FEBRUARY 10 and 17, 2008

                    "Staying Together"
Increasing the chances of a lasting marriage.
Ephesians 5:21-28

INTRODUCTION
       See 2/10/08 for expanded outline
                                                               
STAYING TOGETHER THOUGH MARRIED:
1.  Respect Each Other. (Eph. 5:33; 1 Pe. 3:7)
       See 2/10/08 for expanded outline
2.  Hold On To Your First Love. (Rev. 2:1-4)
       See 2/10/08 for expanded outline                        
3.  Dump The Junk.
       Don't let the garbage pile up. (Eph. 4:26-27)
       Wisdom from Van!
       Keep no record… (1 Cor. 13:5)  
       Forgiveness is the key. (Mt. 6:14-15)
       
4.  Really Talk.
       No fast food restaurant communication.
       Just like the helmsman, repeat what you hear.
       Be an attentive listener & communicator.  
       Understand gender communication differences.

5.  Few Problems Last Forever.
       There will be bumps along the journey.
       The proverb…
       It seems easier to walk away. 
       Vulnerabilities in marriage.
       Two imperfect people are united in marriage.

6.  Ask For Help.
       Confidant, friend, semi-pro or pro.
       If there is a question on your mind, don't wait!
       God has a stake in your marriage. (Eccl. 4:12)

Give your marriage every chance to last.
God wants to help you stay together.


February 10, 2008

February 17, 2008

February 24, 2008

March 2, 2008

March 9, 2008

March 16, 2008

March 23, 2008-Easter Sunday-Cantata performance

March 30, 2008

April 6, 2008

April 13, 2008
 
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              FEBRUARY 24, 2008

Reasons we ought to want to go to heaven.
Revelation 21:1-8

         INTRODUCTION
       A mind preoccupied with Heaven.
       Ill. - Sunday School teacher & 2nd grade boys.
       Ill. - An elderly couple and Peter.
       Are you ready?
                                                               
        THE WONDERS OF HEAVEN

      1.  The Wonder of  Its Existence. (Rev. 21:1-10)
       Trying to describe heaven.
       An amazing city this New Jerusalem.
       Ill. - On the wrong side.
               
      2.  The Wonder of Its Character (Rev. 21:24-27)
       Incomparable beauty. (1 Cor. 2:9)
       Purity and Holiness.
       No sorrow, sadness or death. (1 Cor. 15:42-44)
                               
      3.  The Wonder of The Throne. (Rev. 21:21-23)
       For the pure in heart.
       Finally home. (Jn. 14:2-3; 23)
       Present with the Heavenly Father. (Rev. 21:3-4)  
               
      4.  The Wonder of Heaven's Concern.
       Wonder -fully made. (Ps. 139:1-6; 13-16)
       Rejoicing in finding what was lost. (Lk. 15)
       Sacrificial love. (Jn. 3:16)
 
               MARCH 2, 2008

Wonders Of Heaven (Part 2)
Reasons we ought to want to go to heaven.
Revelation 21:1-8

        INTRODUCTION
       A mind preoccupied with Heaven.
       Ill. - Sunday School teacher & 2nd grade boys.
       Ill. - An elderly couple and Peter.
       Are you ready?
                                                               
        THE WONDERS OF HEAVEN

      5.  The Wonder of Who's There.
       Experience of an elderly believer.
       Experience of someone who's been there?
            90 Minutes In Heaven (lengthy excerpts)
               
       6.  The Wonder of Who's Not There. (Rev. 21:4)
       Its God's prerogative.
       Take care of business today.
       If we were only as concerned about spiritual crisis.
            90 Minutes In Heaven (excerpt)
       Not everyone will be there. (Rev. 21:27; Gal. 5:19)
       Keeping up appearances won't fool God. (1 Sam. 16:7)
       Heaven's an exclusive place. Only one way. (Jn. 14:6)

       7.  The Wonder That More People Don't Prepare.
       We are all lacking. (Ro. 3:23; 6:23)
       The price has been paid. (Ro. 5:8)
       An invitation has been extended. (Rev. 3:20)
       Not as complicated as you think. (Ro. 10:9-10)

Be prepared, respond to the invitation.
Get that reservation today…
to experience all the wonder of heaven.
 
                   MARCH 9, 2008

       "Good Kids (Part 1)"
       Hints for parents who want to raise their
       children well.        Ephesians 6:1-4

    INTRODUCTION
       Don't I have to pass a test first?
       A look at training a child. (Pr. 22:6)
       We love that 1st part, let's forget the last one.
       (Eph. 6:1-4)
       A couple things to keep in mind.
       Ill. - The young unmarried psychologist.
                                                               
     HELPFUL HINTS FOR RAISING GREAT KIDS

       1.  Pray Continuously. (Eph. 6:18)
       Even when there isn't anything wrong.
       Make the introduction. (Pr. 22:6)
       Don't wait for someone else to do it.
               
       2.  Conflict Is Normal. Whatever that is. (Gen. 4:8;
       various)
       Hard to find exemplary families.
       Biblical families had their struggles too.
       Cats & dogs but...don't mess with family.
                               
       3.  Don't Compare Them. (Ps. 139:14)
    DO NOT COMPARE THE CHILDREN TO
       EACH  OTHER    
       Every child is a unique individual.
       Imagine being Jesus' kid brother.  
               
       4.  Be An Encouragement. (1 Thess. 5:11)
       Founder & president of the fan club.
       Ill. - Teacher Conferences.
       Everybody wants to hear it. (Mt. 25:21; Mk. 1:11)

       5.  Expect The Best.
       6.  Model Your Expectations.
       7.  Remember A Few Years Have Passed.
       8.  You Can't Always Bail Them Out.
       9.  Build Bridges.
      10.  Don't Fake It.
      11.  Release Your Kids.
      12.  Say The Word.
 
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                 MARCH 16, 2008

                "Preparing For Easter"
   How to effectively and meaningfully prepare for Easter.
    Lk. 19:28-44; Mt. 21:1-11

         INTRODUCTION
       Virtually everything takes some preparation
       Easter is one of two major Christian Holidays.
       Casual preparations.
       What is Lent anyway?
                                                       
         3 WAYS TO MEANINGFULLY
       PREPARE FOR EASTER

         1.  Do What Jesus Says. (Lk. 19:29-40)
       Suppose you were one of those sent.
       The disciples didn't know all the details.
       They simply obeyed.
       What is Jesus asking of you today?
       
        2.  Feel What Jesus Feels. (Lk. 19:41-44)
       Something happened we tend to overlook.
       When Jesus wept, it was more than just tears.
       He did not weep for himself, although he could have.
       Can you feel compassion for others like Jesus does?
       
        3.  Tell Who Jesus Is. (Mt. 21:10-11)
       Jerusalem stirred up.
       So you think we can stir things up?
       Tell others.
       Are you up to the challenge?
               
       Your mission?
       Invite someone to be your guest
       to the cantata "Jesus is Alive."
       Make the introduction to the Risen Christ.
 
                  MARCH 30, 2008

               "Good Kids (2)"
Hints for parents who want to raise their children well.
               Ephesians 6:1-4

        INTRODUCTION
       Don't I have to pass a test first?
       A look at training a child. (Pr. 22:6)
       Exasperate & provoke defined.        
       A couple things to keep in mind.
                                                               
        HELPFUL HINTS FOR RAISING GREAT KIDS

       1.  Pray Continuously. (Eph. 6:18)
        2.  Conflict Is Normal. Whatever that is.
         (Gen. 4:8; various)
        3.  Don't Compare Them. (Ps. 139:14)
        4.  Be An Encouragement. (1 Thess. 5:11)
        5.  Expect The Best.
       Kids tend to fulfill your expectations or lack
       of them.
       Plant a vision 4 their future.
       Never give up on them.

        6.  Model Your Expectations. (Titus 2:4-8)
       They are always watching.
       Ill. - Telling lies.
       Be a consistent, genuine model.
       Ill. - Making dinner.
       You will positively or negatively impact who they
              become.

       7.  Remember A Few Years Have Passed.
                       (Acts 13:36)
       Times change.
       Things get exaggerated over time.
       Remember when…
       Generation gaps.
       God spans cultural & generational traditions.
                       (1 Sam. 16:7)
       Every generation has struggles.
               (Jn. 16:33; 1 Cor. 10:13)

        8.  You Can't Always Bail Them Out.
        9.  Build Bridges.
       10.  Don't Fake It.
       11.  Release Your Kids.
       12.  Say The Word.
 
                          APRIL 6, 2008

               "Good Kids (3)"

Hints for parents who want to raise their children well.
               Ephesians 6:1-4

        INTRODUCTION
        Key terms defined & things to keep in mind.        
                                                               
        HELPFUL HINTS FOR RAISING GREAT KIDS

   1.  Pray Continuously. (Eph. 6:18)
   2.  Conflict Is Normal. Whatever that is. (Gen. 4:8)
   3.  Don't Compare Them. (Ps. 139:14)
   4.  Be An Encouragement. (1 Thess. 5:11)
   5.  Expect The Best.
   6.  Model Your Expectations. (Titus 2:4-8)
   7.  Remember A Few Years Have Passed. (Acts 13:36)
   8.  You Can't Always Bail Them Out. (Lk. 15:11-20)
         Lessons learned the hard way.
    Ill. from "A Look at Life from a Deer Stand", pg.63)
    Will you always be able to make it better? (Jn. 16:33)
    If you play with fire…

   9.  Build Bridges. (Dt. 6:6-9)
        Windows of opportunity.
        Lyrics from "Cats in the Cradle" (Harry Chapin)
        Kids are valuable & worth the time. (Ps. 127:3-5)
        Sideways conversations & ready w/ answers.
       (1 Pe. 3:15)

10.  Don't Fake It.
        Get real.
   Ill. A heartfelt apology.
11.  Release Your Kids. (Gen. 2:24)
        They aren't yours for very long.
         Loss and opportunity.
12.  Say The Word.
         It's the key to all the rest.
    Ill. - I'll let you know.        

Good kids require:
Hard work, dedication, commitment and Love.
 
                  APRIL 13, 2008

                 "Jesus On Money"
                       Luke 16:9-14

        INTRODUCTION
       Oh boy, here it comes.
       Jesus chose to talk about money.
       Do you love your stuff too much? (Mt. 19:22; Lk. 16:14) 
       It's an uncomfortable topic for all of us.
                                                               
        WHAT DOES JESUS TEACH ABOUT MONEY

          1.  Money Is An Important Topic. (Mt. 19:23-24)
       Jesus provides a word picture.
       Was it a special gate?
       Kamelos or Kamilos?
       Humanly impossible but with God… (Mt. 19:26)
       Better off than we think.
       Make your choice. (Lk. 16:13)
       
         2.  To Be Wise With Money.
       Making investments. (Mt. 6:19-20)
       You can't take it with you. (Job 1:21)
       Some illustrations.
       Invest in things or eternity.
       Where your treasure is… (Mt. 6:21)
                               
         3.  To Be Responsible With Money.
       Whose money is it anyway? (Mal. 3:8-10)
       God wants what is rightfully His. (Mk. 12:17)
       Care for your family. (1 Tim. 5:8)
       Not with your head, with your heart. (2 Cor. 9:6-7) 
               
         4.  To Trust God. (1 Thess. 5:11)
       Can I trust God for it all?
       No buts. It's a matter of trust. (Lk. 12:22-31)
       
            Seek first the kingdom of God.
            He will provide what you need.

 
              APRIL 27, & MAY 4, 2008

                 "Church Membership"
Living up to our commitment to the body of Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-25

    INTRODUCTION
       Ill. Life in the rearview mirror.
       This is no time for complacency.
       Can be great or will be great? 
       We're family. (Heb. 10:19-21)
                                                               
    MEETING OUR COMMITMENTS AS CHRIST FOLLOWERS

      1.  We Must Draw Near To God. (v22)
       Clean up our act.
       Stop making Him look bad.
       God's plan for you is holiness. (1 Thess. 4:3)
               
     2.  We Must Stand Up & Stand Firm. (v23)
       Salvation and confessing Christ. (Ro. 10:9-10)
       Public confession through baptism. (Acts 18:8)
       Jesus never waives in His commitment.
       Live your faith.
                                       
     3.  We Must Spur On. (v24)
       What does that mean?
       A positive impact.
       Helping others be all they can be. (Php. 4)
       Do the right kind of stirring. 
               
     4.  We Must Be Present. (v25)
       It's not a good idea to "blow off" church.
       Obligations & lame excuses.
       God designed things this way for a reason.
       We need you, we need each other.

     5.  We Must Encourage. (v25)
       We need encouragers.
       No murmuring allowed.
       Be a part of what God's doing.
       Look on the bright side, things are getting better.
       
So much is happening at Eden.
It takes a very special & important ingredient... YOU!

 
April 27 & MAY 4, 2008

May 11, 2008-Mother's Day

May 18, 2008-Graduate Service

June 1, 2008
                  MAY 11, 2008

                "A Mother's Legacy"
  How godly mothers positively impact future generations.
                   2 Timothy 1:5

  INTRODUCTION
         Moms are just the best…
         "SUPER MOM" (ChristianityToday.com)
         Mom's service…Priceless!
         Perfect Madness (by Judith Warner)
                                                       
  WHAT GOD IS LOOKING FOR IN GODLY MOTHERS

    1.  Pass It On. (2 Ti. 1:5)
               Moms teach us about life. (Pr. 6:20)
           Ill. "Mothers teach us…" (source unknown)
           Their greatest calling…pass on their faith.
           What mom & grandma taught Timothy.
           As crucial now as ever.
       
   2.  Provide For The Family. (Pr. 31:26-30)
            Praise the mom who does.
          What could you do with all those hours?
          Ill. "The Wedding Picture" (source unknown)
          A servanthood mentality.
       
   3.  Praise Them. (Jn. 2:1-5)
          Mary was her son's biggest fan.
          Moms help us be all we can be.
          Your cheerleader through thick & thin. (Gen 1:31)
       
   4.  Persist In Serving God. (revisit 2 Ti. 1:5)
          Talk is cheap.
          Your priorities are on display
          Ill. "Not You" (source unknown)
          Concerned about what's really important.
          Poem: My Mother (source unknown)
               
              Objective:
           As a matter of priority, intentionally
           instill a godly legacy in your children.
              HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

 
                  MAY 18 & 25, 2008

      JESUS IS REVOLUTIONARY

1.  Jesus revolutionized our understanding of _______.
                         Matthew 5:38-45
      In a time filled with hate and insurrection…
          Jesus came with a new message!

2.  Jesus revolutionized our understanding of _______.
                           Luke 5:27-32
Jesus made a new rule for the religious institution
          of His day-in God's kingdom, there
                   are no undesirables!

3.  Jesus revolutionized our understanding of ______.
                        2 Corinthians 5:21

Conceivably the most revolutionary thing Jesus did
was to become sin so that we could have a relationship
with God!








 
                   JUNE 1, 2008

            "Character On Display"

Display the characteristics of these characters with true character.
                           Ruth 1:1-5

  INTRODUCTION
          Horton Hears A Who… (video clip)
          Character - what it is & what it isn't.
          A closer look at the family story.
          Going home?
                                                       
   HOW THE CHARACTERS DISPLAYED CHARACTER

     1.  Naomi - By Her Words & Her Attitude. (Ru. 1:8-9)
            A bleak outlook, but a great attitude.
            One rotten apple after another.
            We all have some grim moments. (Ru. 1:20-21)
            Can't let frustration become an embittered way of life.
            Move on, choose not to be bitter but better.
       
    2.  Ruth - By Her Words & Actions (Ru.1:16-17)
           Music to Naomi's ears.
           I'm sticking with you.
           Words are cheap. Are we consumers or investors?
           Follow through!
       
    3.  Boaz - By His Words & His Inaction (Ru. 3:10-13)
           Catching up.
           A mother-in-law with an intricate plan.
           Boaz in an interesting predicament.
           Wait a minute there is that family redeemer thing. (Lev. 25)
           Look what all this character started.

                So who are you when no one is looking?
                            Remember Horton.
            Remember only people of character are trusted.