nlicic

January 8th The Deep End

michael@weareabovethecloud.com (Michael Upshaw) — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 13:15:34 GMT

The Deep End

Pericope: Luke 5:1-11 - One day as Jesus was standing by the

Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and

listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two

boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3

He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon , and

asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and

taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished

speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let

down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve

worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because

you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so,

they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to

break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come

and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that

they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’

knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! ” 9

For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of

fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of

Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be

afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled

their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him .

Sermon Text: Luke 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said

to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a

catch.”

Sermon Title: The Deep End

Context/Setting: The context of the text is this; Jesus has been

teaching to crowds…vs. 1-3 One day as Jesus was standing by

the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him

and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge

two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their

nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,

and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down

and taught the people from the boat.

Vs. 4 & 5 - 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and

haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down

the nets.”

Point 1: Just because – vs. 5…But because you say so, I will let

down the nets.

a) Obeying Jesus doesn’t require you to feel like it!

b) Obeying Jesus doesn’t require you to know the outcome !

c) Obeying Jesus doesn’t require your point of view or opinion !

Point 2: Jesus’ wisdom is better than your knowledge. Vs. 6

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish

that their nets began to break

Eph 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than

all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within

us, Let him! How?

a) Jesus will best your context

b) Jesus will flip the script .

a. 1 Cor. 3:19-20 - 19 For the wisdom of this world is

foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches

the wise in their craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord

knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile

b. Is 55:8 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

c) Jesus will expand your knowledge .

a. Prov. 3:5-6 - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and

lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways

submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

d) Jesus will blow up those in your bubble .

a. Vs. 7 - So they signaled their partners in the other boat

to come and help them, and they came and filled both

boats so full that they began to sink.

b. Size of the boat 26.5 long; 7.5 wide; 4.5 deep

e) Jesus always has a bounty when you go deeper

Point 3: Our limitations are Jesus’ exploitations . Vs. 8-10 - 8

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go

away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his

companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,

10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s

partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on

you will fish for people.”

a) Failure is not an excuse for not going deeper. Vs. 8 When

Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go

away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

b) Going deeper in Jesus prepares you for both worlds vs.

10…Don’t be afraid from now on you will catch men. Hence

fishermen

c) When you go deeper following is obvious Vs. 11 So they

pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed

him.

Life Application:

1. Obey Jesus and go deeper in studying his word, living his

word, sharing his word

2. Enjoy the bounty of living life at the Deep End

3. Surrender your life and follow Jesus in 2023

January 4th I Hid It In The Word

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:28:52 GMT

I Hid It In The Word

Sermon Notes "I Hid It In The Word" by Elder Vic Hayes

The longest relationship we are involved with is the "Word". The Word was in the beginning of

existence and will extend to the ends of this earth on to eternity (John 1:1).The Word is the

creative concept (thoughts, meditation) of God personified. A relationship is the way two or

more people are connected, or the way they behave toward each other. We have been

connected to God and his creative thoughts and heart meditation the (WORD), long before a

county birth certificate or a state record of birth.

Text: Jeremiah 1:5 BEFORE I formed thee in the belly I KNEW thee; and before thou camest

forth out of the womb I SANCTIFED thee, and I ORDAINED thee a prophet unto the nations.

(Jeremiah 1:5)

Point 1. There's an assignment in you before the "Flesh"

The word "Before" in Hebrews is "terem" which means to interrupt or suspend, not yet, or ere.

A. Before you go and do what you want to do check... the Word first.

B. Before you are stifled by what you can't do .... check the Word first

C. You can all things in the Spirit or you can a lot of nothing in the Flesh. Check the Word

first.

Point 2. I Knew You and Made a Way for You

The word "Knew" in Hebrews is yada which means to recognize, validate your care, in close

observation.

A. God knew the particulars about you because he knew what he formed you to do

B. God certified you. He recognized you as having the qualification to meet the standards

Point 3. Take Your Hands Off Me

The Hebrew word for Sanctified is "kodesh" depending on the context means"Holy" or

consecrated or dedicated set apart. It speaks to a distinction or difference where the thing

described is different or distinguishable from all others. Kodesh describes God.

A. He asked us to be what only can make us be

B. No cheap fleshly substitution of Me

Life Application: Know that you were born for this and the details of Life are already in the

works. Walk in the Spirit and don’t settle for the under achieving desires of the flesh.

January 1st Going Deeper

michael@weareabovethecloud.com (Michael Upshaw) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:28:22 GMT

Going Deeper

Pericope: Hebrews 6:1-3 - Therefore let us move beyond the

elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to

maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts

that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about

cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the

dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us move beyond the

elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to

maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts

that lead to death, and of faith in God, – memory verse

Gal. 5: 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the

desires of the flesh

Sermon Text: Going Deeper Pt 1: Level Up

vs. 1 leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to

maturity.

Level 1: Repentance and faith in God

a) First of all, Apollo is saying it’s not enough to feel sad about

sinning.

a. Missed the mark

b. Stepped over the line on purpose

c. Slipped over the line by accident

d. Outside of the law

e. Debt to be paid

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of

God is eternal life in Christ. James 1:15 MSG - We have no

one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own

lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up

to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

b) Second of all in the first couplet, Apollos said faith has to

level up.

In 2023 your faith in God is going to go deeper to get all you

want from God. James 2:17-20 - 17 In the same way, faith

by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my

faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God.

Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith

without deeds is useless?

Level 2: Baptism and Laying on hands . Vs. 2 instruction about

cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the

dead, and eternal judgment

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might

not sin against you.

Level 3: Resurrection and Eternal Judgment vs. 2b the

resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

1 Cor. 3:10-15 - 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a

foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.

But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any

foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly

stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it

is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire,

and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what

has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is

burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even

though only as one escaping through the flames.

Heb. 9: 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that

to face judgment,

Rev. 1: 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as

snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

a) I level up

b) I receive blessings here and later

c) I die

d) I am judged/sentenced

e) My 5 areas of sin burned away

f) I receive my reward

Level 4: Adulting vs. 11-14 - 11 We want each of you to show this

same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be

fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to

imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has

been promised.13 When God made his promise to Abraham,

since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by

himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many

descendants

Vs. 3 is the key. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Life Application:

1. Get the journal and fast and pray

2. Don’t miss church this month – attend every Sunday barring

health reasons and watch every Wednesday.

3. Determine the area you will concentrate on Going Deeper

4. Write out what you want from God in 2023 then Go Deeper

to get it.

December 31st Forward

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:22:29 GMT

Forward

Pericope: Proverbs 4:20-27 - My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

Sermon Text:

Prov. 4: 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Sermon Title: Forward

Deuteronomy 2:3 - ‘You have been traveling around this

mountain country long enough. Turn northward

Joshua said Josh. 1: 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be

careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not

turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful

wherever you go.

Ezekiel said – Ez. 1: 12 Each one went straight ahead.

Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as

they went.

Paul Said - Philip. 3: 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not

consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Proverbs said it best in the message Bible Prov. 4:20-27 MSG

Dear friend, listen well to my words;

tune your ears to my voice.

Keep my message in plain view at all times.

Concentrate! Learn it by heart!

Those who discover these words live, really live;

body and soul, they’re bursting with health.

23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;

that’s where life starts.

Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;

avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.

Keep your eyes straight ahead;

ignore all sideshow distractions.

Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.

Look neither right nor left;

leave evil in the dust.

1. Accept the fact it's impossible to change the past Philippians

3: 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to

have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is

behind and straining toward what is ahead, -

2. Stop chasing the windless relationships Ps. 147: 3 He heals

the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

3. Guard your heart – Pr. 4: 23 Above all else, guard your

heart, for everything you do flows from it.

4. Check yourself – Pro. 4: 24 Keep your mouth free of

perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. – Ephesians

put it another way…Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any

unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is

helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it

may benefit those who listen.

5. Pay attention to your future – Pro. 4: 25 Let your eyes look

straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. –Jer 29:

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

hope and a future.

6. Level set your situation. Prov. 4: 26 Give careful thought

to the[c] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

7. Drive Forward Pro. 4: 27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

a. Go deeper – Gal 5: 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and

you will not gratify the desires of the flesh

December 18th Wisdom From A King

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 00:22:41 GMT

WISDOM FROM A KING

Sermon title: Wisdom from a King

Sermon text: Matthew 2:7-12 NLT

7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them

the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search

carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go

and worship him, too!”

9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east

guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the

child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house

and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and

myrrh.

12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God

had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Scripture: Matthew 2:10 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-3 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King

Herod. About that time some wise men[a] from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem,

asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[b] and we

have come to worship him.”

3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem

Point: Any leader that can't take a back seat to Jesus is a liability and not an asset.

Scripture: 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And

when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east

guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the

child was.

Point: What to do vs. How to get there

Takeaway #1: Read the room

Takeaway #2: Be honest about what you see

Takeaway #3: Avoid the threat

December 11th Sermon Notes

michael@weareabovethecloud.com (Michael Upshaw) — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 02:58:46 GMT

After the Comma

Sermon Text: Luke 2:25-33 - 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace. Fulfilled 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Sermon Title: Life After The Comma

Point 1: Steadfast with the small things – vs. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required

– Matt 25: 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ What small thing has God told you to do but because you couldn't see the connection to the big thing you didn't do it.

Point 2: He saw Jesus at Jesus house – vs. 27 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Point 3: Confirmation of your cause. Vs. 37-38 - 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Vs. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

December 7th Sermon Notes

michael@weareabovethecloud.com (Michael Upshaw) — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 21:21:32 GMT

Prophetic Promise

Pericope: Galatians 4:4-7 - 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Sermon Text: Gal 4: 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Sermon Title: Prophetic Promises

1. Time The first thing you see is the element of time. Gen. 3: 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

a. God immediately responds to our sin

b. Sin caused God to act with grace - But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,” (Romans 5:20).

c. It takes time to deal with our sin – James 1:15 - Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.

2. Humanity – God used humanity to deal with humanity.

Gal. 4:4b, born of a woman, born under the law, God used us to deal with us

a. God relates to us through us – Mary had a baby

b. Relationship is important to God – God didn’t need us to be complete he wants us for relationship.

c. God always birth prophesy in us – there is a word for you

3. This was all done because of love. Vs. 4c under the law

a. We can’t live the law – not perfect

b. We need the law to show us our shortcomings – speed limit

c. Grace is the prophetic prophesy - But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,” (Romans 5:20).

4. Personal prophesy

a. Time

b. Humanity

c. Law

Conclusion: The Heart of Christmas is the prophetic promises on your life will come to pass – you get God’s word on it.

November 24th Sermon Notes

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 20:09:44 GMT

The Theology of Thanksgiving – The Value of Thanksgiving

Sermon Notes for Sunday

Date: November 24

Pericope: Psalm 34:1-6 I will bless the Lord at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.

Sermon Text: Psalm 34:1 ESV - I will bless the Lord at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Sermon Title: The Theology of Thanksgiving – The Value of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving sets tenor, tone and temperament of your being. Vs. 1 - I will bless the Lord at all times and his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Vs. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. .
Thanksgiving shifts the atmosphere. Vs. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps. 100 1-5 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his;[ a ] we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with Thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations
Thanksgiving fixes your face – vs. 5-65 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
Thanksgiving sets you up for more Phil 4:6 - 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Gratitude sets you up for more – James 1:17 put it this way 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Thanksgiving sets the table for us to dine with God – Hebrews 13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Ps. 23:5a You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…