People's Church Herbert Cooper

I Wish I Would’ve Known People Were Here For Me

Acts 16:25–26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. (NIV)
Acts 16:27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. (NIV)
1. Bad days are part of life

2. Don’t harm yourself on bad days   
Acts 16:28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (NIV)
3. We are all here 
Acts 16:28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (NIV)
  3A. We are here for you during bad times 
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:26–27 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)
Acts 2:44-46 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, (NIV)
3B. We are here for you during good times 
Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (NIV)
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (NIV)
3C. We are here for you to experience community 
Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (NIV)
3D. We are here for your faith to grow 
Acts 16:32–33 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)

I Wish I Would’ve Put God First
Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to
you. (NIV)
Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need
them all. (ESV)
3 Truths I Wish I Would’ve Known About Putting God First
1. I wish I would’ve known that everything is more spiritual than I realize
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons
we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. (NIV)
2. I wish I would’ve known that it would be my best year ever if it was my best year spiritually
1. Faithfully pray and read God’s Word
A. Give God the first 15 minutes
B. Attend 21 days of prayer now and in August
2. Worship in God’s house faithfully
Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)
Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on
me. (NLT)
3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully
A. Complete Growth Track
B. Serve on the Dream Team
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards
of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully

For One Year Run The Spiritual Play
1. Faithfully pray and read God’s Word
2. Worship in God’s house faithfully
3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully
4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully
3. I wish I would’ve gone all in with Jesus sooner
Luke 9:61-62 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the
Kingdom of God.” (NLT)
Luke 9:62 Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till
tomorrow. Seize the day.” (The Message)

I Wish I Would’ve Known Then What I Know Now
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. (NKJV)

1. I wish someone would’ve told me
Proverbs 10:21   The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. (NIV)
Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their
honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst. (NKJV)

2. I wish I would’ve pursued knowledge
2A. I wish I would’ve desired wisdom
Proverbs 4:5–8 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do
not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of
wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will
exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. (NIV)
2B. I wish I wasn’t a know it all
2C. I wish would’ve pursued getting feedback on my blind spots

Proverbs 15:14   A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. (NLT)
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
instruction. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:13–18 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more
profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and
honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who
take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (NIV)

3. I wish I would’ve applied what I heard
3A I wish I spent more time changing instead of blaming & justifying

Proverbs 1:28–32   “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me,
they will not find me. 29  For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. 30  They rejected my
advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31  Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living
their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32  For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools
are destroyed by their own complacency. (NLT)

Exodus 17:8-13 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek
attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of
Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my
hand.”10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek.
Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held
up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the
Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold
them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of
Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua
overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. (NLT)

1. Power in the Proper Perspective

Exodus 17:9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of
Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my
hand.” (NLT)

2. Power in the Pursuit of God's Presence

Exodus 17:11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage.
But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. (NLT)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope FILL you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the
power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV)

Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil
person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the ABUNDANCE of the heart his mouth
speaks. (ESV)

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head
with oil; MY CUP OVERFLOWS. (ESV)

3. Power in Partnership with God's People

Exodus 17:12-13 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron
and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his

hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of
Amalek in battle. (NLT)

Luke 2:8-11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at
night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for
all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
(NIV)

Luke 2:8:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
(NIV)

1. It brings great joy

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great
joy for all the people. (NIV)

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at
your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)

2. A Savior was born

Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
(NIV)

Ephesians 2:1–5 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2  in which you used to
live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit
who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3  All of us also lived among them at one time,
gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by
nature deserving of wrath. 4  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5  made us
alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
(NIV)

3. It’s for all people

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy
for all the people. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all,
we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15  He died for everyone so that those who receive
his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was
raised for them. (NLT)

Good God: I Will See The Goodness Of God

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. (NKJV)

Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (NIV)

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)

1. I will see the goodness of God in spite of what I see

Psalm 27:2-3 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)

Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (NIV)

Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)

2. I will see the goodness of God in spite of what I feel

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Psalm 27:3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)

Psalm 27:9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. (NIV)

3. I will see the goodness of God in spite of what you do

Psalm 27:2-3 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)

Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)

Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (NIV)

Psalm 27:12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. (NIV)

1 Samuel 24:4–6 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ ” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (NIV)

4. I will see the goodness of God because of my faith in God

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)

Psalm 27:7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. (NIV)

Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (NIV)

Psalm 27:11 Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. (NIV

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)