November 30 was a special “Family” Sunday at Edgewater. Children stayed in the worship service the whole time. We did not hand out message notes, but as you can tell from the recording, there was a lot of participation! Hope you enjoy the audio.
Category: sermons
Habit #3: Regularly Rubbing Shoulders with Christians
Sermon Series: “Deeper” – 4 of 4
November 23, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” Heb 10:24-25 (NLT)
You need ________________ to deepen your relationship with God.
Two Reasons We Sometimes Avoid Other Christians
1. “I don’t ____________.”
If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 1 Co 12:15-16
God says, “You’re _____________.”
“If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” 1 Co 12:17
2. “I’m doing fine __________________.”
God says, “You have ____________.”
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 1 Co 12:21
Your closest friends _______________ you.
Do not be fooled: “Bad friends will ruin good habits.” 1 Co 15:33 (NCV)
Two Biblical Insights
1. The Bible is mostly addressed to _____________ of people.
“You are the light of the world.” Mt 5:14
2. The greatest commandment includes other ________________.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mt 22:36-40
How Most of Us Grow Spiritually: _________________________
1. You have “need to ___________” moments.
2. You have “need to ___________” moments.
The key is being _______________________ with other Christians.
How Do I Regularly Connect with Other Christians?
Get involved in a __________________.
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts…” Acts 2:46-47
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching…” Acts 5:42
Habit #2: Continually Meditating on the Bible
Sermon Series: “Deeper” – 3 of 4
November 16, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 (LB)
THREE WAYS TO GET A “GRASP” ON YOUR BIBLE
The Three-Legged Stool Illustration
I. HOW TO HEAR GOD’S WORD
“Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.” Rom. 10:17
Ways to Hear God’s Word
- Church services & studies
- Sermon tapes
- The Bible on CD/mp3
PROBLEM: We forget _____ % of what we hear after 72 hours.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEARING
1. Set your expectations ______________.
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Ps 119:103
2. Deal with ______________ that prevent hearing God (Mark 4:1-20)
(Jesus) “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you-and even more.” Mk 4:24
– A _____________ Mind: Is fear, pride or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?
– A _____________ Mind: Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak?
– A _____________ Mind: Am I too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say?
3. Confess any _________ in your life.
“… Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word…” James 1:21
4. Take __________ on what you hear.
“We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away!” Heb. 2:1
5. __________ on what you hear!
“Whoever … does not simply listen and then forget, but puts it into practice – that person will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (GN)
II. HOW TO READ GOD’S WORD
“Happy is the one who reads this book … and obeys what is written in it!” Rev. 1:3 (GN)
How often should I read God’s Word? ____________________
“(The Scriptures) shall be his constant companion. He must read from it everyday of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of his commands.” Deut. 17:19 (LB)
SUGGESTIONS
- Read it ______________________.
- __________________ key verses.
- Choose a _____________________ and stick with it.
Study Bibles:
· The Best Personal Study Bible:
“The Life Application Bible” (Tyndale)
· The Best Background Study Bible:
“The NIV Study Bible” (Zondervan)
“(Those) who are always meditating on His Laws … are like trees along a river bank bearing fruit … they never wither and whatever they do prospers.” Ps. 1:2-3 (LB)
Meditation is ________________ on a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth to my own life.
WHY MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE?
1. It is the key to becoming like ________________.
” … Your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Pr. 4:23 (GN)
” … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2
“As we … contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into His likeness …” 1 Cor. 3:18
2. It is the key to ____________________ prayer.
“If you live your life in Me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like, and it will come true for you.” John 15:7 (Ph)
3. It is the key to ____________________ living.
” … Meditate on (the Word) day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Josh. 1:8
TWO WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE
1. _________________ it! Visualize the scene in your mind.
2. _________________ it! Put yourself in the story.
III. HOW TO APPLY GOD’S WORD
“Do not fool yourselves by just listening to the Word. Instead, put it into practice.” James 1:22
” … Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:19
HOW TO APPLY SCRIPTURE
1st ask: What did it mean to the original ________________?
2nd ask: What is the underlying timeless ________________?
3rd ask: Where or how could I _________________ that principle?
“Now that you know these things – do them! That is the path of blessing!” John 13:17 (LB)
Habit #1: Constantly Communicating with God
Sermon Series: “Deeper” – 2 of 4
November 9, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
Connecting with God through Constant Communication =
____________________
Why is CONNECTING with God by COMMUNICATING with Him important?
Because Jesus cares more about your communication with Him than He
does how much you _________ for Him.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Lk 10:41-42
“Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.” Jn 15:4 (CEV)
What do I talk with God about?
Talk about the things that _______________ you from connecting with Him.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. What am I _____________________ about?
“Give us today the food we need.” Mt 6:11
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Php 4:6
“You do not have, because you do not ask God.” Jas 4:2b
Write it down:
2. Who am I _____________________ with?
“Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Mt 6:12
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Lk 6:27-28
Write it down:
3. What am I feeling __________ about?
“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Mt 6:13
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Php 2:12b-13 (NLT)
Prayer of permission:
Instead of “Lord, help me do it, pray “Lord, help me _________ to do it.”
Write it down:
4. What am I _________________ for?
“No matter what happens, always be thankful.” 1 Th 5:18a (The Living Bible)
Write it down:
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How to Enjoy What Most People Miss Out On
When Communicating with God:
Take time to _______________ to Him
“I’m listening,†Samuel answered. “What do you want me to do?†1 Sa 3:10 (CEV)
Ask, “God, what do you want to _________ to me?â€
How to make sure you hear correctly:
When Do I Communicate with God?
1. Communicate with God ________________________
“Pray all the time.” 1 Th 5:17 (The Message)
2. Communicate with God ________________________
“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.” Lk 9:28
3. Communicate with God ________________________
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Lk 5:16
Why “Deeper” Is Vital
Sermon Series: “Deeper” – 1 of 4
November 2, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
Why Is It Important to Deepen My Relationship with God?
You were _________________ for relationship with God
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Genesis 3:8
“Being with you will fill me with joy.” Ps 16:11a (NCV)
“I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long.” Ps 27:4a (The Message)
“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” Ps 37:4 (The Message)
“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?” Ps 42:1-2 (CEV)
“O God, you are my God, and I long for you. My whole being desires you.” Ps 63:1a (GNT)
“Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.’ Ex 33:15 (NLT)
“Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him.” Php 3:8-9a (CEV)
Remember…
It’s not about _________________, it’s about RELATIONSHIP.
“‘I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned
against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Lk 15:18-20
It takes ___________…
and God’s best is still ____________ of you.
How Do I Deepen My Relationship with God?
It begins with a ______________.
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Mt 9:9
“Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.” Jn 15:4 (CEV)
Finishing and Beginning Well
Sermon Series: “Sacred Romance” – 8 of 8
Song of Solomon 8:6-14
October 26, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
Solidifying Your Marriage
8:6Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm;
Acknowledge that God designed marriage for __________
è Never talk or joke about _______________
for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
Believe that God rewards _________________
è Avoid tempting _________________
It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. 8:7Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
Believe that true love has its _______________ in God
è _______________ yourself to God first
Preparing for Marriage
8:8We have a young sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister for the day she is spoken for?
8:9If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
8:10I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment.
è Trust God’s ____________________ for marriage and sex
8:11Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon; he let out his vineyard to tenants. Each was to bring for its fruit a thousand shekels of silver. 8:12But my own vineyard is mine to give; the thousand shekels are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.
è Put God __________, and ____________ Him with your love life
He speaks:
8:13You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice!
She speaks:
8:14Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains.
Cared for by God’s Love
Sermon Series: “Sacred Romance” – 7 of 8
Song of Solomon 7:10-8:4
October 19, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
“He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head!” Mt 10:30 (The Message)
God cares about…
whether you are getting _______________________ with your spouse
who your children are learning about the “_______ and the ________” from
whether your marriage is a “____________ place” for you
1. God wants you to get ________________________ with your spouse
“Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages…” So 7:11
“…Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom- there I will give you my love. The mandrakes send out their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you, my lover.” So 7:12-13
Principle: Plan ____________ that you are excited about that include your spouse’s __________________.
2. God wants ______ to teach your children about the “birds and the bees”
“If only you were to me like a brother, who was nursed at my mother’s breasts! Then, if I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me. I would lead you and bring you to my mother’s house- she who has taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates.” So 8:1-2
Resource: A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex by Kevin Leman and Kathy Bell
Tips for talking with your kids:
1.      Remember that sex is ___________ and from God
2.      Know what teens are already _________________ about
3.      Don’t assume your teen is ________________
4.      Know your own ______________
5.      Don’t hide your _____________
6.      Make it a ______________________
3. God wants you to feel safe and ________________ in your marriage
“I belong to my lover…” So 7:10a
Wives: _____________ and __________________ your husband.
“…and his desire is for me.” So 7:10b
The Hebrew word for “desire” is “tâshuwqah”: “to stretch out after”
Husbands: ____________ your wife and make sure she is __________.
“His left arm is under my head and his right arm embraces me. Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” So 8:3-4
“Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.” Luke 8:55
Reunited by Love
Reunited by Love
Sermon Series: “Sacred Romance” – 6 of 8
Song of Solomon 6:11-7:9, 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
October 12, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
Solomon and his wife experience a ______________
The Bible says that your biggest need for reunion is with _________
“This is the kind of love we are talking about-not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God ” 1 John 4:10 (The Message)
The Biblical word for reunion with God is “____________________”
How people try to reunite themselves with God:
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According the Bible, how can you be reunited with God?
By beginning a relationship with ___________________
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:18a (NLT)
THE RESULTS:
Jesus will radically change your ______________
“Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from the dead so that they would live for him.”
2 Corintians 5:15 (NCV)
Jesus will radically change your ________________
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
How do I begin a relationship with Jesus?
______________ that you cannot be reunited with God on your own
__________ Jesus to come into your heart and reunite you with God
____________ God to have every area of your life
Passion
Passion
Sermon Series: “Sacred Romance” – 5 of 8, Song of Solomon 5:2 – 6:10
October 5, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
ILLUSION: PASSION IN MARRIAGE JUST ________________
REALITY: PASSION GROWS WITH ____________________
He _______________ too much: Listen! My lover is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.” So 5:2
She takes him for ________________: “I have taken off my robe- must I put it on again? I have washed my feet- must I soil them again?” So 5:3
IGNITING PASSION IN YOUR MARRIAGE
1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE ____________________
“I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer.” So 5:6
2. OWN YOUR ________________ IN THE PROBLEM
“My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening…I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock.” So 5:4-5
“The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!” So 5:7
Your assignment #1:
3. BEGIN SACRIFICING USING YOUR SPOUSE’S __________________
What’s your language?
o Words of _________________________
o Quality _______________
o  Receiving _______________
o Acts of __________________
o Physical ________________
His step: “Sixty queens there may be, and eighty concubines, and virgins beyond number; but my dove, my perfect one, is unique…” So 6:8-9a
Her step: “I am my lover’s and my lover is mine.” So 6:3
Your assignment #2:
4. RE-NEW YOUR _______________________ TO YOUR SPOUSE
“Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing…Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.” So 6:5b-7
Your assignment #3:
“Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?” So 6:10
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Your Words Have Power!
Your Words Have Power!
Sermon Series: “Sacred Romance” – 4 of 8, Song of Solomon 3:6 – 5:1
September 28, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
“With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on.” James 3:9-10 (The Message)
Becoming a Master Communicator with your Spouse
Wives, communicate _____________ and ______________ for your husband.
3:6Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant?
3:7Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, 3:8all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night.
3:9King Solomon made for himself the carriage; he made it of wood from Lebanon. 3:10Its posts he made of silver, its base of gold. Its seat was upholstered with purple, its interior lovingly inlaid by the daughters of Jerusalem.
3:11Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.
“I complain” 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 — 9 — 10Â Â “I respect”
Your assignment:
Husbands, communicate to your wife specific details about her _________.
4:1How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead.
4:2Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone.
4:3Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.
4:4Your neck is like the tower of David, built with elegance; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
4:5Your two breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies.
4:6Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense.
4:7All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.
4:8Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards.
4:9You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.
“I overlook” 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 — 9 — 10Â Â “I notice”
Your assignment:
As a Result, You Will Experience…
________________ with your spouse
He speaks: 4:10How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!
4:11Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like that of Lebanon.
4:12You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain. 4:13Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, 4:14nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices. 4:15You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon.
She speaks:4:16Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my lover come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.
He speaks:5:1I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk
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God’s ___________________ in your relationship
God speaks: Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers.