Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

1
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• We need help to stay in the work of God.

2
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• We need help to stay in the work of God.
• Our conversion to God was an enormous act of
  self-denial. (Lk 923-24)

3
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Luke 923-24 (NKJV) - Then He said to them all,
  If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny
  himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow
  Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will
  lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
  will save it.

4
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• When you take up the cross you lose control.

5
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Your ear is attuned to a new master. (Isa 504-5)

6
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Isaiah 504-5 (NKJV) - The Lord GOD has given
  Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know
  how to speak A word in season to him who is
  weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He
  awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord
  GOD has opened My ear And I was not rebellious,
  Nor did I turn away.

7
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Where will the Lord lead you in His work?

8
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Where will the Lord lead you in His work?
• The Lord will always lead you to work with people!

9
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• Where will the Lord lead you in His work?
• The Lord will always lead you to work with
  people!
• When Peter returned to Jesus, what was repeated 3
  times? (Jn 2115-17)

10
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• John 2115-17 (NKJV) - So when they had eaten
  breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son
  of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He
  said to Him, Yes, Lord You know that I love
  You. He said to him, Feed My lambs.

11
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• 16 He said to him again a second time, Simon,
  son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him,
  Yes, Lord You know that I love You. He said to
  him, Tend My sheep.

12
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of
  Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because
  He said to him the third time, Do you love Me?
  And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things
  You know that I love You. Jesus said to him,
  Feed My sheep.

13
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• What would be the badge of true discipleship? (Jn
  1334-35)

14
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• John 1334-35 (NKJV) - A new commandment I give
  to you, that you love one another as I have
  loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By
  this all will know that you are My disciples, if
  you have love for one another.

15
Our Lord wants our hearts and our minds.

• I want to warn about the dangers of any of us
  that may pull back from involvement with the
  greatest work on earth.

16
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• We can grow weary and tired. (Gal 69 2 Thess
  313)

17
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Galatians 69 (NKJV) - And let us not grow weary
  while doing good, for in due season we shall reap
  if we do not lose heart.

18
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• 2 Thessalonians 313 (NKJV) - But as for you,
  brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

19
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• That is understandable! Jesus encouraged his
  disciples to take a moment of rest.

20
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• That is understandable! Jesus encouraged his
  disciples to take a moment of rest.
• Hostility of others can make us weary! (Heb 123)

21
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Hebrews 123 (NKJV) - For consider Him who
  endured such hostility from sinners against
  Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in
  your souls.

22
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• In this case the example of Jesus will lift our
  spirits.

23
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• In this case the example of Jesus will lift our
  spirits.
• A man once had an event that did much good. After
  a few complaints he said I will
  never do that again.

24
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• In this case the example of Jesus will lift our
  spirits.
• A man once had an event that did much good. After
  a few complaints he said I will
  never do that again.
• We can be drawn into a spirit of selfishness.

25
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• In this case the example of Jesus will lift our
  spirits.
• A man once had an event that did much good. After
  a few complaints he said I will
  never do that again.
• We can be drawn into a spirit of selfishness.
• It is not selfish to make your family a priority.
  (Eph 64)

26
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Ephesians 64 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not
  provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up
  in the training and admonition of the Lord.

27
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• You can in that priority fall into selfishness.
  Do you ever think about the needs of those
  outside your family? (Mt 546-48)

28
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Matthew 546-48 (NKJV) - For if you love those
  who love you, what reward have you? Do not even
  the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you
  greet your brethren only, what do you do more
  than others? Do not even the tax collectors do
  so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as
  your Father in heaven is perfect.

29
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• A parent can be selfish in working with their
  family! Ex. The mother is upset because her image
  is damaged but not because her child did wrong.

30
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• A parent can be selfish in working with their
  family! Ex. The mother is upset because her image
  is damaged but not because her child did wrong.
• Our society is pushing us to withdraw.

31
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• A parent can be selfish in working with their
  family! Ex. The mother is upset because her image
  is damaged but not because her child did wrong.
• Our society is pushing us to withdraw.
• A recent book documents how isolated and lonely
  this generation is.

32
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• We can have online worship, relationships,
  and have a virtual life on
  discussion boards and on the facebook network.

33
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• We can have online worship, relationships,
  and have a virtual life on
  discussion boards and on the facebook network.
• In a fast food society we want our relationships
  fast and simple.

34
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Without the pressure of this generation, we have
  always been tempted to associate with those like
  us. (Married, single, wealthy, poor, race, etc.)

35
Everyone is tempted at times to pull back from
good

• Churches can let people be lonely in a crowd!

36
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• We are converted to work with people. (1 Pt 122)

37
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• 1 Peter 122 (NKJV) - Since you have purified
  your souls in obeying the truth through the
  Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one
  another fervently with a pure heart,

38
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• If I can see the unseen then I will work with
  the people of God.

39
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Why are you here today? (Heb 1023-24)

40
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Hebrews 1023-24 (NKJV) - Let us hold fast the
  confession of our hope without wavering, for He
  who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider
  one another in order to stir up love and good
  works,

41
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Did you even think of this reason as you came to
  services today?

42
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Did you even think of this reason as you came to
  services today?
• The grace of God will move us out of ourselves
  and into the lives of others. (Titus 211-14)

43
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Titus 211-14 (NKJV) - For the grace of God that
  brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12
  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
  lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
  godly in the present age, 13 looking for the
  blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great
  God and Savior Jesus Christ,

44
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem
  us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself
  His own special people, zealous for good works.

45
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• We can be good at acknowledging what God has said
  but reluctant to get involved with unpredictable
  people.

46
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• We can be good at acknowledging what God has said
  but reluctant to get involved with unpredictable
  people.
• We should be people that associate and help all
  that we meet. (Gal 610)

47
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Galatians 610 (NKJV) - Therefore, as we have
  opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to
  those who are of the household of faith.

48
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• It is much easier when we have examples to
  follow. (1 Cor 111 Acts 2018-19)

49
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• 1 Corinthians 111 (NKJV) - Imitate me, just as
  I also imitate Christ.

50
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Acts 2018-19 (NKJV) - And when they had come to
  him, he said to them You know, from the first
  day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always
  lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all
  humility, with many tears and trials which
  happened to me by the plotting of the Jews

51
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• How many of you take advantage of an invitation
  into the home of other Christians? How many of
  you have ever opened your home to Christians?

52
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• How many of you take advantage of an invitation
  into the home of other Christians? How many of
  you have ever opened your home to Christians?
• Would you have an ear to try?

53
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• How many of you take advantage of an invitation
  into the home of other Christians? How many of
  you have ever opened your home to Christians?
• Would you have an ear to try?
• We must regularly take inventory about these
  things. (Titus 38, 14)

54
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Titus 38 (NKJV) - This is a faithful saying,
  and these things I want you to affirm constantly,
  that those who have believed in God should be
  careful to maintain good works. These things are
  good and profitable to men.

55
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Titus 314 (NKJV) - And let our people also
  learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent
  needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

56
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Each of us need to ask ourselves some hard
  questions.

57
Our battle is to maintain a Biblical Faith

• Each of us need to ask ourselves some hard
  questions.
• What should we do if gravity is pulling us to
  isolation?

58
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Defining spirituality by outward standards and
  outward rules. (Lk 739 189, 197)

59
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Luke 739 (NKJV) - Now when the Pharisee who had
  invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself,
  saying, This Man, if He were a prophet, would
  know who and what manner of woman this is who is
  touching Him, for she is a sinner.

60
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Luke 189 (NKJV) - Also He spoke this parable to
  some who trusted in themselves that they were
  righteous, and despised others

61
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Luke 197 (NKJV) - But when they saw it, they
  all complained, saying, He has gone to be a
  guest with a man who is a sinner.

62
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• In this heart men are thrown away because they
  are sinners.

63
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• God has warnings about improper associations (1
  Cor 1533) but the Pharisee had a self-centered
  and false concept of the work of God.

64
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• 1 Corinthians 1533 (NKJV) - Do not be deceived
  Evil company corrupts good habits.

65
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• By failing to know yourself and your tendencies
  such as shyness and depression.

66
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• For some it is much easier to withdraw. An
  overwhelmed spirit will do this. (1 Kgs 199-10
  Psa 1424)

67
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• 1 Kings 199-10 (NKJV) - And there he went into
  a cave, and spent the night in that place and
  behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He
  said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?

68
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• 10 So he said, I have been very zealous for the
  Lord God of hosts for the children of Israel
  have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your
  altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword.
  I alone am left and they seek to take my life.

69
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Psalm 1424 (NKJV) - Look on my right hand and
  see, For there is no one who acknowledges me
  Refuge has failed me No one cares for my soul.

70
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• You can quickly or slowly withdraw. Look at the
  pattern of decisions you have made over the last
  year or 2.

71
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• You can quickly or slowly withdraw. Look at the
  pattern of decisions you have made over the last
  year or 2.
• You can keep developing personal rules that
  push others away.

72
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Isolating doctrinal positions can be taken
  because of the appealing result.

73
Dangers that push a Christian to withdraw from
good

• Isolating doctrinal positions can be taken
  because of the appealing result.
• Reading minds and magnifying faults can give
  you justification.

74
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• You can overcome the tendency to withdraw when
  you heart is established by grace. (Heb
  139)

75
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Hebrews 139 (NKJV) - Do not be carried about
  with various and strange doctrines. For it is
  good that the heart be established by grace, not
  with foods which have not profited those who have
  been occupied with them.

76
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Do your remember that you have been forgiven! (2
  Pt 21, 9-10)

77
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• 2 Peter 12 (NKJV) - Grace and peace be
  multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of
  Jesus our Lord,

78
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• 2 Peter 19-10 (NKJV) - For he who lacks these
  things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and
  has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old
  sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more
  diligent to make your call and election sure, for
  if you do these things you will never stumble

79
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Listen to yourself talk. What are you passionate
  about?

80
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Gain joy in helping others. (Heb 1316)

81
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Hebrews 1316 (NKJV) - But do not forget to do
  good and to share, for with such sacrifices God
  is well pleased.

82
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Do you realize how powerful good deeds are?
  (Philemon 4-7)

83
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Philemon 14-7 (NKJV) - I thank my God, making
  mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of
  your love and faith which you have toward the
  Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the
  sharing of your faith may become effective by the
  acknowledgment of every good thing which is in
  you in Christ Jesus.

84
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your
  love, because the hearts of the saints have been
  refreshed by you, brother.

85
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• It is a blessing to give!

86
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• It is a blessing to give!
• Doing good will open hearts to the gospel. (1 Pt
  215)

87
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• 1 Peter 215 (NKJV) - For this is the will of
  God, that by doing good you may put to silence
  the ignorance of foolish men

88
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• It will also come back to bless you.

89
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• It will also come back to bless you.
• Please learn to do this without compulsion.
  (Philemon 14)

90
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Philemon 114 (NKJV) - But without your consent
  I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might
  not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

91
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Where do you live?

92
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Have we walled ourselves into a comfortable but
  steadily shrinking world?

93
Learn to build your life on Gods grace

• Have we walled ourselves into a comfortable but
  steadily shrinking world?
• Maybe you need the enormous change that
  conversion brings