John 1:35-51 "First Impressions"

Resound
July 1, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“First Impressions”

John 1:35-51

Two things to notice in this study: Jesus is personal and Jesus is to be followed. In verse 35 it shows a shifting of power. John the Baptist goes from “Jesus is coming” to “Jesus is here.” What are you doing/saying to point to Christ and how often are you doing it? John was always (as recorded in the bible) pointing to Christ. Every time he’s mentioned he points to Christ. (Challenge: every time you receive a complement, give the glory to God.)

Notice how they answer Jesus’ question (why ya following me?) with a question. It’s kind of an awkward first impression. But their question is basically saying John says you’re awesome so we want to be wherever you are. He replies: “Come and you will see.” Jesus is to be followed. He’s telling them, if you really want to know you will follow. He wasn’t just going to tell him where He was going to be so they could leave and join up with Him later.

Another awkward first impression: Peter and Andrew walk up and Jesus sums up the basics of their lives plus on top of that He changes Peter’s name to “rock.” Jesus is personal. But what’s comforting about Him knowing everything about us, sins and all, He still chose to come and die for us. He’s known everything you’ve done yet that didn’t change his mind. He came for every one not just the “good” people. (“There is none who does good, no not one.”)

 Nazareth – sprout or shoot. –Isaiah 11:1- Philip wanted Nathanael to come and experience Jesus, he was excited. Although it becomes yet another awkward first impression. Notice the fig tree. Fig tree – Messiah. He even knows when you’re praying and what you’re asking for. He tells Nathanael basically that he’s only seen the tip of the ice burg, there is way more. 90% of an ice burg is under water. Experience Him, dive into the water and learn more about the ice burg.

Philippians 1:1-11

June 26, 2011
Resound

Bryne Palmer

Philippians 1:1-11

“Play Ball”

Acts 16:11-40 – When this Church was established. When this Church was established there wasn’t a whole lot of Jew/God fearing people there. Lydia was a Greek who chose to believe that the Jew’s God was the one true God. The Church of Philippi started with only two families; Lydia’s and the Roman guard’s.

1.       Participation VS 5

This Church had grown a lot since it was first established. Notice how excited Paul is as he’s writing this letter to this Church. Paul is excited that these people are participating in the gospel. If you aren’t participating you aren’t going to get excited. Don’t sit on the bench, get on the field, in on the game. Remember that as you actively participate God will always be there with you. He won’t leave you to do it on your own. (it’s like a concert, if you know the bands and participate it’s more exciting than if you have no idea who it is, that’s no fun.)

2.       Players VS 7-8

It’s unity. There are others participating in it with you and it forms this unity, this bond with each other. You’re not alone in your trials and victory.

3.       Purpose VS 8-11

To grow in the knowledge, to be sincere and blameless;  to look forward to His return. We need to approve of excellent things and not of bad things. Don’t do things that can harm your witness. Be blameless, above reproach. The big game – Christ’s return. Baseball players work hard and strive to be a part of the big game. We should do the same, looking forward to Christ’s return.  

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 "Strength through Scars"

Resound
June 19, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Strength through Scars

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

-Psalm 121:3-4- We need sleep, God doesn’t. That is only one more thing that proves God’s power that makes us that much more insignificant.

1.       Sarcasm VS 1-5

Paul is talking about himself in 3^rd person here. –Acts 18- (when Saul became Paul). He’s telling them not to boast but there he is boasting sarcastically. The whole point of his sarcasm, how awesome he is, is to prove that the only reason he will boast is because of Jesus Christ, the only reason he is cool is because he met with Christ. Paul is saying we as believers can do amazing things but remember to whom the glory belongs. The only reason he/we are awesome is because of Christ. Every day we have a choice to either glorify ourselves or God.

2.       Shortcomings VS 6-9

His thorn in his side is like a pain that keeps you from doing normal things, but the reason for it is so that he doesn’t glorify himself. We tend to have the mentality of something good happens it’s our fault something bad happens it’s God’s fault. This thorn gets in the way and keeps us from being as strong as we could be on our own. What is your thorn? Whenever something good is taken away, we usually have one of two reactions: anger at God or longing after God, telling him that we are weak in that area. When Paul sight was taken away he could have either been angry at God or leaned on God completely. Where/who do you run to when bad things happen. When we boast we need to boast in our weaknesses and give the glory to God, let God shine through our weaknesses. God moves in us daily.

3.       VS 10

The more we can admit our weaknesses the more God can shine though. Allowing His son to die on the cross seems weak. To die, death seems like giving up, He could have called angels to come and bring Him down from the cross. But in his death that is when God shined the brightest.

We will always have scars from the thorns that have entered our flesh but those scars will remind us how far we’ve come and how we couldn’t have done it without Christ. It’ll remind us how bright He’s shined and still shined. What are your scars? Even little things like your car breaking down or a gf/bf breaking up with you are scars and God will shine bright through them. Share your weaknesses with others and how God has brought you through them.