“2015 New Year Resolution” 1-4-15

Posted on Jan 13, 2015 by admin in Uncategorized |

Sermon Notes
January 4, 2015
Pastor Bob Bryant
“2015 New Year Resolution”
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
“What’s the problem?”
James 1:8 (NLT)

8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
Matthew 15:3, 8-9 (NLT)

3 Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?
8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce,
    for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’”
“Heart – the will and even the intellect; the center of anything, mind”
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)

9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards,  according to what their actions deserve.”
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
“What’s the answer?”
1. We must become better listeners.
Matthew 11:15 (NLT)

15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
2. We have to renovate our old mind, not add to.
Ephesians 4:23 (KJV)

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
 (NLT) 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
3. We have to rebuild our heart, with new or the right things.
Mark 16:15 (NLT)

15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NLT)

15 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Peter 1:3-5, 9-11 (NLT)

3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge

9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Luke 4:18 (NLT)

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,


“What Has God Said To You?” 12-28-14

Posted on Jan 13, 2015 by admin in Uncategorized |

Sermon Notes
December 28, 2014
Pastor Bob Bryant
“What Has God Said To You?”

Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT)

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

John 10:10 (KJV)

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Revelation 3:22 (NIV)

22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
James 1:8 (KJV)

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Genesis 12:7-10 (NLT)

7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.[a]” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. 9 Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev. 10 At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner.
“What’s the problem?”
Galatians 5:17 (NLT)
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
“It’s Time”
Genesis 13:1-4 (KJV)

13 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; 4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had make there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.
“What did he gain while in Egypt?”
“Abram was very rich”
Luke 18:22-24 (KJV)

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Romans 10:11 (NLT)

11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
“What’s the answer?”
1. Let Go
Genesis 13:14a (KJV)

14 And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him
2. Start looking with our spirit and not our natural.
Genesis 13:14b (KJV)
Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
3. Trust and know that what God has promised will never change.
Genesis 13:15 (NLT)

15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Mark 8:24-25 (KJV)

24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
“2015” – fifteen – an accumulation; to tithe or give

January

Posted on Jan 6, 2015 by admin in Newsletter |

Wednesday Night Classes
Everyone is invited to attend our Wednesday Night Classes and Bible Studies. Come on out and join us at 6:30 PM.
Food Pantry News
Our next Food Pantry date is on Saturday, January 17th, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Our fellowship hall is open at 8:00 am for our volunteers. We appreciate your donations of finances, time and prayer for this much needed outreach ministry. We served 80 families at our Bread of Life Food Pantry on December 20th.
Straight Mountain Senior Citizens Meeting
Our Straight Mountain Senior Citizens will meet on Tuesdays, January 13th and 27th, in our fellowship hall from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome to join us for food, games, and lots of fun and fellowship. Do you have Tuesdays available? Come on out to the Seniors Meeting.
Restoration Student Ministries
We have added a brand new worship service on Sundays, beginning January 4th. This will begin at 6 PM in the Student Sanctuary. Come join us for an awesome time of worship. Please see Andrew or Katie Talley for more details.
Ladies Class News
Our Ladies Bible Study Class will be on break for January. We will announce plans for February soon. Thanks, Tara Jessen.
Mountain Pointe Singles Ministries
Our Mountian Pointe Singles Ministries will meet on Sunday, January 4th, at 5:00 pm in Room 100. They are doing a study, “Becoming a Romans 12 Christian”. This new small group will be led by Vicki Benoit and Darryl Copeland. Singles, including widowed, divorced, or never married are welcome to attend. They will meet every month on the first Sunday. Come join us as we begin a new and exciting addition to our ministries here at Mountain Pointe.
New Beginning Adult Bible Class
New times for our class on Sunday morning is now from 11 am until 12 noon in Room 200. Bro. Mike Phillips will continue to teach this class. Bro. Mike plans to do a Sunday night Bible study beginning the first of the year at 6:00 in Room 200.
Recovery/Support Meeting
Our Recovery/Support Meeting is every Tuesday night beginning at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. For more information, please see Ware Roberson.
Royal Pines Outreach Ministries
We will not have our Royal Pines Ministries this month. Standby for the date in February.
Invitation to Become a Member of Mountain Pointe Ministries
If you would like become a member fo Mountain Pointe Ministries we invite you to do so on the last Sunday of the month. Please see Pastor Bob for your arrangements before that Sunday.
Children’s Ministry News
Our Dynamite Kids invites children ages 3-11 to join us in the ConstructSON Zone. Our service begins at 9:30 AM in the fellowship hall, then we move to the Student Sanctuary, where our praise and worship team leads in worship. We also have dramas, puppets, lessons about Jesus and lots of fun. Come join us for a wonderful experience while learning about Jesus.
Connection Pointe Small Group
Our new “Connection Pointe Small Group” led by Mike and Christi Thompson will be on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM in Room 201.
Online Giving to Begin in January
We are very excited to start using the Onine Giving Program in 2015. Please visit our website for further information.
Special Announcement – New Service Times
As we welcome in the new year, we will also welcome in our new service times. After everyone responded to the survey and the evaluation was done everyone has spoken. Beginning January 4th, we will be changing to one service on Sunday mornings. Our praise and worship will begin at 9:30 AM. All regular classes will begin at 11 AM. For special classes, the time and date will be announced by the class leaders. We want to say thank you to everyone who partiicpated and helped with this decision.

“The Greatest Gift Ever Given” 12-21-14

Posted on Dec 28, 2014 by admin in Uncategorized |

Sermon Notes
December 21, 2014
Pastor Bob Bryant
“The Greatest Gift Ever Given”
John 4:10 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Why did God give this gift to me?
Romans 6:23 (NLT)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 3:16 (KJV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
How do I receive this gift? It’s a promised gift.
Luke 1:34-38 (NLT)

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Mary Visits Elizabeth.
Luke 1:45 (NLT)

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The Christmas Story-
First: The greatest gift ever given, was given from God, as a baby in a manger.
Luke 2:6-7 (NLT)

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
Second: The greatest gift ever given grew up to be a sacrifice for sin.
Luke 2:39-40 (NLT)
39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
John 12:27 (NLT)

27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!
Acts 2:24 (NLT)

24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
Today, the greatest gift ever given, is our great high priest.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Soon, this baby, this man who became our sacrifice for sin, this great high priest, will be our King for all eternity.
1 Timothy 6:15 (NLT)

15 For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
What do I owe God for this gift?
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)

15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Romans 11:36 (NLT)

36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.


“The Gifts of God” 12-7-14

Posted on Dec 28, 2014 by admin in Uncategorized |

Sermon Notes
December 7, 2014
Pastor Bob Bryant
“The Gifts of God”
John 4:10 (NLT)

10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
What is this gift that Jesus is talking about? “Spirit” – life, breath
John 3:6 (NLT)

6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Genesis 2:7 (NLT)

7 Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.
How do I receive the Spirit?
John 4:10 (NLT)

10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Luke 11:9-13 (NLT)9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Ask – beg, call for, crave, desire, require
(Why do children beg and get what they want? No pride)
Why do I need the Spirit?
John 4:13-15 (NLT)13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”
Romans 8:12-14 (NLT)

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
John 3:34 (NLT)

34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit.
Acts 2:4 (NLT)

4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Filled-to furnish what is needed
John 14:16-17 (NLT)

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
John 14:27 (NLT)

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

“It’s Time” 11-23-14

Posted on Dec 7, 2014 by admin in Uncategorized |

Sermon Notes

November 23, 2014

Pastor Bob Bryant

                                                                      “It’s Time”

Problem:

           Haggai 1:3-11

3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!

7 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. 9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. 10 It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. 11 I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.”

 

Drought: an extended period when a region receives a deficiency in its water supply. A drought can last for months or…

Haggai 2:14 (NLT)

14 Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin.

Answer:

  1. Fear

Haggai 1:12 (NLT)

12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of God’s people began to obey the message from the Lord their God. When they heard the words of the prophet Haggai, whom the Lord their God had sent, the people feared the Lord.

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,   but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

2.      Begin

Haggai 1:14 (NLT)

14 So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,

Enthusiasm: absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest

3.      Believe

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Haggai 2:3,9,19 (NLT)

3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!

9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

19 I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn.[a] You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.”

John 4:10 (NLT)

10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

Acts 2:17-18 (NLT)

17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy.Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.

4.      God Needs You to Drink (to take in)

John 7:37-38 (NLT)

37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

5.      God Needs You to Forget

Philippians 3:13 (KJV)

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,


November

Posted on Dec 4, 2014 by admin in Newsletter | Tags: ,

Wednesday Night Classes
Everyone is invited to attend our Wednesday Night Classes and Bible Studies. Come on out and join us at 6:30 PM.
 
Food Pantry News
Our next Food Pantry date is on Saturday, November 15th, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Our fellowship hall is open at 8:00 am for our volunteers. We appreciate your donations of finances, time and prayer for this much needed outreach ministry. We served 75 families at our Bread of Life Food Pantry on October 18th.
 
Straight Mountain Senior Citizens Meeting
Our Straight Mountain Senior Citizens will meet one time only this month on Tuesday, November 11th, in our fellowship hall from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome to join us for food, games, and lots of fun and fellowship. Do you have Tuesdays available? Come on out to the Seniors Meeting.
 
Restoration Student Ministries
Our Restoration Student Ministries will be attending the Xtreme Youth Winter Conference in Gatlingburg, TN. The conference dates are December 31st through January 2nd. Please see Andrew or Katie Talley for more details.
 
Ladies Class News
Our Ladies Christmas Party and lunch will be on Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. We will have a special guest speaker. All ladies are invited and welcome to come. Please bring one or two of your favorite finger foods or snacks.
Tara Jessen invites all ladies to attend the Bible Study Class for ladies. This class will meet on Sundays, November 2nd and 16th at 5:00 pm. We look forward to seeing all you ladies there. Contat Tara Jessen for more information.
 
NEW Mountain Pointe Singles Ministries
Our NEW Mountian Pointe Singles Ministries will meet on Sunday, November 2nd at 5:00 pm in Room 100. They are doing a study, “Becoming a Romans 12 Christian”. This new small group will be led by Vicki Benoit and DArryl Copeland. Singles, including widowed, divorced, or never married are welcome to attend. They will meet every month on the first Sunday. Come join us as we begin a new and exciting addition to our ministries here at Mountain Pointe.
 
Restoration Student Ministries
Our students will present their Christmas program celebrating the birth of our Savior through praise and worship led by the Restoration Praise Ministry Band and dramas by our Youth Drama Team. Please see Andrew or Katie Talley for details.
 
Kids Christmas Program
The kids will present their program which is called “Go Glow”. Please see Jenny Davies and Michele Dodd for more details.
 
Toy Drive
Our children’s ministries are sponsoring a toy drive in November. If you have toys you would like to donate please bring them to the student sanctuary. Please see Jenny Davies or Michele Dodd for more information.
 
New Beginning Adult Bible Class
Everyone is invited to attend our New Beginning Adult Bible Class every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM in Room 100. Brother Mike Phillips teaches this class. Brother Mike also leads a Sunday Night Bible Study at 6:00 PM.
 
Choir News
Our Christmas Program Choir practice will begin soon. Choir will practice on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM. Kevin Dodd will have more information for choir members soon.
 
Condolences
Everyone please offer your condolences and prayers to Ricky and Teresa Myrick, whose son, Clint Alan Myrick, passed away. May God comfort this family during their time of sorrow.
 
Recovery/Support Meeting
Our Recovery/Support Meeting is every Tuesday night beginning at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. For more information, please see Ware Roberson.
 
Royal Pines Outreach Ministries
We will not have our Royal Pines Ministries this month. Standby for the date in December.
 
Invitation to Become a Member of Mountain Pointe Ministries
If you would like become a member fo Mountain Pointe Ministries we invite you to do so on the last Sunday of the month. Please see Pastor Bob for your arrangements before that Sunday.

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