Elevation Christian Church - CO

Week One: 04/10/2022

Title: Understanding Baptism

Bible: Matthew 3:13–17

“Baptism declares Life Change as you follow Jesus.”

Matthew 3:13–17 (NLT) 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Baptism: The Declaration you believe in Jesus.

Acts 2:41 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Act 8:12 (NLT) 12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.

Baptism: The Demonstration of death to the OLD & resurrection of the NEW.

Romans 6:4 (NLT) 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Baptism: The Immersion into the life as a follower of Jesus.

Acts 8:36 – 39 (NLT) 36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.

Baptism: The Connection to the family of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (NLT) 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

Have you declared your belief in Jesus as your Savior?

Have you been baptized because to show the old is gone and the new is here?

Have you made your connection with the family of Jesus?

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Week Five: 04/03/2022

Title: The Joy in Failure

Bible: Luke 15:11 – 32,

“The Joy in Failure is not the Rebellion, but because of the Response to the Return.”

ACT ONE - RUN/REBELLION

Luke 15:11 – 16 (NLT) 11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

ACT TWO - RETURN/REPENTANCE

Luke 15:17- 24 (NLT) 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

ACT THREE - RESPONSE/REJOICE

Luke 15:25 – 31 (NLT) 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”

What areas of your life have you been on the RUN?

Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Where will you be when there is a RETURN?

Romans 15:13 (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who are you when it comes to RESPONSE?

The Younger Brother

Acts 2:38 (NLT) Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Father

Romans 2:4 (NLT) 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

The Older Brother

Matthew 23:28 (NLT) 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Luke 15:7 (NLT) 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

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Week One: 03/27/2022

Title: Relationship Failure

Bible: Acts 13:4 – 13, Acts 15: 36 – 41, Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11

“It’s Never too Late to Forgive someone where there is Failure.”

Acts 13:9 – 13 (NLT) 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. 13 Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:1 – 3 (NLT) While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent the delegates to Jerusalem, and they stopped along the way in Phoenicia and Samaria to visit the believers. They told them—much to everyone’s joy—that the Gentiles, too, were being converted.

Acts 15:7 – 11 (NLT) 7 At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. 10 So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 15: 36 – 40 (NLT) 36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.

Colossians 4:10 (NLT) 10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.

2 Timothy 4:11 (NLT) 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

Gossip has greater Damage then we may Know.

Proverbs 16:28 (NLT) 28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

2 Corinthians 12:20 (NLT) 20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.

Failure Creates Opportunity

Romans 8:28 (NLT) 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Forgiveness relieves a Failed Relationship

Colossians 3:12 – 15 (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

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Week Three: 03/20/2022

Title: Failure has Fuel

Bible: 1 Kings 19: 1 – 4; 5 – 8; 9 – 16

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” General George S. Patton Jr.

“Fatigue fuels false & fearful thoughts of failure.”

1 Kings 19:1 – 4 (NLT) When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

1 Kings 19:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

1 Kings 19:9 – 16 (NLT) 9 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 15 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.

Rest

Psalm 16:8 – 9 (NLT) 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

Receive

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 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.

Respond

2 Peter 1:4 – 7 (NLT) 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, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

Renew

Ephesians 4:23 (NLT) 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

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Week Two: 03/13/2022

Title: Failing Forward Takes Time

Bible: Judges 16:17 – 22, Luke 13:6 – 8,

“Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be.”

“We won’t change unless the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change.”

“Progress presents itself within the painful pause”

Judges 16:17 – 22 (NLT) 17 Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” 18 Delilah realized he had finally told her the truth, so she sent for the Philistine rulers. “Come back one more time,” she said, “for he has finally told me his secret.” So, the Philistine rulers returned with the money in their hands. 19 Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him. 20 Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. 21 So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. 22 But before long, his hair began to grow back.

Luke 13:6 - 8 (NLT) 6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ 8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’

Judges 16: 26 – 30 (NLT) 26 Samson said to the young servant who was leading him by the hand, “Place my hands against the pillars that hold up the temple. I want to rest against them.” 27 Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on the roof who were watching as Samson amused them.

28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, 30 he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime,

Have we missed the presence of God because of our own pursuits?

1 Timothy 6:10 – 12 (NLT) 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

Have we avoided the pause so we don’t deal with the pain?

Matthew 11:28 – 30 (NLT) 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

“Samson’s story begins with a strong man who is revealed to be weak, but it ends with a weak man who is stronger than ever he was before.” By David Jackman

1 Corinthians 1:25 (NLT) 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

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Week One: 03/06/22

Title: Learn to Fail Forward

Bible: Various Bible Verses

“I have not failed. I have just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.” by Thomas Edison

“Failure doesn’t disqualify you; it slows you down to be built back up.”

Matthew 14:31 (NLT) 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 16:23 (NLT) 23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Matthew 26:34 – 35 (NLT) 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

Luke 22:61 – 62 (NLT) 61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

John 21:15 – 19 (NLT) 15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Acts 2:36 – 38 (NLT) 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Do you turn AWAY from Jesus or TO Jesus in these moments?

Matthew 27:3 – 4 (NLT) 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” 5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.

Luke 24:47 (NLT) 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.

Do you BUILD on what you learn or BOTTOM OUT?

Colossians 3:10 - 11 (NLT) 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. It is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street.” William A. Ward

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Series: Circles Week Four

Title: The Circle of Choice

Main Scripture: John 15:9-17

John 15: 9 – 17 (NLT) 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

God Chose Him (John 15:9-10)

John 15:9 – 10 (NLT) 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

John 3:17 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Jesus Chose Them (John 15:15)

John 15:15 (NLT) 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

Jesus Chose Us (John 15:16)

John 15:16 (NLT) 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

Ephesians 1:4 – 5 (NLT) 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Choose to Love (John 15:12-13; 17)::SLIDE::

John 15:12-13 (NLT) 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:17 (NLT) 17 This is my command: Love each other.

1 John 4:19 (NLT) 19 We love each other because he loved us first.

John 13:35 (NLT) 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

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Week Three: 02/20/2022

Title: Circles Affect other Circles

Bible: Acts 2:42 – 47, Colossians 3:12 – 17

Psalm 1:2 – 4 (NLT) 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

“Without Circles for ROOTED growth, there can be CATASTROPHE.”

Acts 2:42 – 47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Colossians 3:12 – 17 (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Teacher and Learner

Proverbs 9:9 (NLT) 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

1 Timothy 4:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Proverbs 18:15 (NLT) 15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.

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Week Two: 02/13/2022

Title: The Circle Size Matters

Bible: Mark 8:13: - 19; Mark 12:29 – 31;

“Everyone has a PLACE, but not everyone has the same POSITION.”

Mark 3:13-19 (NLT) 13 Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.14 Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, 15 giving them authority to cast out demons. 16 These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he named Peter), 17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), 19 Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Proximity - accompany him

Preparation - send them out to preach

Matthew 10:5 - 11 (NLT) 5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Empowers - giving them authority

Who am I giving relational proximity to in my life?

Proverbs 27:9 (NLT) The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

How am I being prepared to be a follower that is making followers of Jesus?

Galatians 5:26 (NLT) 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

“Healthy friendships shouldn’t foster exclusivity, jealousy, ownership, or sensuality. Rather, we hold our friends with open hands and invite others in. We celebrate the formation of new friendships in our friends’ lives and are open to building new friendships ourselves.”

Do I have relationships empowered by the gospel?

Mark 3:15 (NLT) 15 Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.

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Week One: 2/06/2022

Title: Build a Circle of Friends

Bible: John 1:35 – 41, Luke 5:1–11, Matthew 12:1 – 2, John 6:60 – 69

“Intentional relationships build through time, travel, and trouble.”

John 1:35 – 41 (NLT) 35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).

Luke 5:4 – 11 (NLT) 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Matthew 12:1 – 2 (NLT) At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. 2 But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”

John 6:60 – 69 (NLT) 60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” 61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” 68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

How are you intentional in relationships?

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT) 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

How are you traveling through life with when it comes to following Jesus?

Romans 14:1(NLT) Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

Romans 14: 17 – 19 (NLT) 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

How are you dealing with life’s trouble as a follower of Jesus?

2 Corinthians 1:3 – 7 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

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Week Five: 01/30/2022

Title: What do we do Now?

Bible: Romans 8:31 – 39

“Grace gets us into a sinners world. Biblical Truth gets them out.” By AR Bernard

“Struggle positions us to SHARE in Forgiveness & Freedom”

Romans 8:31 – 39 (NLT) 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”)

Romans 8:37 – 39 (NLT) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Honesty about STRUGGLE within and temptations without is necessary for CHANGE.

Be Honest with Jesus

Matthew 11:28 – 29 (NLT) 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Be Honest with Each Other

James 5:16 (NLT) 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Share in forgiveness & Freedom

“Only the gospel of Jesus has the power to bring sanity to sexuality in a world that has gone crazy, and within the gospel there is power and potential for real, lasting, and personal transformation.” Paul David Tripp by 163 “Sex in a Broken World)

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Week Four: 01/23/2022

Title: Misuse is a Missed Opportunity

Bible: 1 Corinthians 6:12 – 20

“Misuse is a Missed Opportunity of Complete Eternal Joy”

1 Corinthians 6:12 – 20 (NLT) 12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. 15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

What we can take away from this is a couple of things:

Good things can become bad things when they become controlling things.
We were created for Eternity.
Our connection to Jesus leads us to a greater purpose.

Pay Attention to what can control you

Galatians 6:4 – 5 (NLT) 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

We have to fight Eternity Amnesia

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT) 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Seek the Eternal Call and Joy for life

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (NLT) 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NLT) 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

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Week Three: 01/16/2022

Title: Why do we do what we do?

Bible: Mark 7:14 – 23, Romans 1:21-24,

“The INTERNAL is expressed by the EXTERNAL which points to the ETERNAL”

Mark 7:14 – 23 (NLT) 14 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. 15 It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” 17 Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. 18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.) 20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

Romans 1:21 – 24 (NLT) 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.

Remove Yourself

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT) 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

Rely on the Holy Spirit

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.

Armor Up

Ephesians 6:13 – 17 (NLT) 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Wage War

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT) 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

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Week Two: 1/09/2021

Title: The Mean Middle

Bible: Romans 8:18 – 28

“In the Meantime, it’s Messy Grace that Matters.”

Romans 8:18 – 28 (NLT) 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.

Struggle is part of being Human

Romans 8:22 – 25 (NLT) 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

There is Mess in the Middle

Romans 8:26 – 28 (NLT) 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Radical Grace Intervenes

“EXPECT STRUGGLE”

1Timothy 4:10 (NLT) 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

“MESS IN THE MIDDLE MATTERS”.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

“RADICAL GRACE REPRESENTS HIS STRENGTH”

Hebrews 13:5b – 6 (NLT) 5For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

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Week One: 1/02/2022

Title: First the Foundation

Bible: Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 30: 5 – 6, 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17, 2 Peter 1:2 – 4, Hebrews 4:12

Gift cards brought to and or mailed to Elevationcc for the families. We are looking for cards to get groceries (food) and clothes for families right now.
Next, we have a Fund: Funds to Aid those Affected by the Marshall Fire. You can text “Fire Aid” to 720-740-0620 to donate to this fund.
Constant PRAYER. We are going to invite you all to pray each day for the month of January that God will provide for these families. Let’s all set alarms for us to pray together at 11:00 AM. We can be like the church in Acts 1:14 where it is written, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer”

“Begin with the Word so the Word can Begin with You.”

“What is written in the bible about this?”

Psalm 119:105 (NLT) 105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 30: 5 - 6 (NLT) 5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 (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. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Peter 1:2 – 4 (NLT) 2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 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.

Read the Bible: Start with the Gospels (Matthew Mark Luke and John) start with the life of Jesus.
Read it with Others: Make sure you read it with other followers of Jesus that can give you guidance and direction as you read. A person you trust and have a relationship with.
Read it for Growth: The goal is to gain knowledge to live your life as a representative of Jesus in this world. The goal is to let the bible begin with you. Listen to this as I read:

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Can I say?

The Bible is God’s word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote the Bible. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspires it, it is the truth without any mixture or error. The Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks, we listen and obey.

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Week Three: 12/19/2021

Title: Lost in Labels

Bible: Genesis 35:16 – 20, Matthew 16:13 – 20

Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) 21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

“Labels in Life don’t last only the words of the Father’s DO!”

Genesis 35:16 – 20 (NLT) 16 Leaving Bethel, Jacob and his clan moved on toward Ephrath. But Rachel went into labor while they were still some distance away. Her labor pains were intense. 17 After a very hard delivery, the midwife finally exclaimed, “Don’t be afraid—you have another son!” 18 Rachel was about to die, but with her last breath she named the baby Ben-oni (which means “son of my sorrow”). The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”). 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave, and it can be seen there to this day.

Genesis 32:27 – 28 (NLT) 27 “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” 28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

Matthew 16:13 – 18 (NLT) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

If you don’t like the label you are carrying with you, then listen to what the Father in Heaven calls you:

Do you carry the label, lonely? The FATHER says you are LOVED. Romans 8:35 – 37

Do you carry the label, abandoned? The FATHER says you are PROTECTED. Psalm 3:3

Do you carry the label, broken? The FATHER says you are a MASTERPIECE. Ephesians 2:2

Do you carry the label, weak? The FATHER gives you STRENGTH. Psalm 28:7

Do you carry the label, failure? The FATHER says you are an OVERCOMER. John 16:33

John 3:16 – 17 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

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Week Two: 12/12/2021

Title: The Shadow of Shame

Bible: Various

“the intensely painful feeling that we are unworthy of love and belonging.” By Brene Brown

“The shadow of SHAME disappears because of “The Light of the World.”

Genesis 2:25 (NLT) 25 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.

Genesis 3:7 (NLT) 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Exodus 3:8 (NLT) 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.

“The shadow of SHAME disappears because of “The Light of the World.”

John 8:12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

1 John 1:9 (NLT) 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Joshua 5:9 (NLT) 9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.

Hebrew 12:2 (NLT) 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

I am not _________________________. Because of Jesus I am ___________________________.

Romans 5:16 (NLT)16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.

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Week One: 12/05/2021

Title: Moving Past the Offense

Bible: Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:1 – 6,

“Moments of moving Past Offense MATTER when living on a Kingdom MISSION.”

Proverbs 19:11 (NLT) 11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Ephesians 4:1 – 6 (NLT) 1Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

I must move past being EASILY offended.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

I am moving past the BIG offenses.

Colossians 3:13 - 15 (NLT) 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Genesis 50:20 (NLT) 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power of love.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Week Four: 11/28/2021

Title: Bring Joy

“The JOY of the season starts within YOU”

Jesus

Luke 2:9 – 11 (NLT) 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

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Others

Luke 15:7 (NLT) 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Life in Six Words APP

Elevation Christian Church GROUP CODE: NT2H6T

You

John 15: 9 – 11 (NLT) 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

“When Christ died, he died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world.” - C.S. Lewis

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Week Three: 11/21/2021

Title: A God Sized View

Bible: Various

“Money Matters Reveal our Spiritual Maturity”

Proverbs 22:7 (NLT) 7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

The Hebrew word is eh’-bed which means servant, slave, in bondage. (strapped)

Psalm 119:45 (NLT) 45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT) 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Matthew 6:24 (NLT) 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

“Money Matters Reveal our Spiritual Maturity”

We are responsible to Jesus for our choices.

Luke 16:10 – 11 (NLT) 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?

Money can be a tool for change.

1 Timothy 6:18 – 19 (NLT) 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

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Strapped Week Two: Act Your Wage

Luke 16:13 (NLT) 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Luke 16:10 (NLT) 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?"

Embrace the Value of Self-Control

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) 28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

Embrace the Value of Sacrifice

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Embrace the Value of Planning

Luke 14:27-28 (NLT) 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

"You can wander into debt, but you can NOT wander out of it." Dave Ramsey

Three Financial Tips:

Create a Budget
Emergency Fund
Debt Snowball

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Week One: November 7, 2021

Title: Picking first?

Bible: Matthew 23:23 – 26

Proverbs 3:9 – 10 (NLT) 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Leviticus 17:30 (NLT) 30 “One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.

Matthew 23:23 – 26 (NLT) 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. 24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel! 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. 27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Tithing positions, me to pick Jesus FIRST.

Ezekiel 44:30 (NLT) 30 The first of the ripe fruits and all the gifts brought to the Lord will go to the priests. The first batch of dough must also be given to the priests so the Lord will bless your homes.

Malachi 3:8 - 9 (NLT) 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.

Tithing positions, me to put the WORK of HIS church as a PRIORITY.

Malachi 3:10a (NLT) 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.

Tithing positions, me to grow my RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.

Malachi 3:10b (NLT) 10 If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

“I would rather have 90% with God’s blessings, than 100% without.” Pastor Craig Groeschel

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Week Five: October 31st

Title: Hypocritical People

Bible: 2 Samuel 12:1 – 10, Galatians 6:1 – 2, Matthew 18:15 – 20

Hypocritical People

Matthew 23:28 (NLT) 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

2 Samuel 12:1 – 4 (NLT) So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. 2 The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. 3 The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. 4 One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”

2 Samuel 12:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”

2 Samuel 12: 7 – 10 (NLT) 7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. 8 I gave you your master’s house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. 9 Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife. 10 From this time on, your family will live by the sword because you have despised me by taking Uriah’s wife to be your own.

“Confronting a hypocritical person is the most caring thing you can do for them.”

Jesus lead me to confront to restore.

Galatians 6:1 – 2 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Jesus lead me to confront cautiously.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT) 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

Matthew 18:15 (NLT) 15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.

Jesus lead me to see when I’m the hypocrite.

2 Samuel 12:13 - 14 (NLT) 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. 14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.”

James 5:19 – 20 (NLT) 19 My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

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Week Four: October 24th

Title: Needy People

Bible: Acts 3:3 – 11, Luke 15:13 – 17

NEEDY PEOPLE

Matthew 25:34 – 40 (NLT) 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

“Needy people expect HELP so let’s not HURT, but point to HOPE.”

We help strategically. (Slide)

Acts 3: 2 – 3 (NLT) 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

Acts 3:4 – 6 (NLT) 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

We help with discernment.

Mark 1:35 – 27 (NLT) 35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 36 Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

You can’t say “Yes” often, if you don’t say “NO” occasionally.

We trust Jesus completely.

Galatian 6:7 – 8 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

People in need are not projects we help – they are people we love!

Psalm 70:5 (NLT) 5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay.

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Week Three: October 17th

Title: Critical People

Bible: Various Verses

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

CRITICAL PEOPLE

Proverbs 15:31 (NLT) 31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

“To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” Socrates

Job 16:1 – 6 (NLT) Then Job spoke again: 2 “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! 3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? 4 I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. 5 But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. 6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.

Sometimes You Don’t Respond

1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Proverbs 19:11 (NLT) 11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Sometimes You Respond Cautiously

Judges 8:1 – 3 (NLT) Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon. 2 But Gideon replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t even the leftover grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? 3 God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army. What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided.

“I never met a well-adjusted, happy, productive and positive person who constantly bangs out hateful comments on Facebook.”

Sometimes You Listen and Adjust

Proverbs 25:12 (NLT) 12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

ALWAYS work to Protect Your Heart

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) 18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Romans 14:12 - 13 (NLT) 12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

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Week Two: October 10th

Elevationcc 10+1 Anniversary Celebration

Bible: Leviticus 23:1 - 4, Matthew 25: 23, Luke 15: 32

“Celebration is NOT about OUR accomplishments but the provision of JESUS.”

Leviticus 23:1 – 4 (NLT) The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, which you are to proclaim as official days for holy assembly. 3 “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the Lord’s Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live. 4 “In addition to the Sabbath, these are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the official days for holy assembly that are to be celebrated at their proper times each year.

Matthew 25: 23 (NLT) 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Luke 15: 32 (NLT) 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”

“Celebration is not about OUR accomplishments but the provision of JESUS.”

Baptized 382 people approximately 35 people a year. #Lifechange
Daltons Teacher Lounge Makeover 7/26/10.
Dalton – Aurora Frontier – Marachek - Purchasing the Building – 9/29/16.
Save Our Youth – 2012 Back Packs and Christmas.
Free Market – Feeding 1,000’s of people since 2017.
Vision Trust Trip Partnership 40 kids sponsored.
Providence at the Heights/ Parking Lot 2020.
Ordained Four Pastors into Ministry.
Helped in Planting 2 other churches – Front Range and Cross Culture.
Milly’s Opened up in January 11th 2021.
Given away Three cars for those in need.

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Week One: October 3rd

Title: Controlling People

Bible: Matthew 16: 21 – 26,

Because we all know our first relational vampire and that person is the CONTROL FREAK

And you can identify the controlling person by the use of these two relationship bites, you ready?

Threats –

Guilt –

Matthew 16: 21 – 26 (NLT) 21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. 22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

“Human control causes confusion to the greater call of God.”

Know God’s greater call.

Matthew 16: 21 (NLT) 21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

“People pleasing means putting people’s opinions of you ahead of God’s calling for your life.”

Notice the confusion caused by control.

Matthew 16:22 (NLT) 22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

Call out the Control trap.

Matthew 16:23 (NLT) 23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

“The relationships you have are a combination of what you’ve created and what you’ve allowed.” Craig Groeschel

Matthew 16:24 (NLT) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

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Week Four – September 26th

Title: Better is a Good Name

Bible: Proverbs 22:1, 2 Chronicles 9:1 – 8,

Proverbs 22:1 (NLT) 1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 Chronicles 9:1 – 8 (NLT) 1When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She arrived with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind. 2 Solomon had answers for all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. 3 When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, 4 she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the Lord. 5 She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! 6 I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of your great wisdom! It is far beyond what I was told. 7 How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom! 8 Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”

“Character builds a Name; a Name doesn’t build Character.”

A good name goes AHEAD of you.

2 Chronicles 9:1 (NLT)1 When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.

A good name is CONFIRMED by you.

1 Kings 10:6 – 7 (NLT) 6 She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! 7 I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told.

“Some believe that sports build character. I believe that sports reveal character.” John Wooden

A good name is PRODUCED through faith.

2 Chronicles 9:8 (NLT) 8 Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”

Philippians 1:11 (NLT) 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Romans 3:23 (NLT) 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard

You are creating tomorrow’s legacy TODAY.

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Week Three – September 19th

Title: Better is Wisdom

Bible: Proverbs 16:16, 2 Chronicles 1:1 – 13, James 1:5 – 8

Proverbs 16:16 (NLT) 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

2 Chronicles 1:1 - 10 (NLT) 1Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful. 2 Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. 3 Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.) 4 David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. 5 But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. 6 There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it. 7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! 10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

2 Chronicles 1:11 – 13 (NLT) 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”

“WISDOM leads to ACTION; ACTIONS show WISDOM.”

James 1:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Trust & Seek God

Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Surround Yourself with Godly People

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) 20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Act on What you Know

James 2:21 – 23 (NLT) 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Receive Peace

Proverbs 1:33 (NLT) 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

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Week Two – September 12th

Title: Better One Handful

Bible: Ecclesiastes 4:6, Luke 12:15 – 21

“One open hand is BETTER than two TRAPPED fists.”

Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NLT) 6 And yet, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”

Luke 12:15 – 21 (NLT) 13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Open-handed living lets you Help.

Mark 1:31 (NLT) 31 So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

Open-handed living lets you Encourage.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Open-handed living lets you Give.

Matthew 6:3 (NLT) 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

Open-handed living lets you Praise.

1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT) 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

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Week One – September 5th

Title: Better is One Day

Bible: Psalm 84:1 – 10,

Psalm 84:10 10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Psalm 84:1 – 4 (NLT) 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! 4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

Psalm 84:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. 7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. 8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob.

Psalm 84:9 – 12 (NLT)9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed. 10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. 12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

“God’s PRESENCE brings us a BETTER life.”

Be with Jesus

Romans 13:14 (NLT) 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Be Still

Psalm 37:7 (NLT) 7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Be Strengthened

Acts 3:19 - 20 (NLT) 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

Be Together for Worship

Psalm 89:15 - 16 (NLT) 15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.

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Week Five – August 29th

Title: Don’t Listen to What’s Important

Bible: 1 Kings 12:5 – 14, Luke 6:46 – 49

Sign up: Use the Elevation Christian Church – CO App or go to MY ELEVATION and fill out the Better Group Form for this next series.

“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen Covey.

1 Kings 12:5 – 14 (NLT) 5 Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away. 6 Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” 7 The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. 9 “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” 10 The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11 Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’ ” 12 Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered. 13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors 14 and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!”

“Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place.” Simon Sinek

“Listening is not about your POSITION, but about CHANGE.”

Luke 6:46 – 49 (NLT) 46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Here are three things:

Listen through the Word of God

Listen through Prayer

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” Mother Teresa

Listen through Community

Philippians 2:1 – 3 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

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Week Four – August 22nd

Title: Opinions of Others Matter More

Bible: John 12:42 -50; Acts 11:1 – 9; Acts 5:29

Big Idea: “Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY”

“Lord, free us from our addiction to being liked. Because it’s far better to be loved.”

Scott Sauls

John 12:42 – 50 (NLT) 42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

“Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY”

Acts 5:29 (NLT) 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.

Acts 11:1 – 9 (NLT) 1Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. 4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. 6 When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’ 8 “ ‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean.’ 9 “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’

Acts 11:15 – 18 (NLT) 15 “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”

“Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY.”

Are we more worried about Human Likes than God’s Love?

Are we more worried about what people Say than what God says?

Are we willing to stop our personal objections and begin praising God?

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Week Three – August 15th

Title: Discipline Doesn’t Matter

Bible: 1 Kings 1:5-10; Hebrews 12:5-11

“Satan tells us that being disciplined is proof that God does not love us; but God’s Word says that discipline is the best proof that He does love us!”

“Discipline done with CARE is guidance to Disciplined lives.”

1 Kings 1:5–10 (NLT) 5 About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. 6 Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome. 7 Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah. 9 Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers—the other sons of King David—and all the royal officials of Judah. 10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

Hebrews 12:5-11(NLT) 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Biblical Discipline is rooted in Relationship & Care

6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Proverbs 3:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

No Biblical Discipline shows no Relationship & Care

8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.

Biblical Discipline is always for our GOOD.

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

Ephesians 6:4 (NLT) 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Biblical Discipline is painful but brings Peace

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

So what? Now what?

Accept the Discipline:

Proverbs 10:17 (NLT) 17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

Know Discipline is a blessing:

Job 5:17 (NLT) 17 “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.

Change because of the Discipline:

Revelation 3:19 (NLT) 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

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Week Two – August 8th

Title: Don’t be Patient

Bible: Numbers 20:8-12; Hebrews 12:1-3

80% of the people that responded rated themselves as being patient.

96 percent of Americans will knowingly consume extremely hot food or drink that burns their mouth; 63 percent do so frequently
More than half hang up the phone after being on hold one minute or less
71 percent frequently exceed the speed limit to get to their destination faster
Americans will binge-watch an average of seven TV episodes in one sitting
Nearly a third of respondents ages 18-24 wait less than one second before bypassing a slow walker
Gen Yers check their phones an average of eight times when waiting to hear back from someone they've dated
When waiting for a table at a restaurant, nearly a quarter of respondents ages 18-24 wait less than one minute before approaching the host again after the wait period has passed.

“Impatient Leaders Lack the Endurance to Finish”

Numbers 20:8 – 12 (NLT) 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”

9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

“Endurance is patience concentrated.” Thomas Carlyle”

Accept the Process

Romans 5:3 – 4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Strengthened in Spirit

Colossians 1:11 (NLT) 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

Focus on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1 – 3 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Seek the Blessing

James 1:12 - 14 (NLT) 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

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Week One – August 1st

Title: Responsibility Rejection

Bible: Genesis 3:1-12; Romans 5:15 – 18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Galatians 6:5

“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” John Maxwell

Genesis 3:1 – 13 (NLT) The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it. 13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

“Adams Rejection of Responsibility leads to Reconciling Responses”

Romans 5:15 – 18 (NLT) 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”

God Reconciles ALL

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT) 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

We RELAY Reconciliation to ALL

Start each day: Thanking God for His Reconciliation.

Make each day: An opportunity to Relay God’s reconciliation to another.

End each Day: Taking Responsibility for your Own Conduct.

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Week Four – July 25, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Go

Bible: Genesis 12:1 – 4, Hebrews 11:8

“Maybe the best decision you can make is to GO when it would be easier to STAY.”

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith… (American Standard Version)

Genesis 12:1 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.

Genesis 12:2-3 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed…

1. What Story does God want to tell with your life?

Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2. What step of faith does that story require?

Hebrews 11:8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.

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Week Three – July 18, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Stay

Bible: Ruth 1:15 – 17, Ruth 2:11 – 12, 2 Samuel 23:11 – 12, Galatians 6:9

Hebrews 12:2a (ASV) 2looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith,

I Decided to:

Start – Stop – Stay – Go

“You can make the decision to STAY when it would be easier to GO.”

Ruth 1:15 – 17 (NLT) 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Ruth 2:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

What does God want you to want?

2 Samuel 23:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, 12 but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

Where does God want you to STAY?

Why should we stay where we are currently placed?

Matthew 7:7 (NLT) 7 “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.”

How will staying change things?

Psalm 28:7 (NLT) 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

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Week Two – July 11, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Stop

Bible: Exodus 18: 17 – 19, Exodus 18:22b – 24, Hebrews 12:1 – 2

Hebrews 12:2a (ASV) 2looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith,

I Decided to:

Start – Stop – Stay – Go

“Dedicated Faith Declarations, Change Directions”

Exodus 18:17 – 19 (NLT) 17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.

Exodus 18:22 – 24 (NLT) 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

What does God want you to want?

What does God want you to stop?

Trust Jesus for Direction

Matthew 6:33 - 34 (NLT) 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Invite others to Help

Romans 15:2 (NLT) 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Declare by faith to Stop

Hebrews 12:1 – 2 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion (author) who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

“Sometimes you need to just stop so that you can see things new.”

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Week One – July 4, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Start

Bible: Daniel 6:1 – 3, Daniel 6:4 – 5, Daniel 6:10

“Daily decisions deliver a destination of results in your story.”

Hebrews 12:2a (ASV) 2looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith,

I Decided to:

Start – Stop – Stay – Go

Daniel 6:1 – 3 (NLT) 1 Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

Daniel 6:4 – 5 (NLT) 4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

Daniel 6:10 (NLT) 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

“What does Jesus want you to want?”

Faith

Family

Finances

Physical

“What ONE thing do you need to start?

"Motivation often comes after starting, not before. Action produces momentum." James Clear

Psalm 144:1 (NLT) 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.

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Week Four – June 27, 2021

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

Bible: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

“God gives YOU more than you can handle so you see it’s NEVER more than HE can handle.”

2 Corinthians 1:3 – 10 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

PRAISE GOD for Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

STAND in His Strength

1 Corinthians 1:25 (NLT) 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Be SATISFIED in Weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT) 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Be a COMFORTER.

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

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Title: Father’s Day

Main Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 139:7-12; Hebrews 13:5

Luke 15:11 – 32 (NLT)11To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.13“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.17“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.25“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’28“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’31“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

The Father was Available

Luke 15:11 – 12 (NLT) 11To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

Psalms 139: 7 – 9 (NLT) 7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

The Father was Generous

Luke 15:22 - 24 (NLT) 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

The Father was Influential

Luke 15:16 – 19 (NLT) 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

The Father was Forgiving

Luke 15: 20 – 24 (NLT) 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

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Week Two – June 13, 2021

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “Don’t JUDGE me.”

Bible: Matthew 7:1 – 6, 1 Corinthians 5:9 -13

“Judgement is about Superiority; Assessment is a Relational Response.”

Matthew 7:1 – 6 (NLT) “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. 6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Judgment comes from God

Romans 2:6 (NLT) 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done.

Luke 6:37 (NLT) 37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

Judgment begins with SELF

1 Corinthians 5:9 – 13 (NLT) 9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

Assessment is a Relational Response

Matthew 7:6 (NLT) 6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

1 Corinthians 5: 12 (NLT) 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.

Matthew 18: 15 – 18 (NLT) 15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. 18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

Things to think about:

Seek self-judgment when I start to judge others.
Think am I judging that person because I can or because I care.
Assessment is a relational process that is about winning the person back not winning a fight.

Colossians 1:28 (NLT) 28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

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Week One – June 6, 2021

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “God helps those who help themselves.”

Bible: Romans 8:1 – 3, Matthew 6:25-33, Matthew 7:7 – 8

“God helps those who help themselves.”

Romans 8:1 – 3 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

God helps those who realize they CAN’T help themselves.

Matthew 6:25 – 33 (NLT) 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

God helps those who realize it’s about His KINGDOM first.

Matthew 7:7 – 8 (NLT) 7 “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. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

God helps those who TRUST Him.

The real tragedy is that most people never trust God until they have to, and then they have no experience to fall back on” - Rick Warren

Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We need to:

Show Jesus is our strength in our weakness.

Show the Kingdom of Jesus is our priority.

Show how we trust Jesus in all things.

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Week Three – May 30, 2021

Title: The Horrors of Hell

Bible: Luke 16:19 - 31

“What you believe about Eternity determines How you live today.”

Matthew 7:13 – 14 (NLT) 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Luke 16:19 – 31 (NLT)19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ 27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

“Understanding the reality of Hell leads you to appreciate the grace of the Gospel”

In Hell the rich man is fully AWARE.
In Hell the rich man is knows he is eternally PLACED.
In Hell the rich man knew his suffering was JUST.
In Hell the rich man wanted his family to know JESUS.

John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 6:23 (NLT) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 – 9 (NLT) 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.

Luke 15:7 (NLT) 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

John 10:10 (NLT) 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Questions to Answer:

Has the Reality of HELL challenged your comfort? Why or why not?

Who has God placed on your heart right now?

Who are you going to share the gospel with today?

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Date: 5/23/21

Title: The Glory of Heaven

Text: 1 Cor 2:19, John 14:1-6, Rev 21:1-5, 7

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor 2:9 NLT

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:1-6

Heaven is boring

Heaven is a place of unimaginable beauty (Rev 21:15-21). “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Heaven, we will see God and Jesus face to face.

Heaven, we will have new and perfect bodies. 42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 1 Cor 15:42-43

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”… Rev 21:4-5

This world is my home

18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Cor 4:18

Most people are going to heaven anyway

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. …” Romans 3:23-25 NLT

WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT ETERNITY DETERMINES HOW YOU LIVE TODAY.

5 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Cor 15:55, 57-58

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Week One: 5/16/2021

Title: LIFE AFTER DEATH

BIBLE: Various

Our Physical Bodies Die
Our Souls Separate from Our Physical Bodies
We Will All Face Judgement

"What you believe about eternity determines how you live today"

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NLT) For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Matthew 10:28 (NLT) 28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

John 11:25-26 (NLT) 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Revelation 20:11-12 (NLT) 11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.

Final Questions:

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
Are you living today with eternity in mind?

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Week One – May 9, 2021

Title: The Power of Parenting: Mother’s Day

Bible: 1 Samuel 1:1 – 18

“Motherhood is a Majestic Mess of God’s Grace”

1 Samuel 1:2 – 9 (NLT) 2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3 Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at that time were the two sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas. 4 On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. 5 And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children. 6 So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. 7 Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. 8 “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?”

1 Samuel 1:9 – 18 (NLT) 9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” 12 As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. 14 “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” 15 “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 17 “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” 18 “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

Culture creates Confusion

1 Samuel 1:2 (NLT) 2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.

1 Peter 3:3 – 4 (NLT) 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Humans Have a Habit of Hurt

1 Samuel 1:7 (NLT) 7 Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.

Romans 3:10 – 18 (NLT) 10 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” 13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “They rush to commit murder. 16 Destruction and misery always follow them. 17 They don’t know where to find peace.” 18 “They have no fear of God at all.”

Philippians 2:2 – 4 (NLT) 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Pain Shifts Priorities

1 Samuel 1:11a (NLT) 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.

Hebrews 11:11 – 13 (NLT) 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Grace Grants the Majestic

1 Samuel 1:19 – 20 (NLT) 19 The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, 20 and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”

Jude 1:25 (NLT) 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

Romans 4:18 – 22 (NLT) 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

What cultural expectation has created confusion in life?

What area of pain in my life can I allow to change my priority?

Where can I extend the majestic grace of God to another?

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Week One – May 2, 2021

Title: Unstoppable Mission

Bible: Acts 2:32 – 47

Matthew 11:12 (NLT) And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.

Elevation Christian Church’s Mission:

“Engage people so they can experience life change in Jesus.”

“We are NOT the original church but an expression of the original church FOR today.”

Acts 2:32 – 47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Everyone is INVITED (New Follower)

John 4:28 – 30 (NLT) 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

Matthew 4:19 (NLT) 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Everyone is GROWING (Growing Follower)

Philippians 1:9 (NLT) 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

Acts 2:46 – 47 (NLT) 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Everyone is NEEDED (Multiplying Follower)

I Corinthians 12:20 – 21 (NLT) 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

Galatians 5:13 – 14 (NLT) 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Everyone must GO (Catalytic Follower)

Matthew 28:19 – 20 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

So, the question is where do you see Jesus leading you when it comes to this mission, what step do you need to take?

What three people are you going to invite to be here next week for Mother’s Day?
What team are you going to serve on here at Elevationcc?
Are you willing to be sent to start another venue where people can hear the gospel?

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Week Four – April 25, 2021

Title: Truth Be Told

Bible: 2 Corinthians 4:7 – 12, 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18

Here is the chorus to the song Truth Be Told:

I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not I'm broken

And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not And you know it

I don't know why it's so hard to admit it When being honest is the only way to fix it

There's no failure, no fall There's no sin you don't already know So let the truth be told

Lie number one you're supposed to have it all together And when they ask how you're doing Just smile and tell them, "Never better"

Lie number 2 everybody's life is perfect except yours So keep your messes and your wounds And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors

2 Corinthians 4:7 – 12 (NLT) 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

In the song Truth be Told Matthew West writes:

There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it 'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded

But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals Like me

2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18 (NLT) 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

“FINE always fails unless it is centered in FOREVER TRUTH”

Fragile

Psalm 43:18 (NLT) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Insightful

Ephesians 1:17 (NLT) asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Never Ending

2 Corinthians 2:18 (NLT) 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Embracing

John 13:35 (NLT) Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

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Week Three – April 18, 2021

Title: Relationship Lyrics

Bible: Luke 15:11 – 32, 2 Corinthians 2:1 – 5

“Minefields’ examines what we, as humans, are willing to do to reunite with a loved one – whoever it may be. It poses the question, during times of desperation or despair, what risks are we willing to take, driven by the power of love? This is especially poignant during these trying times.” By Faouzia

The chorus is this:

These minefields that I walk through What I risk to be close to you These minefields keeping me from you What I risk to be close to you

“Relationship Risk comes with Release, Receive, & Restore.”

Luke 15:11 – 13 (NLT) 11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.

Luke 15: 17 – 19 (NLT) 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”

Now this might be a mistake That I'm calling you this late But these dreams I have of you ain't real enough

Started bringing up the past How the things you love don't last Even though this isn't fair for both of us

Luke 15: 20 (NLT) 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Luke 13:31 – 32 (NLT) 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’

“Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance, grace gave him a feast.” By Max Lucado

2 Corinthians 2:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

In the song Minefields they wrote:

I didn't notice what I lost Until all the lights were off And not knowing what you're up to tortured me

Now this might be a mistake We're broken in so many ways But I piece us back together slowly

2 Corinthians 2:510 (NLT) 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Are there any relationships that we are trying to hold onto that need release?

Is there a person that you need to receive back into your life?

What are you willing to do to restore things?

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Week Two – April 11, 2021

Title: Beyond the Lyrics

Bible: Various

“What Other People Say

I used to call my mom every Sunday So she knew her love wasn't far away But now I'm all messed up out in LA 'Cause I care more about what other people say

I used to not take chances with God's name But it's been so long since I last prayed And now I'm all messed up and my heart's changed 'Cause I care more about what other people say

Isaiah 29: 16 (NLT) How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”?

Romans 9:20 (NLT) 20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?”

“A Distortion of Design will always Conflict with the Creator.”

Sam Fischer jumps into the song and he sings his verse:

I wish I could shelter the boy I knew From the constant hell I put him through 'Cause I'm all grown up and I'm black and blue I could use some tape, I could use some glue

Sam Fischer is looking for a repair, for the ability to keep things barely together after all that he experienced in his younger days. Jesus is about restoration, rejuvenation. It is not just about taking the distorted/damaged creation and taping it together he is about taking that creation and making it like NEW. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus:

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

“The Creation understands its value from the Creator it’s a Masterpiece.”

Psalm 139:14 – 17 (NLT) 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

God loves you deeply. Romans 5:8

God values you highly. 1 John 3:1 – 2

God provides for you fully. Phil 4:19

God planned you carefully. Eph. 1:3 - 5

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

I used to not take chances with God's name But it's been so long since I last prayed And now I'm all messed up and my heart's changed 'Cause I care more about what other people say 'Cause I care more about what other people say

“Your gifts lie in the place where your values, passions and strengths meet. Discovering that place is the first step toward sculpting your masterpiece, Your Life.” Michelangelo

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Week One – April 3rd & 4th Easter 2021

Title: Music Makes Us Think

Bible: John 12:23 – 27, Matthew 26:39, Hebrews 12:2 - 3

Sam wrote in the chorus and the second verse:

It's been a long A long time coming But I know a change gonna come Oh, yes it will

It's been too hard living But I'm afraid to die 'Cause I don't know what's up there Beyond the sky

John 12:23 & 24 (NLT) 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.

“Our most meaningful times in life generally follow the most difficult trials”

In the song the next lyric is:

Then I go to my brother And I say, brother, help me please But he winds up, knockin' me Back down on my knees

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!

Matthew 26:39 (NLT) 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Difficult trials lead to distractions that challenge us.

The last verse in Change is Gonna Come is this:

Oh, there been times that I thought I couldn't last for long But now I think I'm able, to carry on

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!

Purpose pushes us to press on.

Hebrews 12:2 – 3 (NLT) 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

It takes a death to have a resurrection.

It takes pain to have progress.

It takes a trial to have a testimony.

It takes a hurt to have a healing.

It takes a struggle—to have a story worth telling.

It's been a long A long time coming But I know a change gonna come Oh, yes it will

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Week Four – March 28, 2021

Title: Together is Never too much

Bible: Romans 12:1–8; Ephesians 4:11–12

“It’s Ok, to not Be Ok. But Jesus doesn’t want you to Stay that Way.”

“BROKEN people change through the BOND of BOLD community.”

Romans 12:1 – 3 (NLT) 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. 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Romans 12:4 – 8 (NLT) 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Ephesians 4:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Sacrifice Self

Mark 8:34 (NLT) 34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

Learn New

Romans 12:2 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.

Colossians 3:10 (NLT) 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Belong

Romans 12:4 (NLT) 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Serve Well

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

1 Romans 12:11 (NLT) 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Build Up

1 Thessalonians 5:10 – 12 (NLT) Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

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Week Three – March 21, 2021

Title: Common Help

Bible: Philippians 4:1–9

“Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .” by C.S. Lewis

“Going beyond SELF requires BOLD community”

Philippians 4:1 – 9 (NLT) 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

B – Biblical Truth

John 17:7 (NLT) Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

John 8:44 (NLT) 44For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Romans 1:25 (NLT) They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.

O – Open

Mark 8:32a (NLT) As he talked about this openly with his disciples . . .

Colossians 4:6 (NLT) Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

L – Loving

Philippians 2:2 (NLT) Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

D – Devoted

Choose a church.

Commit. Love. Serve. Maturity.

Don’t choose a church.

Drift. Self. Take. Immaturity.

Formation happens through commitment. By John Tyson (Author)

James 1:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

Questions for the week:

Am I truly seeking to be a part of the common help of the church?

What part of being BOLD do I need to focus on this week?

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Week Two – March 14, 2021

Title: The Health of Struggle

Bible: Various

1 in 4 people are touched by mental illness and that there are over 3.5 million homeless mentally ill people in the US.

“Struggles are Knots in life that lead us to Awareness”

Spiritual Struggles

Knot of Unbelief:

John 16:9 (NLT) 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.

Knot of the Unseen:

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Life Struggles

Knot of a Broken World:

Romans 8:20 – 22 (NLT) 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Knot of Broken People:

Mark 7:20 – 23 (NLT) 20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

Image Struggles

Knot of Self-image

Genesis 3:7 (NLT) 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Knot of Others & Comparison

2 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT) 12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

Open Our Minds

Romans 8:5 – 7 (NLT) 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.

Open Our Eyes

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NLT) 16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!

Open Our Hearts

Romans 5:5 (NLT) 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

John 16:33 (NLT) 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Two things to think about:

Do the struggles in everyday life feel too much for me to handle?

How can I help others that are dealing with the struggles of life?

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Week One – March 7, 2021

Title: Being Helpless is Helpful

Bible: Ezekiel 34:4 – 8, John 10: 11 – 16, Acts 20: 28 – 32,

“When someone comes forward at church with cancer, Christians can’t collapse fast enough around that person to help them. Yet when someone comes forward with depression, Christians can’t back up fast enough or blame their lack of faith.” Dr. Jeremiah Johnston

“Understanding Needs, Needs Understanding from the Shepherd”

Ezekiel 34: 4 – 8 (NLT) 4 You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty. 5 So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal. 6 They have wandered through all the mountains and all the hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them. 7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn’t search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve.”

John 10: 11 – 16 (NLT) 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So, I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

Acts 20:28 – 32 (NLT) 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

An Unprotected Heart & Mind

Romans 8:6 (NLT) 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Unreceived & Unshared Grace

Hebrews 12:15 (NLT) 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Acts 20:24 (NLT) 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

“I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.” C.S. Lewis

Two questions for you:

What is the challenge here for you today?

Who are you willing to speak with this week about the hurt in your life?

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Week Three – February 28, 2021

Title: Discipleship is Never Done!

Bible: Mark 16:1–8

“Following Jesus never has a FINISH”

Mark 16:1 – 8 (NLT) 1Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died. 8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. Then they briefly reported all this to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.

Start by listening to. . . JESUS

Mark 4:24 – 25 (NLT) 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Bible: What scripture is the Holy Spirit using to teach you something?

Attention: What am I learning about Jesus?

Saying: What is Jesus saying to me?

Invite: What am I going to do about it?

Care: What need am I going to meet or relationship am I going to care & cultivate?

Share: With whom am I going to share my story and God’s story?

Stop focusing on . . . OBSTACLES.

Mark 16: 3 (NLT) 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”

2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT) 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

“The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the leader adjusts the sails.” John Maxwell

Seek to live . . . AWESTRUCK.

Hebrews 12: 28 (NLT) 28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Stay on the . . . MISSION.

Mark 1:17 (NLT) 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

Matthew 28:18 – 19 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Questions:

What obstacle am I so focused on right now that I have stopped listening to Jesus?

How am I at living on the mission of fishing for people?

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Week Two – February 21, 2021

Title: The Cost to Follow

Bible: Mark 10:13–31

Philippians 3:20 (NLT) 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

"The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim Him with their mouths and deny Him with their actions is what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable." ~ Karl Rahner

“Kingdom values are about changing your WHOLE life, not just PARTS.”

Mark 10:13 – 16 (NLT) 13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

Mark 10:17 – 25 (NLT) 17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

“If you’re thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you’re embarking on something, which will take the whole of you.” - C.S. Lewis

Mark 10: 26 – 31 (NLT) 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Mark 10:43 – 45 (NLT) 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King Jr.

So here are three ways that we can live and fully embrace following Jesus in our everyday lives:

We should live with Childlike TRUST Not just CHILDISH.
We should live with total COMMITMENT not just CONDITIONAL.
We should live to SERVE not just take a SEAT.

Two Questions for us to Think about this week:

Where am I acting childish when it comes to my faith?

What areas of my life have I not totally committed to Jesus?

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Week One – February 14, 2021

Title: “Not from Here”

Bible: Mark 1:1 – 15

Philippians 3:20 (NLT) 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

“Disciples aren’t defined by their Residency, but by their Citizenship of Heaven.”

Mark 1:1 – 8 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ” 4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Announcing the New Kingdom

Mark 1: 9 – 13 (NLT) 9One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” 12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.

Acknowledging the New Kingdom

1 Corinthians 15:45 – 47 (NLT) 45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. 47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven.

Mark 1: 14 – 15 (NLT) 14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Authority of the New Kingdom

Authority over DESTINY: Mark 1:17 (NLT) 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

Authority over DEMONS: Mark 1:26 (NLT) 26 At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.

Authority over DISEASE: Mark 1:34 34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases,

This means if we have answered the call of Jesus to FOLLOW ME and we are learning to fish for people we are then called to live a “Consistent Kingdom Culture LIFE”. Which lead us too:

Announce Jesus Kingdom

2 Corinthians 5:18 – 21 (NLT) 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Acknowledge we are Jesus Kingdom

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Live by the Authority of Jesus Kingdom

Matthew 28:18 – 20 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Things to think about this week:

What kingdom am I announcing with my mouth and my life?

Am I living a life that is directed by the authority of Jesus, and Jesus alone?

Pastor Scott Bloyer mentions the Lifting Partner Reading Guide. If you would like a copy of that just email us at info@elevationcc.com and say LIFTING GUIDE.

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We were very fortunate to be able to have Joe Jones #43 from the Denver Broncos join us for Super Bowl Sunday. Take your time and enjoy Joe Jones talk about football, family, and faith.

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Week Four – January 24th

Title: Take the Risk

Bible: 1 Samuel 14: 1 - 15, Hebrews 11: 6 – 12,

Risk mitigation involves taking action to reduce an organization's exposure to potential risks and reduce the likelihood that those risks will happen again. Risk mitigation is one of the steps in risk management, which includes identifying the risk, analyzing the risk, and mitigating the risk

Matthew 17:20 (NLT) 20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

“Taking a Risk Activates Faith & Points to Jesus.”

1 Samuel 14: 1 – 15 (NLT) 1 One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. 2 Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron. 3 Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh. No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. 4 To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. 5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. 6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 8 “All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” 11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” 13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. 15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.

“Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” Author & Speaker Denis Waitley

Take a Risk

Hebrews 11:6 – 8 (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. 7 It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

Rely on God

Hebrews 11: 8 – 10 (NLT) 8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.

REPEAT

“The wealthiest place in the world is not the gold mines of South America or the oil fields of Iraq or Iran. They are not the diamond mines of South Africa or the banks of the world. The wealthiest place on the planet is just down the road. It is the cemetery. There lie buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were never written, and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential.” Myles Munroe

So here are a couple of things to think about this week:

Do you believe that nothing is impossible with God?

Are you willing to take a RISK and live out that belief?

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Week Three – January 17th

Title: Divide and Conquer

Bible: 2 Chronicles 20

Big Idea: “God Dreams will have Problems, that need God Provision”

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

“God Dreams will have Problems, that need God Provision”

2 Chronicles 20:1 – 3 (NLT) After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) 3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.

PROBLEM

2 Chronicles 20:6 (NLT) 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!

PRAYER

2 Chronicles 20: 13 – 16 (NLT) 13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. 15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

PRESENCE

2 Chronicles 20: 16 - 17 (NLT) 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

POSITION

2 Chronicles 20:22 – 24 (NLT) 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

PROVISION

We need to have a CLEAR VISION MAP:

What is the vision or dream that God wants you to accomplish?

Create a Clear Course – Vision or Mission Statement
Plan Your Goals – These become points of prayer.
Set a Time frame for Goals – If everything is someday then nothing gets done.
Divide the goals between possible (ME) and the impossible (GOD)

Things to think about this week:

What are the goals that need to happen for the God dream or vision?

When do they need to happen?

What is up to ME and what is up to GOD?

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Week Two – January 10th

Title: Get Clear about the Vision

Bible: Nehemiah 1:1 – 4, Nehemiah 2:11 – 15, Nehemiah 2:16 – 18

“Goals are dreams with work boots on.” Dave Ramsey

Top Three Reasons people are unable to finish their resolutions:

Lack of willpower or self-control
Forget or Lose Track
Laziness

Martin Luther had, “Pray like it all depends on God and when you are done, go work like it all depends on you.”

“Clarity leads to a Consistent Course”

Nehemiah 1:1 – 4 (NLT) In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.

Have Passion

Nehemiah 2:11 – 15 (NLT) 11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. 13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. 14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. 15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.

Pick a Problem or Need

Nehemiah 2:16 – 18 (NLT) 16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.

Clearly Communicate the Course

Two Questions to start with:

“What has God given me a passion for in life?”

“What need is directly related to this passion?”

Habakkuk 2:2 (NLT) Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

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Week One – January 4th

Title: Dreams & Visions

Bible: Genesis 37: 5 – 11, Acts 2:14 – 18, Galatians 2:10

Martin Luther King Jr. “So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

President Kennedy “The problems of this world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics, whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not?”

Billy Graham “Ask God to show you his plans, not bless your dreams.”

“God given Dreams & Visions Require Dangerous Faith“

Genesis 37:5 – 11 (NLT) 5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” 8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. 9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.

Share the DREAM

Beware the PROCESS

Psalm 105:19 (NLT) 19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

Expect God Sized RESULTS

Hebrews 11: 33 – 35 (NLT) 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.

Mark Batterson “You are one idea, one risk, one decision away from a totally different life. Of course, it'll probably be the toughest decision you ever make, the scariest risk you ever take. But if your dream doesn't scare you, it's too small.”

Be ready to Dream

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.

Two Questions:

What God dream or vision is burning inside of you?

How is this God dream or vision going to challenge you and change you?

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Week Three – Dec. 17th & 20th

Title: Timing isn’t Everything

Bible: Luke 2:21– 38, Galatians 4:4–7

“Divine Appointments bring Divine Implications”

Luke 2:21 – 32 (NLT) 21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Simeon’s Divine Appoint brought Divine Implications of FREEDOM.

Freedom from Religion

Romans 3:27 – 28 (NLT) 27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

Freedom from Sin

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)2 For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

(Share the Gospel)

Luke 2:26 – 38 (NLT) 36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Anna’s Divine Appointment brought Divine Implications of RESTORATION

Restoration to the Family

Galatians 4:4 – 7 (NLT) 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Restoration of Passion

Two Questions:

What divine appointment will you have in the coming days and weeks that will be implications for someone to experience freedom?

What divine appointment will you have that is going to help restore someone’s life?

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Week Two – Dec. 10th & 13th

Title: To Do Lists Need to Be Flexible

Bible: Matthew 1: 18 – 25, Luke 1:28 – 25

“The Christmas List”

“Personal Priorities change when God brings you into HIS PLAN.” (Slide)

Luke 1: 28 – 38 (NLT) 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 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. 36 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. 37 For the word of God will never fail.” 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Matthew 1: 18 – 25 (NLT) 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

God’s Plan is Intrusive

Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) 8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

God’s Plan isn’t Convenient

Mark 6:3 (NLT) 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

God’s Plan isn’t Contradictory

God’s Plan requires Response

Romans 10:9 – 10 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Here are two questions to think about:

Are you willing to be intruded upon when it comes to God?

How will you respond when He brings you into His plan?

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Let's take some time to reprioritize and reorganize the lists in our life so we integrate the Christmas Story in everything that we do. Let's start with the GUESTLIST.

Week One – Dec. 3rd & 6th

Title: Your Guest List Doesn’t Cover It

Bible: Matthew 2:1 – 2, 9 – 12, Luke 2:10 – 11

“Christmas leads the skeptic and the socially distant to be seekers!”

Matthew 2:1 – 2 (NLT) Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Skeptics seek through Signs & Stars

Daniel 2:48 (NLT) 48 “Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.”

Luke 2:8 – 12 (NLT) 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Socially distance seek through Experience & Emotion

1 Samuel 16: 11 – 12 (NLT) 11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

Luke 2:16 – 18 (NLT) 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,

Matthew 2:9 – 12 (NLT) 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

God led Seekers Show up Whenever

Am I ready and willing to receive seeking guests?

Can I share the story of Christmas to the skeptic and the socially distant?

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Week Five – Nov. 29th Thanksgiving Weekend

Title: Which way are you taking steps?

Bible: Luke 17: 11 – 19

Science of gratitude: When people are grateful, they experience “calm energy”—they feel more alert, alive, interested, enthusiastic. They feel more connected to others. Highly grateful people have a worldview in which everything they have and life itself is a gift—this leads to a different interpretation of experience: not taking things for granted, not getting used to positive conditions. Gratitude also serves as a stress buffer; grateful people are less likely to experience envy, anger, resentment, regret and other unpleasant states that produce stress and thwart positive emotions. So, whether things are going well or poorly, gratitude is an effective approach to life.

Luke 17: 11 – 19 (NLT) 11 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

“Stepping back with GRATITUDE is a powerful step forward in FAITH”

Where You Were

Luke 17:12 - 13 (NLT) 12 As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Luke 19:10 (NLT) 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

What Happened

Luke 17: 14 (NLT) 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

Psalm 103: 2 – 4 (NLT) 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

Who You are Now

Luke 17:19 (NLT) 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Jeremiah 17:14 (NLT) 14 O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!

Hebrews 13:15 (NLT) 15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

“Five Things You Are Grateful for in your life.”

Every day this week then Thank God for them in prayer.

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Week Four – Nov. 29th (No Thursday Experience Thanksgiving

Title: A Wonderful Life is available!

Bible: Proverbs 3:9 – 10 (God first), Malachi 3:8 – 10 (Trust God), 2 Corinthians 9:10 – 11 (Live Generous)

“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.”

“Tithing first, creates trust that is lived out daily.”

Proverbs 3:9 – 10 (NLT) 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Give to God First

Malachi 3:8 – 12 (NLT) 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Trust God with it ALL

“When we eat out, most of us expect to tip the waiter or waitress 15 percent. When we suggest 10 percent as a minimum church offering some folks are aghast.”

Felix A. Lorenz Jr.

Matthew 23:23 (NLT) 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

LIVE Generous daily

2 Corinthians 9:10 – 12 (NLT) 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

Four Month GIVING Challenge (CLICK HERE)

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Week Three – Nov. 19th & 22nd

Title: For Richer or Poorer is that true?

Bible: Matthew 19:5 (One), Luke 12:34 (Treasure), Hebrews 13:4 (Faithfilled)

“Split what? We don’t own any of the stuff around here, all we have is debt and I would be glad to split that with you fifty-fifty.” Brad Sexton

“Talk is cheap. It’s the silence that’s expensive . . . communicating about your money will better your financial life and help you and your spouse build not just a stronger bank balance, but a more robust relationship.” Jeff Opdyke

“Relationships are HONORED through Faith Filled Financial UNITY.”

Matthew 19:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

UNITY

The Five Financial Personalities:

Big Spenders
Savers
Shoppers
Debtors
Investors

Proverbs 18:13 (NLT) 13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Luke 12:34 (NLT) 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

TREASURE

1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

“Selfish financial choices carry the consequences financially and relationally.” Pastor Scott Bloyer

Hebrews 13:4 – 5 (NLT) 4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

FAITHFILLED

Proverbs 10:16 (NLT) 16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

Are you in a relationship where you are unified in your finances?

What are you willing to do to make sure your faith and finances enhance your life?

Here is a great article where I found some of the information for this weekend.

https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-money-and-relationships

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Week Two – Nov. 12th & 15th

Title: Shopaholics teach tough Lesson

Bible: Deuteronomy 28:12 – 14, Proverbs 22:7,

“They were beautiful and they didn’t even need any money they had magic cards.” Rebecca from Confessions of a Shopaholic

DEBT – Dumb – Explanation – for Buying – Things

Proverbs 22:7 (NLT) 7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

“DEBT is a decision-based in Desire, not Direction.”

Deuteronomy 28:12 – 14 (NLT) 12 The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. 13 If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. 14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today, nor follow after other gods and worship them.

Don’t Even Buy That

“Three DIRECTIONS to Eliminate DEBT”

Commit to God & Yourself (Spouse) to remove Debt

Debt Elimination Declaration

“Lord Jesus today as I live life, I am going to trust in you for all things, I am declaring today that I give the Holy Spirit the freedom to change my heart and my attitude about my finances. That I will seek to live out what it means to be content in every decision I make financially. That I will be able to confidently remove debt in my life because you are guiding me every step of the way giving me the strength and the integrity to lead and not follow. Jesus, I declare that I will be generous in my life not because I have to but because I want to because of what you have done for me. Jesus today I seek to fight to the finish in my finances until I am debt free and able to celebrate how you have led me to a life of financial freedom.”

Commit to Giving to God

Luke 16: 11 – 13 (NLT) 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Proverbs 11:28 (NLT) 28 Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

Systematically Pay off Debt

· Prayerfully Write Plan

· Use a Time Frame

Ecclesiastes 8:5b – 6 (NLT) 5Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, 6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.

Procrastination is the killer of many a mighty plan!

· Switch your lifestyle

· Have many Celebrations

“Debt keeps you stuck in the trap of using your FUTURE to pay for your PAST.” Mary Hunt Author of “Debt-Proof Living”

Is financial debt deviating you from the direction God wants you to go?

Do you have the desire to follow the directions to get out of debt?

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Sorry for the poor sound quality we are working on making this better.

Week One – Nov. 5th & 8th

Title: Wall Street is wrong!

Bible: 1 Chronicles 29:10 – 14, Deuteronomy 8:17 – 18

“Greed for a lack of a better word is good, greed is right, greed works, greed clarifies cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed in all of its forms, greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge of mankind.” Gordon Gekko WALL STREET

Ecclesiastes 5:10 – 11 (NLT) 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

“Our attitude about Money, reflects our attitude of Faith”

1 Chronicles 29:10 – 15 (NLT) 10 Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 13 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 15 We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

“The ABC’s of Financial Freedom” Pastor Barry Cameron

Lie #1: All the church talks about is money.

Lie #2: Money and things can satisfy me.

Lie #3: It’s my money and I can do whatever I want with it.

TRUTH #1: God gives you what you have.

Deuteronomy 8:17 – 18 (NLT) 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

TRUTH #2: God can take it all away.

Luke 12:16 – 20 (NLT) 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

TRUTH #3: Giving to God changes things.

Luke 6:38 (NLT) 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 – 7 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Here are the questions that I want you to think about as we finish up our time together today.

Who are you currently more like Gordon Gekko or the Congressman?

What are you going to do today with your fries?

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Week Four: ReNew The Vision Oct. 22nd & 25th

Title: Expand the Kingdom

Bible: Romans 10:15, Matthew 28: 18 – 20 (The Great Commission)

EXPAND

“Expanding the Kingdom means we GO into all the world right where we are!”

Matthew 28:16 – 20 (NLT) 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

“3D Kingdom Expanding Vision”

Declare

Romans 10:14 – 15 (NLT) 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Develop

Disciple

Matthew 28:19 – 20 (MSG) “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Mark through Baptism
Instruct them through Church

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Series: Renew The Vision

Title: Equip The Renewed

Idea: We EQUIP and Grow as We Go

“Engage people so they Experience Life Change in Jesus”

“How do I equip myself as I grow to enable myself to be utilized by Jesus?”

“How do we shift from expressing to equipping?”

Matthew 28:18-19 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 6: 6b – 12 (NLT) 6Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. 7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. 8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. 9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. 10 “Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. 11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” 12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.

Demonstrate
Delegate
Direct

Luke 10:17 (NLT) 17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

For more information about Elevationcc just CLICK HERE

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Week Two: ReNew The Vision Oct 8th & 11th Elevationcc’s 10-year Anniversary

Title: Encourage the Process

Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:9 – 22

ENCOURAGE

“IN process, BE the process, for ANOTHER’s process”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 – 18 (NLT) 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. (10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Honor the Leader

Acts 20:28 (NLT) 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.

Hebrews 13:17 (NLT) 17Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

Warn the Lifeless

James 2:17 (NLT) 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Matthew 7:20 (NLT) 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Encourage the Uncertain

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (NLT) We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Care for the Vulnerable

New Followers:

Hebrews 5:13 (NLT) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.

Growing Followers:

Romans 14:1 (NLT) Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

Live Thankful

Romans 8:28 (NLT) 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Colossians 3:16 (NLT) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Where are you at IN process?

Are you in community for ANOTHER’s process?

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Week One: ReNew The Vision Oct 1st & 4th

Title: Engage the Person

Bible: Luke 15:1 – 32

MISSION STATEMENT:

“Engaging people so they experience life change in Jesus.”

VISION STATEMENT:

“EQUIP teammates to EXPAND the Kingdom of Jesus.”

“People are LOST and God is calling you to See, Care, and Celebrate them”

Luke 15: 1 – 4 (NLT) Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! 3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

See they are LOST

Ephesians 2:1 – 2 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

Luke 15: 8 (NLT) 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?

See they all have VALUE

2 Peter 3: 9 (NLT) 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Luke 15: 11 – 17 (NLT) 11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So, his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

See they have NEEDS

Matthew 25:35 – 35 (NLT) 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Luke 15: 7 (NLT) 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Luke 15: 10 (NLT) 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

Seek the CELEBRATION

Luke 15:32 (NLT) 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”

Have you experienced life change in Jesus?

Have you led the lost to be found?

This week I want you to check out the message notes section on the Elevation Christian Church – CO App. There you will see that we have given you both a book along with videos on Right Now Media to take a look at when it comes to the Art of Neighboring as well as information about an APP that you can have on your phone that enables you to share the GOSPEL with the people you engage every day of the week.

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Week Two: The Bridge: Sept. 24th & 27th

Title: The Bridge to Development

Bible: Hebrews 10: 19 – 25

“Actively locked into community shows itself through Faith, Hope, and Love.”

Hebrews 10: 19 – 25 (NLT) 19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Let us go RIGHT into the presence of God (Faith)

Romans 3:22 (NLT) 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

It is when we are in a relationship with Jesus that we are able to:

Let us HOLD tightly without wavering (Hope)

1 Timothy 4:10 (NLT) 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

“When you frequently, and in numbers meet together, the powers of Satan are overthrown, and his mischief is neutralized by your like-mindedness in the faith.”

St. Ignatius

Let us not NEGLECT our meeting together (Love)

Galatians 5:13 – 15 (NLT) 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

John 13:35 (NLT) 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

“Are you dead weight in community or are you ACTIVELY locked in?”

“Does your love for other followers of Jesus show you are locked in with Jesus?”

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Week Three: The Bridge: Sept. 17th & 20th

Title: The Bridge to One Another

Bible: John 13:1 – 4, Luke 22:14 – 20

“Communion is the bridge from Self to Servant as we remember the Savior.”

JOHN 13:1 – 6 (NLT) 1Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

LUKE 22:14 – 20 (NLT) 14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.

SERVANT

Mark 10:43-45 (NLT) 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

BROKENNESS

1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (NLT) 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.

COVENANT

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NLT) 31 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord. 33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

REMEMBER

1 Corinthians 11:23 (NLT) 23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread

How are you serving Jesus and his church body?

What are you passing on to other followers of Jesus?

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Week Two: The Bridge: Sept. 10th & 13th

Title: The Bridge to Community

Bible: Acts 2:42 – 47

“Christian Community is to be a day-to-day joy not a once a week obligation.”

Acts 2:42 – 47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Devoted Themselves

Acts 2:42 (NLT)42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Together at Temple

Acts 2:46a (NLT) 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day,

“Together” comes from the Greek word, homothumadon meaning being as one, one mind and one heart.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

We have taken a lifestyle of community and turned it into an event to attend.

Met in Homes

“The experience of spending so much time in these common messes schooled Sparta's young men in the values of their society.” By Thomas R. Martin

Titus 2:2 – 6 (NLT) 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.

MY Venues if you are interested then email Pastor Scott at scott.bloyer@elevationcc.com title it MY VENUE

All the while Praising

Luke 2:38 (NLT) 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Being Saved

Acts 2:21 (NLT) 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

How are you devoting yourself to a day-to-day experience of Christian Community?

Who can you meet in your home with for a common experience?

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Week One: The Bridge: Sept 3rd & 6th

Title: The Bridge of Burden

Bible: Galatians 6:1 - 10

Big Idea: “Bearing another’s burden brings about character change and development.”

“Bearing another’s burden brings about character change and development.”

Galatians 6:1 – 10 (NLT) 1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Spiritually Mature

Hebrews 5:13 – 14 (NLT) 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Spiritually Self-Aware

Romans 12:3 (NLT) 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Spiritually Humble

1 Corinthians 10:12 -13a (NLT) 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful.

Followers caught up by Sin

Galatians 6: 1 (NLT) 1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Galatians 5:22-23a (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.

Followers overwhelmed by Sin & Failure

Galatians 6:2 – 3 (NLT) 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Followers willing to Shepherd

Galatians 6:10 (NLT) 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

1 Corinthians 9:13 -14 (NLT) 13 Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.

Followers that are Suffering

Galatians 6:10 (NLT) 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Romans 12:18 & 20 – 21 (NLT) 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Are you spiritually prepared to help someone with their burden?

Are you a follower in need of a burden-bearing bridge?

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The belief is that you can learn something from anyone. That means we are sitting down and having conversations with people from all kinds of different spaces with different faces.

This episode is with Hassan Latiff, Executive Director of The Second Chance Center in Aurora, CO. The Second Chance Center is a place where men and women that are returning from incarceration are giving the opportunity to never go back. Hassan spent 18 years in prison and came out to his family and came to the realization that he and others with like experience can help people as they transition from being incarcerated.

For more information on The Second Chance Center and the work they are doing with people coming out of prison and for prison reform, you can go to www.scccolorado.org

You are also able to purchase Hassan's book there as well by contacting them through the website.

Please make sure that you share this episode and hit the subscribe button as we have many more episodes coming your way. You can also find this on Apple Podcast, Podbean, and Spotify for your listening pleasure.

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Week Two: Breakthrough

Title: Releasing Breakthroughs

Bible: Mark 5:1 - 20

“The Greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

Verbal Kint, The Usual Suspects

“Releasing Breakthroughs happen to Proclaim Jesus Power!”

Mark 5:1 – 20 (NLT) So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. 6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” 9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. 11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.” 13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

Satan

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Ephesians 2:1 – 3 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

Society

Luke 8:29 (NLT) 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.

Mark 5:5 (NLT) 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

Savior

Luke 19:10 (NLT) 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Story

Mark 5:19 – 20 (NLT) 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them

“Who do you need to tell today about your releasing breakthrough? Who needs to hear that Jesus has the power to change their life?”

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Week Two: Breakthrough

Title: Breakthrough Conversation

Bible: John 4:3–29, Acts 8:4 – 8

“Gospel Conversations Change Communities into Communities of Change.”

Gospel Conversations happen WITH-IN our differences.

John 4:4 – 9 (NLT) 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

“A lot of times we want to get people to heaven whom we are not willing to relate to on earth.” Dr. Tony Evans

Gospel Conversations are LIFE GIVING.

John 4:10- 15 (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.” 11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 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.”

Gospel Conversations declare BIBLICAL TRUTH.

John 4: 16 – 24 (NLT) 16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” 21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Gospel Conversations CHANGE Communities

The Samaritans Community

John 4:25 – 30 (NLT) 25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” 27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

The Disciples Community

John 4:34 – 38 (NLT) 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

Gospel Conversations Change Communities into Communities of Change

Acts 8:4 – 8 (NLT) 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

“How has the gospel conversation changed you?”

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Date: 8/2/2020

Title: God Help Us Unite

Text: 1 Cor 1:10, John 17:20-21,23, Eph 6:12, John 10:10, Mat 28:19, John 13:34-35, Rom 15:5-7

One Point: Division brings defeat, but united we are unstoppable.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) I appeal to you, [beg, plea, urge] dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

divisions: schisma (skhis'-mah); a split, a division, a schism, a ripping or tearing apart

John 17:20-21, 23 (NLT) 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one… 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

Division brings defeat but united we are unstoppable.

One Enemy

John 10:10 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy…

One Mission

Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

John 13:35 (NLT) 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Romans 15:5-7 (NLT) 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony [total unity] with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, [because of what I’ve just said] accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Division brings defeat but united we are unstoppable.

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Series: God, Help Us Unite

Title: United We Stand

Main Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12

Supporting Scripture: Romans 12:15; Micah 6:8; 2 Chronicles 7:14; John 17:20-21&23

1 Corinthians chapter 12:12 “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ”

1 Corinthians chapter 12:26 (NLT) “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all of the parts are glad”

Romans 12:15 (NLT) “Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep”

Micah chapter 6:8: (NLT) “Now, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (see that justice is done), to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Do What’s Right, Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly

Admit Racism is Real
LISTEN
PRAY

2 Chronicles chapter 7:14 (NLT) “If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

John 17:20-23 (NLT) “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believer in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father and I am in you……I am in them and your are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me”

Love

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Week Five: Warrior (July 19th)

Title: Your Porn Battle Plan

Bible: 2 Samuel 11:1 – 4,

One Point (Big Idea): “Spiritual Battle Plans prepare us for physical PEACE.”

Acts 26:18 (NLT) 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

64% of Christian men and 15% of Christian woman watch porn monthly. 79% men between the ages of 18 – 30 years of age consume porn monthly.

“Spiritual Battle Plans prepare us for physical PEACE.”

2 Samuel 11:1-4a (NLT) 1In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her.

Overconfident

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT) 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

You are only as strong as you are HONEST & OPEN.

“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” By George Washington

ENTITLED

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT) 18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

Psalm 32:3-4 (NLT) 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Psalm 32:5 (NLT) 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

FREEDOM BATTLE PLAN:

Confess it to God
Share it with the right people
Remove the Opportunities
Get the necessary help
Let God heal the wound

“The enemy isn’t attacking you because you are weak! The enemy is attacking you because you are a warrior. And you aren’t a warrior because you always win, you are a warrior because you are always in the BATTLE!”

Joel 3:9–11 (NLT) 9 Say to the nations far and wide: “Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your fighting men advance for the attack. 10 Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors. 11 Come quickly, all you nations everywhere. Gather together in the valley.” And now, O Lord, call out your warriors!

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Week Four: Warrior (July 12th)

Title: We need to be Healed

Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:14 – 14, 2 Samuel 14:24, Matthew 3:16 - 17

One Point (Big Idea): “A Healed Warrior is an able Warrior”

Visual:

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”– Frederick Douglass

“Every boy, in his journey to become a man, takes an arrow in the center of his heart, in the place of his strength. Because the wound is rarely discussed and even more rarely healed, every man carries a wound. And the wound is nearly always given by his father.” John Eldredge (Wild at Heart)

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT) 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

“A Healed Warrior is an able Warrior”

And the way we to see this is by looking at two stories both of them having both a father and a son. One is a heartbreaking story the other is a heart healing story.

2 Samuel 14:24 (NLT) 24 But the king gave this order: “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.” So, Absalom did not see the king.

2 Samuel 18:33 (NLT) 33 The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.”

Matthew 3:16-17 (NLT) 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

God Affirms his Warriors

Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

God Loves his Warriors

John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God Forgives his Warriors

1 John 2:12 (NLT) 12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.

Affirm:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Love:

John 13:34 (NLT) 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

Forgive:

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

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Week Three: Warrior

Title: Be Strong & Courageous

Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, Joshua 1:1 – 10, Matthew 20:20 – 28

One Point (Big Idea): “Christ-Centered Courage & Strength comes in the Challenge”

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT) 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”– Martin Luther King Jr.

“Christ-Centered Courage & Strength comes in the Challenge”

Joshua 1:1 – 10 (NLT) After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Matthew 20:20 – 28 (NLT)20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked.

She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” 23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” 24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Listen through Submission

Joshua 1:7 (NLT) 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

Matthew 20:20 - 21 (NLT) 20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

Matthew 20:22 (NLT) 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Learn by Seeking

Joshua 1:8 (NLT) 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) 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.

Lead in Serving

Joshua 1:9 – 11 (NLT) 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Matthew 20:25 – 28 (NLT) 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founder of The Messy Grace Group where he helps churches love and foster community with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He's currently writing Messy Truth and has also authored God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace (where he discusses being raised in the LGBTQ community, following Jesus, and how loving others doesn’t require shifting beliefs).

A graduate of Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), he received his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary. In addition to having served as a lead pastor and associate pastor, Caleb has served on the boards of ministries and colleges. He and his family live in Southern California. Amy is a Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist

https://www.calebkaltenbach.com/

https://www.instagram.com/calebwilds/

https://www.facebook.com/calebwilds/

Besides speaking, writing, and consulting, Caleb has been guest with or featured in The New York Times, Fox and Friends, The Glenn Beck Show, The Eric Metaxas Show, Christianity Today, Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, Church Leaders Podcast, The 700 Club, unSeminary Podcast, Moody radio shows, Q Podcast, Dallas Seminary Table Podcast, and more.

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Week Two: Warrior (June 28th)

Title: Stand Firm

Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14,

One Point (Big Idea): “Taking a stand in the battle requires faith, friends, and fortitude.”

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (ESV) 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT) 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

“Taking a stand in the battle requires faith, friends, and fortitude.”

Ephesians 6:13 – 18 (NLT) 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Warriors Stand in Biblical Truth

Ephesians 6:14 - 15 (NLT) 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Warriors Stand Together in Faith

Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Philippians 1:27 (NLT) 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

Warriors Take a Stand when its TIME!

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

“I feel sorry for the man who has never known the bracing thrill of taking a stand and sticking to it fearlessly. Moral courage has rewards that timidity can never imagine. Like a shot of adrenaline, it floods the spirit with vitality” by Billy Graham

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

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After the death of George Floyd, I reached out to several of my African American friends to see how they were doing and how I could serve them. Out of a text message conversation with Justin came this interview, I wanted people to know that I was not doing this to grandstand because of what is going on in our nation. But that I wanted to simply have a conversation with a black man, a friend to understand more. I hope you enjoy this impromptu conversation with Justin Adams.

Make sure that you connect with Justin on social media:

Instagram: Justinadamstv

Twitter: justinadamsTV

Facebook: Justin Adams.

Please make sure that you take the time to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review so that we can continue to reach more and more people.

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Week One: Warrior (June 21st)

Title: The Warriors Way!

Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

One Point (Big Idea): The Warrior Way begins with WATCHFUL

Exodus 15:3 (NLT) 3 The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT) 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (ESV) 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

“The Warrior Way begins with WATCHFUL”

Situational Awareness

Nehemiah 4:14b (NLT) 14 Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”

Matthew 26:41 (NLT) 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Read the Room

James 1:27 (NLT) 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

A Distracted Warrior is a Destructive Warrior!

Ready to War!

Psalm 144:1 (NLT) 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. 2 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.

Revelation 19:15–16 (NLT) 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

If you want to watch this message online then just CLICK HERE.

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Week One: Disruptions. Pivots, and Me (June 14th)

Title: Disruptions, Pivots, and Me

Bible: Luke 8:22 – 25, Matthew 14:24–32, Mark 10:20–25, Matthew 7:24–28

One Point (Big Idea): Disruptions & Pivots reveal and point to MY faith foundation

“Disruptions & Pivots reveal and point to MY faith foundation.”

Disruptions reveal our Faith

Luke 8:22–25 (NLT) 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Jesus Calms the Storm Around You

Matthew 14:24–32 (NLT) 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

Jesus Calms the Storm in You

Pivots Point to What is Important

Mark 10:20–25 (NLT) 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

Luke 12:32–34 (NLT)32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. 33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Disruptions & Pivots reveal and point to MY foundation.

Matthew 7:24–28 (NLT) 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching

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Week Four: Not Afraid (June 7th)

Title: “Not Afraid to talk Biblical Truth”

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The Beauty of Unity is Ultimately found in Jesus”

Revelation 7:9–10 (NLT) 9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

Heaven is the ultimate expression of beauty of unity.

Galatians 3:26–29 (NLT) 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

The Church is to be an earthly representation of beauty of Unity.

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.

The Holy Spirit brought the beauty of Unity.

Acts 2:7–11 (NLT) 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia,10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

Genesis 11:6–8 (NLT) 6 “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.” 8 In that way, the Lord scattered them all over the world, and they stopped building the city.

Genesis 11:6 (NLT) 6 “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!

Genesis 3:5 (NLT) 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

The Beauty of Unity is Ultimately found in Jesus

Romans 5:18 (NLT) 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.

Ephesians 2:14 (NLT) 14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

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Week One: Not Afraid (May 31st)

Title: “When You Feel Anxious, Alone, and Afraid”

Bible: Psalms

One Point (Big Idea): What you call God reveals what you believe about Him.

Psalm 9:9–10 (NLT) 9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

What do you call God?

Psalm 9:9–10 (NLT) 9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

What you call God reflects how well you know him.

Psalm 22:19 (NLT) 19 O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! (Slide)

Psalm 31:5 (NLT) 5 I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

God, you are MY STRENGTH. God you are ALWAYS FAITHFUL!

Psalm 65:5 (NLT) 5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.

Psalm 75:1 (NLT) 1 We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 86:5 (NLT) 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

God isn’t just GOOD; He is SO GOOD!

God isn’t just READY; He is SO READY TO FORGIVE.

God isn’t just LOVING; He is SO FULL OF UNFAILING LOVE.

Psalm 118:28–29 (NLT) 28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

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What a great time learning about the art of being a neighbor. We all can see that in our current climate that being a neighbor is one of the greatest things that we can do. We had some technical issues with Dave's camera that is why I put in a picture. The content was so good I didn't want to have to redo the interview. Just remember you can learn something from anyone.

Dave Runyon helps faith, business, and government leaders unite around common causes in the Denver metro area. He serves as the Executive Director of CityUnite and as a consultant for businesses who have a desire to give back in their communities. Dave was a pastor at Foothills Community Church and The Next Level Church. In 2010 he launched a neighboring movement that has now spread to over 1,500 churches around the country.

Dave is a graduate of Colorado State University, where he studied history and secondary education. He speaks locally and nationally encouraging leaders to work together for the good of their cities.

Dave and his wife, Lauren, have four kids and do not plan to have any more. He is also the co-author of the book: “The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships right outside your door.” With Jay Pathak.

Here are the links that are mentioned in the interview: Art of Neighboring: https://www.artofneighboring.com/ City Unite: https://cityunite.org/

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We are going through a series called, "NOT AFRAID". Because when it comes to times like this we need to hear from God and nobody else.

We walk by Faith, not by Fear

John 14:1 (NLT) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

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.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.

We are Sacrificial, not Selfish

Acts 2:44–47 (NLT) 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

We shine the Light; we don’t Hide it!

Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT) 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

2 Corinthians 4:7–9 (NLT) 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

If you want to join us online each weekend just CLICK HERE you can always find out more about Elevation Christian Church - CO by checking out our website www.elevationcc.com we are also available on FB, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Paul Wright grew up in Eugene, Oregon where he started a relationship with Jesus. He graduated from Northwest Christian University. Paul was signed to Gotee Records. Debut Album Fly Away was recorded and released in 2003. Sunrise to Sunset was in 2005, Diego’s Diary was released in 2008 independent. Paul has also been on albums with Christian Artist Toby Mac. Paul had another band called, Rootdown and you can hear about new music coming from them.

Listen to how he finds inspiration and how he encourages people to write songs.

“I Believe” and released it on Easter during Stay at Home because of the virus.

You can reach Paul Wright on Instagram as well as Facebook.

Paul is working at New Hope Christian College in the area of Student Life.

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