City Church Tulsa

Message from Matt Nelson on November 5, 2023

Overflow 10/29/23 What does it mean that God is our Shepherd and how does that lead to overflow? God is our all-sufficient Shepherd "For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them." -Jon Ortberg If we are starting with an inaccurate or incomplete picture of God, then we can never fully surrender to Him as our provider, our Shepherd. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. "The gospel that Jesus himself proclaimed, manifested, and taught was about more than his death for the forgiveness of our sins, as important as that is. It was about the kingdom of God - God's immediate

Streams in the Desert Mundane 10-22-23 One of the greatest lies of the enemy is trying to get you to believe that your ordinary, everyday faithfulness and obedience are not enough to bring about significant Kingdom impact. Matthew Blake Nelson Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, No, that’s not the road we want. We tend to want a Christian life with the dull bits cut out. Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule

STREAMS IN THE DESERT Wonder 10.15.23 Wonder: To live in wonder is to live with a sense of awe in the face of the divine and to appreciate the beauty and goodness of God’s design all around us. Mark 10:13-16 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Wonder is not an escape from the real world but a way to be radically present to it. Turn around and believe that the good news that we are loved is better than we ever dared hope, and that to believe in that good news, to live out of it and toward it, to be in love with that good news, is of all glad things in this world the gl

STREAMS IN THE DESERT Thirst 10.1.23 Good Father, We confess we are burdened, weary, and dry. We have searched for life in the systems of death. We carry weights we were not created to carry. We run further into the desert. We are thirsty. Today, we step into your invitation to rest. We join the flowers and birds who do not worry or toil. We choose to live from your overflowing well of grace. We seek first your kingdom. As we draw near to you, would you draw near to us? As we step out of what is comfortable, will you meet us? Would you meet us in our community? Would you meet us in the spaces created for you? Jesus, wellspring of life, Overflow into our dry and weary souls. Saturate us with your peace and presence, As we plant ourselves by the streams of living water. The woman had buckets of water in front of her and yet her soul was a desolate wasteland. Jesus was thirsty from his long journey and yet he was an endless well of living water. John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this wate

GOD & SEXUALITY Brokenness 9.24.23 Secularism disciples a man to learn to live without God 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. Romans 1:21-23 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for ima

GOD & SEXUALITY Part I: Beauty 9.17.23 Major shifts in sexuality over the last fifty years: Sex has been disconnected from child-bearing and the family Sex has been disconnected from marriage Sex has been disconnected from male/female relationships Sex has been disconnected from love, emotion, and relational commitment of any kind Secularism – the language of our current culture which disciples a person to learn to live without God Our identity is what gives us meaning, self-worth, and purpose. It drives us and often defines the community we belong to. Our culture has normalized the lie that both identity and sexuality are one and the same. The American Psychology Association defines sexual orientation as “referring to a person's sense of identity, based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions." If you are a follower of Jesus, your primary identity is found in Christ. This is central to the Christian faith. 3 MAIN STORIES ABOUT SEXU

Book of James Prayer of Faith Sept. 10th James 4:1-3 1What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. Why is it so hard to ask for things from God? James 5:13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Prayer needs to be planned Adopt practical ways to impede mental drift In different times and in different seasons, seek out people to pray with Get around people who pray Develop a system for your prayer lists Mix praise, confession, and intercession and tie as much of it as you can back to the Scriptures. Pray until you pray James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray fo

THE BOOK OF JAMES Patience in Suffering 9.3.23 We don’t mind waiting as long as we believe we are in control of the timing and the outcomes. Outline for James 5:5-12 Be patient; the Lord is coming. Be patient; God is accomplishing something in you. Be patient with each other. Be patient; God's promises are true. Be patient; the Lord is coming. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. Be patient; God is accomplishing something in you. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Be patient with each other. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Be patient; God's promises are true. Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering…you have heard of Job’s perseverance. Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting until something

BOOK OF JAMES The Fruit of Wisdom & Humility 8.27.23 Wisdom requires understanding Understanding requires demonstration Demonstration requires humility Two ways to live your life: HUMILITY: serving others for the glory of God PRIDE: elevating yourself for your own self-glory Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” How is the fruit of humility grown? A revelation of our sin Understanding what God has accomplished for us through Jesus Through the work of the Spirit in us James 4:1-10 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask

The Power of Words 8-20-23 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many. But fools die for lack of sense. Prov. 10:20–21 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. Prov. 10:31–32 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21 Words Require Reverence Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:1-2 2. Words Require Restraint 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of dea

BOOK OF JAMES Evidence of Obedience 8.13.23 Romans 4:1-3 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” James 2:21-24 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. The teachings of Jesus are filled with God’s overwhelming, amazing grace and a radical call to obedience and discipleship. James’ Call to Obedience: The Motivation for Obedience James 1:25

Book of James The Road to Maturity 8.6.23 The book of James is composed of short wisdom speeches designed to teach the church how to be wise by living according to Jesus’ summary of the Torah: to love God and to love your neighbors. TESTING - PERSEVERANCE - MATURITY - LACKING NOTHING Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. Christians are not exempt fro

Summer Sundays WHO WE ARE NOT Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:19-23 (NKJV) SOMEBODY ELSE’S EXPECTATION WE ESTEEM TRANQUILITY OVER INTEGRITY WE PUT MONEY OVER MORALITY WHO YOU USED TO BE Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter an

Summer Sunday Schemes and Strategies 7.16.23 Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. There is a tactical shrewdness the enemy uses. The devil seldom attacks openly but transforms himself into an “angel of light” where we are caught unsuspecting. He is a dangerous wolf that enters Christ’s flock as a sheep. Sometimes he roars like a lion, but prefers to be more subtle like a serpent. – John Stott 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 2 Samuel 11:1-3 I

2 Kings 5:1-12 (ESV) 5 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore hi

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Summer Sundays 7-2-23 Both sin and busyness have the exact same effect - they cut off your connection to God, to other people, and even to your own soul. -John Mark Comer "Hurry is not just a disordered schedule. Hurry is a disordered heart." -Jon Ortberg Am I becoming who I want to become? Matthew 11:25-28 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” "In this truth lies the secret of the ea

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18 NIV “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who

Becoming Family Church Hurt 06-04-23 Ephesians 4:17-32 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for