The Meaning of CommunionMatthew 26:26-291. Communion shows us that the Passover is finished, v. 26-28-Hebrews 10:12. Communion shows us that forgiveness is possible, necessary, and accomplished, v. 28.-Jeremiah 31:31-33“We live in an age where everything is permitted and nothing is forgiven.” -Alan Jones3. Communion shows us that something better is coming, v. 29.-Revelation 19:9

Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Meaning Of Communion

Does your spouse know that your heart is just for them? That you only desire them?It is both spouses responsibility to initiate romance in their marriage. Can you say about your spouse that you wish you had always known them? That you had grown up with them?What are you doing to help young people to walk in purity? Stage One:Main Goal: Observation watching how they interact with others Characteristics:-No escalation of expectations or physicality - no physical expression “-non-exclusive. - no expectations. - your times together are centered on an event. When you have watched them over time, and when there is outside affirmationStage Two:Main Goal:  Reaching conclusionsLimited physical expression  Still a big part is observation but now more intimately Edification- Men treat her in such a way that even if you don’t end up with her she will be better prepared for her future husband. You need to be absolutely honest with one another,Your times together are now centered on a person not an event   if you can’t walk in right relationship with  those authorities you can see, you will have a lot of problems walking in right relationship with the authority you can’t seeWhat to look for in a future mate:Godly character :  Marry someone you don’t feel you deserve in this department, you should both mutually feel this way.  I challenge you look around you do you even know anyone like this? Tell my story of April.   BeautifulAre they teachable?How do they interact with their parentsHow do they interact with friendsHow do they interact with those in authority over them, if they cant honor the authorities they can see they will struggle to honor the authorities they can’t see.  Don’t date non Christians 2 Cor 6:14 Marry someone with the same or similar life goals1. How do you respond when you mess up?2. Are you a life giving person?Questions:1. Does your spouse know your heart is for them? That they are your one desire?2. Can you say about your spouse that you wish you had always known them? That you had grown up with them?3. What are you doing to help young people to walk in purity?4. How do you respond when you mess up?5. Are you a life giving person?

Song of Songs 6:13 - 8:14

Issues of conflict in Relationships:1. Money2. Sex3. Relationships with others4. Communication James 4:1-3 “All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end.  The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of man, even those who hang themselves.” -Blaise Pascal Tips on Confronting others:1. Do it when it&apos;s most convenient for them, not for you2. Pray first 3. Is there anything you can apologize for first? 4. Be clear on what it is you are challenging them about. 5. Don&apos;t use absolute statements 6. Use the Sandwich MethodEncourageChallengeEncourage Challenge them through their gifting Matthew 18:21-22Matthew 18:23-35“Forgiveness means giving up the right to seek repayment from the one who harmed you.” - Timothy Keller“Ultimately, any love that is afraid to confront the beloved is really not love but a selfish desire to be loved. Cowardice is always selfish, putting your own needs ahead of the needs of the other. A love that says, “I’ll do anything to keep him or her loving and approving of me!” is not real love at all. It is not loving the person; it is loving the love you get from the person. True love is willing to confront, even to “lose” the beloved in the short run if there is a chance to help him or her.” - Timothy KellerForgiveness does not mean I trust you.   It means I want to reestablish trust with you. “Everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds.” - John NewtonQuestions:1. Who do you have conflict with right now? 2. Who do you need to forgive?3. What do you need to do to get that process started?4. Are you a person who lives out the Gospel?  Do you treat your friends better than they deserve because of what Christ has done for you?5. Have you begun to regularly encourage others? How is that going? If not why not? 

Song of Songs 5:2-6:13

1 Peter 2:1-3Malice - ill willDeceit - conceal or misrepresent the truthHypocrisy - claims that behavior does not demonstrateEnvy - resentful of someone else&apos;s good fortuneSlander - a false statement to damage a reputationGrow-up - continual but never fully grownTastes - a timeless action in the subject’s own interestGood - kind, loving, gracious1. Must be born again2. Consume the Word3. Feast on Prayer4. Be Full to Produce“…Willpower requires the self-control to do something undesirable or to restrain an impulse. Craving is a powerful desire to satisfy a want or need.”-John ShimaQuestions to ConsiderAre you hungry enough for Jesus to say “yes” to Him?Are you regularly reading the Bible? Why not?Are you regularly praying? Why not?What is keeping you from actively participating in a D-Group, Community Group, or Bible Study? Are these barriers worth being hungry for?How might you be full in such a way as to impact your world for God’s glory?

What Are You Hungry For?

Song of Songs 3:1-5:1

1.  God is big enough2. God is good enough -Genesis 12:1-33.Contract Relationship: You adjust to me   Covenant Relationship: I will adjust to you -Genesis 2:21-254. You should still be excited to go on a date with your spouse “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which,if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory5. Just because you feel it, doesn&apos;t mean it should be said.  6. When you ask a girl out on a date be specific. DateTimePlace 7. Let them get to know the REAL you. Be honest about who you really are. 8. Make a decision TOGETHER to deal with issues in your relationship before they get big. Questions to think about:1. Do I believe that God can help me in my situation?  Am I willing to allow God to come and help me in my situation? 2. Do I still date my spouse? Am I still excited to go on a date with them? Singles: Is my dating life honoring Jesus? 3. Are you a safe place for your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/friends? Are you committed to dealing with issues in your relationship?

Song of Songs 2:8-17

Mark 9:38-49Mark 9:38-41 - Jesus Restores JohnJohn blew it Jesus correctsJesus reassuresMark 9:42-49 - Insight To What Jesus Values1.  Jesus values the marginalized with protective love2.  Jesus values extreme obedience3.  Jesus values life in His KingdomThree Responses1. I’m out - Jesus demands to much2. I love Jesus and want to live my life for Jesus - I will try harder3. Learn to live life with JesusPreaching Class:  The Gospel OutlineHere is what the text saysHere is how we must live in light of the textBut we simply cannot do itAh - but there is One who did!Now, through faith in him, you can begin to live as the text says.Reflection QuestionsHow has Jesus recently corrected and reassured you?Do you value/love marginalized people?Do your affections for Jesus move you towards extreme obedience?Based on your lifestyle would those closest to you say you are living your life WITHOUT, FOR, or WITH Jesus?Is there something you are seeking to do for Christ, instead of doing it with Christ?

Learning To Live Life With Jesus

When Jesus becomes King of our Sex Lives

If you were going to fall what would cause it?  What is your greatest area of weakness and can I keep you accountable on that?How is your sex life with your spouse?  Is it healthy?  How about your thought life? Are you looking at porn?  Do you have any relationships with the opposite sex that are too close?Are you loving your wife and laying your life down for  her daily as Christ loved the church?  Wife are you choosing to love and respect your husband as the Bible tells us to? Is there any area where you aren’t loving or respecting her/him  as you should?Are you discipling your children?  Do your kids know and understand the Gospel?  Do they see it lived out before them?  What is your plan for how you are going to make sure that happens with your wife and kids?1.  Be teachable, Proverbs 5:7-14  2.  Don&apos;t Be Lazy, Proverbs 20:13 6:10-113. Don&apos;t allow your insecurities to become your identity 4.  You are loved no matter what you do today, Romans 8:35-39 5. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:13-14  6. Be a place of refreshment for your spouse&apos;s soul, John 7:37-38SHOW LESS

Song of Songs 1:4-17

1 Peter 4:31 Peter 5:131 Peter 2:9Exodus 29:21 Lamentations 3:22“The marker of those who understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that when they stumble and fall, when they screw up, they run TO God and not FROM Him, because they clearly understand that their acceptance before God is not predicated upon their behavior but on the righteous life of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death.” -Matt Chandler Proverbs 3:14-15Questions:1. Are there any ways that God is using the difficulties in your life to grow you?  2. Do you understand that you are a Priest?  What does it look like for you to walk that truth out? 3. When you mess up do you run TO Jesus or do you Run FROM Jesus? Why does this happen for you?4. Are you investing in God&apos;s Kingdom?  How are you doing that right now?

1 Peter 1:1-5

Song of Songs 1:1-4 -1 Kings 11:1-4-Song of Songs 6:8“I have also seen in my clinical experience that pornography damages the sexual performance of the viewers. Pornography viewers tend to have problems with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Having spent so much time in unnatural sexual experiences with paper, celluloid and cyberspace, they seem to find it difficult to have sex with a real human being. Pornography is raising their expectation and demand for types and amounts of sexual experiences; at the same time it is reducing their ability to experience sex.”- Dr. MaryAnne Layden“We are the first society that has a widespread belief that there is no ultimate future.  We think when you die you go to extinction.  When the sun dies we all just disappear.  There has never been a society that had such an understanding of the insignificance of Human life.   And the result is there has never been a society that has put so much emphasis on romance and finding that one true love.   Why?   We still need to know that our life matters in the grand scheme of things.   We still want to merge ourselves with a higher meaning.  But if we no longer have God how do we do this?   The self glorification that we need in our innermost being we no longer look to God we look to our love partner.   We want to be rid of our faults rid of our feelings of nothingness we want to be justified to know our existence has not been in vain.  We want redemption nothing less.    So we live in a culture that says without sex and love you can’t possibly be satisified.”- Ernest Becker “The Denial of Death”Questions:How have you heard this book interpreted in the past?  How much has your view of sex, marriage and relationships been informed by scripture and how much by the world? Does your spouse feel safe to share what is really going on in their heart?  Why or why not?Why is it helpful to consider what others say when we look for a potential spouse?  What are your friends and family saying?   Or What did they say? What kind of a reputation do you have?  How often do you admit you are wrong?  Have you ever experienced this kind of Grace in your life? 

Song of Songs 1:1-4

Exhaling to Freedom

Acts 8:26-401. Do what God says, v. 26“I believe Christians often perceive obedience to God as some test designed just to see if we’re really committed to Him. But what if it’s designed as God’s way of giving us what’s best for us?”-Craig Groeschel2. Never assume people are Christians, v. 27-283. Walk in the Spirit, v. 29“We serve a speaking God who talks to his people throughout the Bible. We are sons and daughters of a loving Father, who wants relationship with his children. We are the bride of Christ, and husbands and wives talk to each other. We aren’t employed as slaves or servants but welcomed as friends, and friends talk to each other. We are the sheep of our great shepherd, and sheep know their Master’s voice. We are a body in which people prophesy, speak words of wisdom and knowledge, and use other spiritual gifts to edify each other. We may get ourselves into muddle and silliness sometimes, but as Christians, we are those who hear the voice of God.”-Andrew WilsonTwo ways we confirm God’s leading…1) We check what we’re hearing against what the Holy Spirit has revealed in Scripture.  2) We can check it against what we know of Jesus. “Long ago, at many time and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 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. 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.” -Hebrews 1:1-34. Ask and expect good questions, v. 30-345. Be Gospel fluent, v. 35“A person is gospel fluent when the gospel becomes their "mother tongue." They see the world through that filter, they hear the world through that filter, and they know how to speak the truths of the gospel—the truths of Jesus—into the everyday stuff of life.”-Jeff VandersteltNotice two things…1) it’s good news2) it’s about JesusMental worship…Are you currently living in disobedience to God in any area of your life?How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?Who are you paralleling these days? What is the best question you’ve been asked lately? Would you consider yourself Gospel fluent?What will you do as a result of what you heard this morning? 

How The Church Flourishes

Daniel 121. God’s people will be delivered, v. 1-2 Timothy 3:1-7-Revelation 20:15-Revelation 21:27-Philippians 4:3-Revelation 13:8-Revelation 17:8-Luke 10:202. Everybody lives forever, v. 2Two things we’ve done to take the edge off of hell…a)  universalism- the belief that all mankind will eventually be saved. b)  annihilationism- the belief that the wicked dead will perish or cease to exist. . 3. Evangelism is not a thankless task, v. 34. Knowledge does not equal wisdom, v.4“This stress on the wisdom, understanding and knowledge of God’s people is an important point for us to grasp because we live in an age that despises doctrine and plays down knowledge in favor of the claims of experience. Our postmodern era is profoundly a time when people are going here and there seeking knowledge. Our age affirms the validity of every possible form of spirituality because it views all truth as relative and our experience as normative. Truth becomes whatever philosophy gives me the experiences that I desire. In our age, the idea of unique, authoritative Truth revealed once and for all in God’s inspired Word, the Bible, is therefore highly countercultural.” -Ian Duguid-James 3:17-185. Regardless of circumstance, God is in control, v. 5-13Mental worship…What comfort does it bring you to know that your place in heaven is secure?What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Which do you currently need more of?      How should the truth that everyone lives forever affect the way you relate to people?Do people find you interesting or enjoyable to talk to?How do you think your future destiny should disciple your current reality?

Living In Light Of The End

2 Timothy 1:1-7Do feel like you are training for a life of obedience in the Kingdom of God or simply just doing religious tricks for treats?Take a minute and thank God by name for the godly men and women in your life who declared and demonstrated a sincere faith for you to live into.Who are you discipling and who is discipling you?What is your biggest excuse for not asking someone “follow me as I follow Jesus?”What is one thing you need most from Jesus this morning to empower and encourage you to live the life God is calling you to live: power, love, or self-control?What is the smallest step of obedience you can take today to respond to God’s word?Who is one person you can encourage this week with what you have learned this morning?

Follow Me As I Follow Jesus

Messages from Grand Parkway Baptist Church in Richmond, Texas. Listen to hear God's Word spoken clearly and directly.

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Grand Parkway Baptist Church

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