April 4-9 New Tribal History: New Testament Survey April Understanding Pastoral Ministry Course taught in Karen. 2,000Kes per course

by Pastor Doug Brown pdf., power point, & audio available at karenvineyard.org LIVING THE LIFE WE DID NOT PLAN MARK

RICHARD OVERTON 108 YEARS OLD

JIM FIXX DIED AT 52 YEARS OLD

SPIRITUAL DNA OF JOHN THE BAPTIST He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah. Luke

JOHN LIVES THE PLAN John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3.16

JOHN LIVES THE PLAN Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Matthew

JOHN LIVES THE PLAN To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. John

DESTINATION DESPAIR Sometimes getting what we have planned results in despair.

JOHN CLARIFYING THE PLAN John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Luke

JESUS AFFIRMING THE PLAN But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke

WAS JOHN’S EXECUTION PART OF THE PLAN? When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matthew 14.13

God does not have a perfect plan for your life.

"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." Jeremiah 29: 11 Many, L ORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. Psalm 40.5 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20.4

A BIBLICAL VIEW OF GOD’S PLANS Commit to the L ORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16.3 The heart of man plans his way, but the L ORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16.9 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the L ORD that will stand. Proverbs 19.21

THE LIMITATION OF HUMAN PLANNING Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Psalm My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Job 17.11

A BIBLICAL VIEW OF GOD’S PLANS For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2.10 The L ORD will fulfill his purpose for me; Psalm For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2.13

Do you have the courage to surrender your plans to God? Are you willing to receive God’s plan? Will you choose not to be the center of God’s plans?