Welford 4/11/21 Justin Welford 4/11/21

The Story Continues: Part I

ACTS 1:1-11

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Acts 1:1–9). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus, after rising from the dead: Appears, Assigns, & then Ascends

Today we will talk about his APPEARING

“The first acts of business of the resurrection was Christ revealing himself to people, likewise, the

business of the hour is Christ being revealed to people.”

Jesus appears to two men on the road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 24:13–35). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

We pick up this story with two disciples, one who is unnamed, and the other: Cleopas.

They were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem.
Emmaus was about 7 miles from Jerusalem

Suddenly, Christ appears to them while they are traveling, but the Bible says that their eyes were "kept from recognizing" that He was Christ.

3 Things that are impacted when Christ “Shows Up'“

1. An experience with Christ will give you a fresh perspective!

They had heard all of the Jewish history through the lens of a prophetic silence of about 400 years.
4 generations had passed these Jewish historical accounts down to the next generation.

All of a sudden as Christ reveals himself in these stories, things take on a whole new meaning:

Christ was the manna in the wilderness
Jesus was the water flowing from the rock
The Messiah was the golden serpent lifted, healing the camp
Jesus was the Ark of the Covenant
Jesus was David’s anointing

Hebrews 10: 7 (Reference of Psalm 40)

7Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—

In the volume of the book it is written of Me—

To do Your will, O God.’ ”

(It’s about HIM!)

When Jesus shows up, it will cause you to see things from a different perspective!

As they got a fresh look at what they had always perceived as just a compilation of stories, not only did their perception change, but something changed on the inside as well:

v.32: Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

2. An experience with Christ will set you on fire

I believe an experience with Jesus will get you fired up!

- That is exactly what happened to these two men:

- They had an experience with Jesus and it set their hearts on fire!

Do you find yourself having to look for your "WHY?"
Are you missing the passion in your life?
How’s your heart?

David cried unto the Lord in Psalm 51:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 51:10–12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

It is critical that you realize when you’re heart is no longer on fire!

- When you’re on fire! -

The cure to mediocre ministry: AN EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS

The cure for a mundane life: An experience with Jesus

3. An experience with Christ will take you back to your place of purpose

When you get your perspective right, and your heart right:

- As Jesus departs from them (Though no instruction to do so was given) They immediately return to Jerusalem.

Why were they going to Emmaus? I don’t know.

Something about that experience caused them to quickly return to Jerusalem.

- What is in Jerusalem for them?

1. The Community

- I don’t think it is an accident that Paul refers to the fellowship of believers as a “body” we were meant to work together

- We need each other, it’s not God’s will that you do this alone.

2. The Ministry

- They had a job to do, and guess what, so do we!

3. The Empowering

- Having an experience with Christ caused them to be in the right place at the right time for the empowerment for living!

Justin Welford 3/28/21 Justin Welford 3/28/21

Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-40

28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 19:28–40). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

_____________________________

John 12:9-19

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;

behold, your king is coming,

sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 12:9–19). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

————————————————————————

Today we kick off what we call Passion week.

This is the week that leads up to the crucifixion of Christ

Jesus gets intense this week!

He curses trees
He flips tables in the temple
He calls out the disciple who would betray him
He prays so violently that his sweat becomes like blood

The intensity of the passion Week was to pay for a mundane life.

Jesus sends the disciples on a mission that didn’t make sense

The Bible teaches that the disciples didn’t understand the significance of their assignment until after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

Many times we are hesitant or even procrastinate obedience in our lives

Not because we’re being rebellious
We feel like we need to understand it

Crucify the desire to have to understand the outcome before you'll begin the process!

Bring the donkey!

Be radical in your obedience!

They brought a donkey that they'd never seen
They brought a donkey that'd never been ridden
They brought a donkey and didn't even know what the donkey was for!

When you "Bring the Donkey" you

DO the thing that God said DO
SAY the thing that God said SAY
"UN-TIE" the thing that God said UNTIE

WHEN YOU BRING THE DONKEY, THE JOB ISN'T FINISHED

The disciples covered the colt with their coats

The people of the city covered the street with their coat

They laid palm branches in the streets

There is some symbolism here:
- Both leaves and coats serve as a covering, they are the outermost layer
  - One of a tree (nobody travels to the northeast in Autumn to see the beautiful twigs!)
  - One of a person
  - The highest praise we can give Jesus is to lay our facades and outermost "coverings" at the feet of Jesus!
    - You need to drop your jacket!
    - Lay the leaf!

WE NEED TO DROP THE JACKET!

There is no higher praise than to be vulnerable before God!

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

That is why we have moments of prayer at the end of our services here - we are dropping the jacket!

We hurt together
We pray together
We lay things down at the feet of Jesus together!

This whole day of "Palm Sunday" is centered around the idea of welcoming the King to the city

Palm Sunday is about Praise
Palm Sunday is about Worship

BUT don't stop there!

Lift your voice!

The central theme of the praise of the disciples was: "Hosanna!"

Originally, that was a cry for help or salvation
- It was a shout of rejoicing "Salvation has come!"

The Word teaches that we have power in our words.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue

I love the statement that was made by the super religious crowd that day: "Look, the world has gone after him!"

The very reason that the whole city was crying out to Jesus was that they had seen the difference in the life of Lazarus!

Literally, Lazarus was dead, for four days, and Jesus had brought him back to life

I believe that there will be a response in our city, when the word gets out that Jesus has brought you from the things that he has brought you from!

Back to radical! A city comes alive when something radical happens in the lives of REAL people

Justin Welford 3/21/21 Justin Welford 3/21/21

The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

13 1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”

18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Matthew 13 is full of parables

The parable of the sower

The parable of the wheat and the tares

The parable of the mustard seed

The parable of the leaven

The parable of the hidden treasure

The parable of the pearl of great price

The parable of the dragnet

The context of this entire chapter is that of:

PLANTING/SOWING

HARVESTING/REAPING

Reaping what is sown is a “Kingdom Law”

Here – you can CHOOSE to break the laws and sometimes not suffer the repercussions but, you don’t have the authority to break the laws of the kingdom

Here is what the word says about it:

Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

- This is a spiritual law that cannot be escaped:

You will reap the benefits of what you've been sowing
Your fruit is on the way!

Today we want to hone in on the Parable of the Sower

(A very simple) key statement is:

For the Word to work in my life

The Lord has to work in my heart.

HEART CONDITION AFFECTS MY RESPONSIVENESS TO THE GOSPEL

Jesus taught that there were some challenges to the Word taking its full effect in a life:
As disciples, we want to REMOVE the challenges that the Word has to overcome to make me more like Jesus

Challenge 1: They fell along the path

“A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.

Jesus Explained it:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.

The problem here was the vulnerability of the seeds

Luke's gospel says that these seeds were trampled - walked on -

They were stepped on
All of the Gospels affirmed that they became bird-seed

The whole point of the matter is that we must guard the places that we want the Word of God to work in our lives

If you give the Word LESS priority than it deserves - it will yield LESS results than it should

Is the Word of God your "Go-To" or is it your "IF I HAVE TO"?

You can't walk on it all week and expect it to grow fruit in your life on Sunday

Challenge 2: The seed fell on the rocks

5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.

Here's how Jesus explained it:

20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

If you are going to see the Word of God come to fruition in your life - it will take commitment.

I want God to put a Holy stubbornness in me -

A Spirit that is determined not to quit
Some are constantly starting over, because they are constantly quitting.

That is not the will of God!

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Challenge 3: The seed fell among the thorns

7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.

Jesus taught:

22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful

This!

We live in a world full of distractions

The reason that many people are getting no traction in their journey with Christ is because they are distracted with EVERYTHING else.
When something in your life is consistently trying to choke the Word of God out of your life, you need to very seriously consider make a drastic change in that area.

The answer is not to find a compartmentalized area to put your "seed" in, the answer is to clean out the thorns and distractions!

In Conclusion:

23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Here's what we believe:

We believe that there is good soil at Hub City Church.
We believe that some of you have spent some time this week preparing for the Word of God to bring fruit in your life.
We celebrate that today, because for those who have prepared the soil, when the Word is sown into your life, it brings fruit. IT BRINGS FRUIT!

Justin Welford 3/14/21 Justin Welford 3/14/21

Luke 15: The Parables of the Lost

Luke 15:1-24

15 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

We are by nature, fallen. We need redemption - these passages all deal with the finding of things that were lost

Holistically, these parables are all parables about the “one”

One lost sheep or coin is the reason for a search

One Found sheep or coin is the reason for rejoicing

One distant son is the reason for waiting and watching

Is the parable of the lost sheep about a sheep or about a shepherd?

Is the parable of the lost coin about a coin or about a woman?

Is the parable of the lost son about a son or a father?

It’s about both! It’s about redemption (bringing together):

One sheep and one shepherd

One coin and one woman

One son and one father

As it relates to Hub City Church - ONE - is important!

We do what we do so that:
- One more can hear
- One more can know Jesus
- One more can experience His life-changing power

We have worship so that ONE person can experience what it means to be in His presence

Sundays are moments when we celebrate together, but consist of a series of moments that you can have a ONE-ON-ONE experience with the Holy Spirit

So, let's talk about some truth that we see from these passages:

3 Kingdom-truths we see from these passages:

I. Priorities of the kingdom - the parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep

1 sheep is important!

1 is not MORE important than the 99 but JUST as important

We see the heart of the shepherd here

He is not content to let one wander off, just because he has more sheep

We want this same heart for people - that we would stop what we are doing to make sure that nobody wanders off and gets lost

John 10:14–15 (NKJV): I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

II. Persistence of the kingdom - the woman and the lost coin

She turns the whole house upside down

The picture is:

There is no length that God won't go to to find you
In my own life, God moved mountains to make sure I didn't stay lost

In this parable, the woman didn't assume the coin would eventually "Turn-up"

There’s this sense of : “I’m not satisfied until I find it”

This is a picture of Christ - he left the holiness of heaven to live among us so that we could have salvation!

Romans 5:8 (NKJV): 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

III. Patience of the kingdom - a father and a lost son

The father waits day after day after day for his son - hoping he would return

God is a God who gives us the option to serve Him
He gives us such good gifts, even when we are making bad choices
Then he gives us GRACE in our lives

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The son took his inheritance, and made bad decision after bad decision

EVERY. SINGLE. DAY - the father watched and waited for his return

In this parable parable, the son assumes, That he’ll never be restored to being a “real son” again.

He just goes home as a last resort

Once the son came home -

The Father:

Restored relationship - with his embrace
Restored authority - with the ring
Restored identity - with a robe and sandals

Justin Welford 3/7/21 Justin Welford 3/7/21

The Parable of the Hired Laborers

Matthew 20:1-16

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

The beginning statement to this parable (which occurs in Matthew 19:30) and the final conclusion is this:

- The first shall be last and the last first

Jesus said that this is what the kingdom of heaven is like:

o That earthly order doesn’t necessarily translate to kingdom order

o That the economics of God do not always make sense

o The people who are marginalized here are treasures in the eyes of heaven

o Leaders will be servants so that those served can be increased (servant leadership)

o NEED has more priority than MERIT

The tension of this passage is pay scale

Too many times we slip into seeing the kingdom as merit based

This is a product of our culture: Everything is merit based
- Job payscales
- Grades at school
- Career Promotions
- Your self-worth
- Your reputation

- This has been a struggle from the beginning of the new testament church:

Ephesians 2:8,9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

We find that God doesn’t reward based on our performance – as a matter of fact we see in Hebrews 11:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

- He rewards – diligently seeking him

This is great news – it takes all of the pressure off of you and what you can produce!

The workers were not hired because they were highly-skilled workers –

So, why were they hired?

Because they showed up!

Do you know how to experience the kingdom of God at work in your life?: SHOW UP

“The Law of Showing Up”

You don’t have to earn things – just keep showing up

You don’t have to be smarter than everyone else – just show up You don’t have to be more skilled than everyone – just show up

- Our mission is to make the goodness of Jesus unavoidable in Hattiesburg.

How do we do that? We just show up.

What does it mean to “show up” spiritually?

1. Showing up means that I am waiting to be used

The master showed up early in the morning and found people ready to work

2. Showing up means I work even if I don’t know if I’ll get paid

The second, third, fourth, and fifth times he picked up workers they didn’t even discuss specific pay

3. Showing up means that I stay there until the master needs me – even if it feels hopeless

Think about the guys who were standing, waiting to be used at 5:00pm. I’m sure their hope of making a day’s wages had long been given up

Those who “show up” spiritually are the ones who see God moving in their life.

The focus of this parable, and most important part is not the pay scale

The focus is not the fact that the workers showed up

The focus of the parable is not the foreman who paid everyone

Here’s what is particularly powerful about this parable:

The owner of the vineyard had not miscalculated the need for workers that bad.

o If he NEEDED that many workers, he would’ve taken them all at the beginning of theday.

o For some reason, he returns to the city square, over and over and over again

He wasn’t there because he needed more workers, but he was there because more workers needed him.

Justin Welford 2/28/21 Justin Welford 2/28/21

Parables - Week 2: Dinner With Jesus II

Luke 14:1-24

14 Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. 2 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things.

7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

16 Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20 Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”

As Jesus unpacks these lessons, a pharisee yells out:

"Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

This outburst is actually a provocation for Jesus to expound on his views of one of the most controversial topics of their day!

Jews understood the final fulfillment to time to be what is referred to in Isaiah 25:6-9

6 And in this mountain

The Lord of hosts will make for all people

A feast of choice pieces,

A feast of wines on the lees,

Of fat things full of marrow,

Of well-refined wines on the lees.

7And He will destroy on this mountain

The surface of the covering cast over all people,

And the veil that is spread over all nations.

8He will swallow up death forever,

And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces;

The rebuke of His people

He will take away from all the earth;

For the Lord has spoken.

9And it will be said in that day:

“Behold, this is our God;

We have waited for Him, and He will save us.

This is the Lord;

We have waited for Him;

We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

This passage is an Old Testament reference to what we would refer to as the:
Marriage supper of the lamb. (See Revelation 19 if you want to dive a little deeper)

There is a Jewish cultural problem in Isaiah’s prophecy: Verse 7 All nations

At the heart of this debate was the presence of Gentiles (that's non-Jewish) at this end-time banquet

- Because of the transition of language from Hebrew to Aramaic (6th Century BC Babylonian captivity) By the time they returned to Judea, everyday language was Aramaic.

Around the time of Jesus: a written expanded (words were inserted to explain meaning) translation emerged for Aramaic-speaking people:

The TARGUM

The Targum stated that invitation to the banquet would be extended to the gentiles, and while there, would be struck with plagues.

Second century B.C.: The Book of Enoch emerged:

The Books of Enoch: Gentiles and Jews would be present, but the Jews would slaughter the gentiles

Shortly after: The Qumran community (which produced the Dead-Sea Scrolls)

Asserted that there would be no Gentiles at the feast in one scroll called The Messianic Rule

Cultural Changes impact our understanding of Scripture!
- We have to fight to remain diligent in properly processing scripture

CULTURE CHANGES EVERYTHING

So the hot-topic of the day was the question of whether or not Gentiles would be present at this "Final Banquet" or the Marriage Supper of The Lamb.

So the question was: Can Gentiles go to the same "Heaven" that Jews were going to?

They were literally asking Jesus: WHO do YOU think will be welomed there.

Jesus' response resonated with them because they understood him to say:

There were people who were originally invited (Jews)
There were people who rejected the invitation (Pharisees among others)
The kingdom invitation was going to be extended to the outermost reaches to people who had to cultural, social or influential significance. In short, Gentiles.

So:

Jesus taught that:

We are all invited. Regardless of:

Race
Gender
Financial position
Culture
Color

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

You have full right to reject it, but the invitation has been sent!

We see The Lord in this parable (The master of the banquet)

We see the Pharisees in this parable (Those who rejected the invitation)

OUR place in this parable:

We find ourselves in at least one of three places:

One who has rejected the invitation
One who is being invited
The servant of the house

(If you're not sure: you're the one being invited!)

If you have a relationship with the Lord, then you're sent as a servant (This is being a disciple!)

3-fold responsibilities of the servant of the house:

1. Go WITH someone

The instruction of the master to the servant in verse 21 was: BRING in here the poor, maimed, lame and blind

As a disciple:

You aren't just called to go tell them, you are called to BRING them.

You are called to go WITH somebody!

Blind, maimed, and lame can be a handful!

Bringing people into the kingdom is inconvenient!

God is raising up people who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure somebody gets to the banquet:

It's not just about being invited, it's also about being able to get there!

2. Make room FOR someone

Verse 22 in this passage - you can almost see the lightbulb go off for the servant - as he realizes that there is STILL ROOM for more

It changes everything when we catch the vision of the master:

Things change when we realize that the kingdom expands ONE SOUL AT A TIME!
If there's still a seat, my job isn't done!

You should be preparing for someone in your life to come into the kingdom this week!

3. Compel them BECAUSE of THE ONE

Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND:

The purpose is not so that Hub City Church can be filled
The purpose is not so that our Micro-Church can be filled
It's not so that my Instagram account can be filled
It's not so that my ego can be filled

The purpose of the invitation is for lost humanity to be reconciled to their creator.

- We must compel them because God deserves more glory

Part of the great commission is for the love of people - we don't want to see people miss heaven or spend eternity in hell

Part of the great commission is for the love of God - He deserves more!

Justin Welford 2/21/21 Justin Welford 2/21/21

Parables - Week 1: Dinner With Jesus

Luke 14:1-24

15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

The first half of this conversation (parable) deals with how the kingdom expresses itself internally while the second half of this conversation (parable) concerns with the external expression of the kingdom.

1. Pride and Humility (Luke 14:7-11)

Understand that:
- Great people START in positions that are lower than their potential
- Influence is earned, not given on credit

2. Motive (Luke 14:12-14)

WHY do you do what you do?
- Jesus was speaking to people who served for the leverage it would give them

They would give an invite important people so they would receive an invite from important people

We want to be a people who give with no expectation of receiving.

The underlying character implication here is this:

You have a choice: You can spend your time:

- Looking up for people and opportunities to add value to you

- Looking for opportunity to add value to those around you

If your motive for a relationship is self-gain, then that relationship isn’t healthy

So here's how these banquets worked:

1st call: RSVP
2nd call: Was the call to the table

Three Lame Excuses…

1. Verse 18: I’ve bought a piece of ground and I must go see it

The transaction process took months up to a year
The Mediterranean climate: Sun low, lots of rain in winter (check for conditions of soil) check the harvest

2. Verse 19: I’ve bought 12 yoke of oxen and must go prove them

It was common to actually use livestock before buying them to prove workability

3. Verse 20: I’ve married a wife and cannot come

This was an absolute cultural contradiction: NOBODY would say this

These 3 excuses were actually insults: as a conspiracy to make the master of the banquet look stupid

The servant understands the insult and returns to the master fully expecting retaliation

This is where we are living!

If we aren’t careful, we will allow our emotions to govern our actions

- We say things like:

- I don’t deserve to be treated like….

- I can’t believe they have the nerve to say… about me…

- I’ll show them exactly how much they need me….

When spiritually immature people process emotions, they justify an emotionally-reciprocal response!

So we'll give:

Love for love
pain for pain
insult for insult

- We become volatile people who lash out

- That’s why they say that “hurting people hurt people”

My feelings may not be right, but they are real!

- It’s not wrong to be hurt, but don’t let your hurt dictate your actions

The master of the banquet doesn't respond based on his feelings

21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’

The master feels:

• Anger

• Humiliation

• Rejection

• Loneliness

• Betrayal

Verse 21: The Master’s expression of anger is Grace.

Not:

- "Go tell them I said"

- "Forget them and curse them"

- "We’ll keep their portion, all the more for us"

THIS IS THE PICTURE OF JESUS IN THIS PARABLE

In the face of all of these emotions, the master feels anger and expresses it through an invitation of grace.

You need to understand this in your own life

In the kingdom, you didn't receive what you deserved
In the kingdom, you didn't deserve what you received

Can I pause and tell someone that thinks that God should be mad at you, but He has issued an invitation of grace over your life!

Because sometimes, what you feel isn't actually the truth!

Justin Welford 2/14/21 Justin Welford 2/14/21

Love Is

John 15:12

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Largely, we set aside this holiday to acknowledge the EMOTION of affection

1. Love is a choice

In light of John 15:12: LOVING one another is more about making decisions than feeling emotions.

Love is a choice, not an emotion
Affection is an emotion; "Like" is an emotion - BUT Love is predetermined
- Love chooses to act selflessly toward others before the opportunity arises

That's marriage, right? It's choosing to love BEFORE the opportunity to feel or show it.

God so loved, that he sent his son!

We see this choice play out in the ministry of Jesus, Let's look at how this played out in real life:

John 6:1–13

6 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

The account of this story in Mark 6:

34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd.

2.Love is inclusive

God is constantly expressing his love to any who will receive it

This story is about multitudes and about his disciples:

He didn't just feed his "boys"
He looked at the multitude and had compassion on them

God wants to include you as he expresses this love to others

3. Love is an action

Love finds a need and meets it

Jesus works a miracle and the disciples work on the meticulous

Many times we want God to do our job, and we will do His

BUT... When disciples don't do their job, multitudes go hungry

4.Love is enough

Their was enough bread that day to pick up leftovers after everyone had eaten
When Jesus demonstrates his love, there is always enough

When he demonstrated his love on the cross - it was enough

There's enough grace for you today

Justin Welford 2/7/21 Justin Welford 2/7/21

Made For This: Real Response

Notes for Macro-Church, January 31, 2021

One more look at our core values:

Scriptural Authority:
- We won't stop short of Biblical responsibility, and we will not push past Biblical authority
We are committed to Excellence
- We are trying to keep good from standing in the way of great.
Culture of honor:
- Simply put, we want to believe the best, speak the best, and leave people better than we found them
Team:
- I'm not here because we have nothing better to do - we KNOW that God get's more glory when we all get involved
Generosity:
- We are here to serve. We are generous with our talents, our finances, and our time.
Authenticity:
- Be real with God, be real with each other. We aren't here to impress, we are here to serve.

Today, we are going back into the last installment of our series: MADE FOR THIS

We have said that we were made for:
- Real Devotion
- Real Community

Today: Real Response

Genesis 2: 15-20

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

From the very beginning mankind was given an assignment

Adam had things to do
Adam had things that he was specifically told not to do.

Ultimately, Adam did what he was told not to do

He (and we) paid the consequences!

The blessing of boundaries!

Clearly defined parameters aren’t limitations if you understand their purpose.

We must understand the freedom that parameters provides.
- It narrows my focus
- It allows me to focus my energy
- It gives me the ability to "stay in my lane"

In 1 Samuel 3, God speaks to Samuel for the very first time -

3 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”

And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.

6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!”

So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.)

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”

Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

At this point God began to unfold the plan of Samuel's life
- Samuel goes on to be one of the most influential people of his time, he selected kings, and was a spokesman for God to the people of his nation.

It all starts right here in this conversation!

- What if -

God began speaking to you today about something that was life altering?
God did a work so great in your heart today that it changed eternity?

That potential is in every single gathering that we have!

Guess what!? -

You were made to hear and to respond to the voice of God
You were made to walk in obedience to what the Spirit is saying to you!

Let's look at young Samuel as he learned how to respond to the word of God over his life:

Samuel pays attention

Even before Samuel knew exactly what was happening, he knew that something was happening!

Events that you assume nothing of: pay attention, God might be at work in your life!

I had always assumed that God didn't really speak to people - until I started listening for it!

Samuel processes his experience

Eli helps him understand what is going on in his life
- You need some people in your life that will help you process:
  - The word of God
  - The will of God
  - That's why you need a micro-church!

Samuel responds

God knows your heart, but as a self test:

You are only as Spiritually responsible as you are Spiritually responsive

IF... Irresponsibility is mishandling something that matters,

The most irresponsible thing we could do is to not respond to the Word and Spirit of God

Samuel responds faithfully over the course of his life to the Word and to the will of God

Samuel was made to respond to the call of God AND SO WERE YOU!

You have the choice to ignore it, but you were made to walk in it!

Justin Welford 1/31/21 Justin Welford 1/31/21

Made For This: Real Community

Notes for Macro-Church, January 31, 2021

Last week’s highlighted core values:

Scriptural Authority
Culture of Excellence

This week's highlighted core values:

Culture of honor: Simply put, we want to believe the best, speak the best, and leave people better than we found them
Team: We believe that the wins are bigger and the celebrations are greater when we work as a team.

MADE FOR THIS: You were made for Real Community

Genesis 2:15-20

FROM LAST WEEK:

- You were made to have some space

God loved Adam enough to create an empty space where Eve would be, but didn't fill it until the time was right.

From the very beginning, God knew that he was going to give Adam a wife - Eve

God created Adam, and put in him the desire to share life with someone
- God allowed that desire to grow until he fulfilled that space
- God always fills the space - WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

In the current season we are in:

Quarantines
Social distancing
Separated by screens

There is a growing desire for community!

People are LONELY
God has been gracious enough to allow Hub City Church to launch in the middle of a pandemic

He has placed us here to be the answer to someone's desire for a community to share life with!

There are 28 chapters in the book of Acts, which is the New Testament record of the early church

I'm not going to be satisfied until Hub City Church looks like Chapter 29!

We were never made to be religious together - we were made to grow in faith together

The type of faith community we find in Acts:

ACTS 14:19-22

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

The apostle Paul - stoned and left for dead outside the city

What happens is that his community, (his church family), prayed for him
- They assume life instead of assuming death

Don't miss the next part:

They went with him back into the city

Bad community will drive you away from your calling and purpose

Good community

Good friends would have taken Paul home to recover

Good community will take care of you and help restore you!

Good community will keep you from walking away from your faith, BUT Great community will keep you from walking away from the fight

If you are going to be successful in the kingdom, you are going to have to fight for it!

Your faith is a fight!

1 Timothy 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of faith"
2 Corinthians 10:4 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
Ephesians 6 - Talks about putting on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

In our micro-churches, and in our macro-church meetings, we aren't looking to just Not walk away from our faith

We are here to fight for one another - We were made for this!

I don't just want good community, I want GREAT community

If we look at that verse in ACTS 14:

...And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Look at all of these terms: They point to the fact that you were never called to fight this fight alone!

You were made for Real Community