Fellowship Church - Prairieville, LA: Recent Episodes
FC Ascension
Alive: From Death | Ezekial 37:1-8 & Ephesians 2:1-3
Look Alive: Live a life of joy, passion, and excellence.
We look alive because we are.
This death is real. (Ephesians 3:17-24)
- The nature is our birth; the actions are our choice.
Don’t dress up death.
- Repentance is dying to death.
Don’t return to death.
- Those made alive no longer desire to live in death.
Don’t judge decay.
- We are not better; we are different.
Don’t doctor decay.
- Speak life.
Alive: More than a Look
Ephesians 2:1-10 & Ezekial 37
Look Alive: Live a life of joy, passion, and excellence.
-We look alive because we are.
We look how we live.
-Love the provision. (Ephesians 1:3-15)
Love the Provider of life by loving the life provided.
-Love the making.
We cannot be joyful in, while begrudging, the making.
-Love being alive.
Do you love life in Christ?
7 Struggles of Suburbia
The Never-Ending Cycle of Indulgence
Winning is more than not sinning; it is wise living.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Is pleasure good? (Eccl. 2:24, 3:12-13, 3:22, 5:18, 8:15, 9:7)God is the Creator of pleasure. (Eccl. 11:13-14)
- The purpose of pleasure is greater than the experience of pleasure. (Prov. 20:1, 21:17)
Pleasure was created for our good to God’s glory. (Gen. 1:10,12,18,21,25,28-31)
- Pleasure in created things was created to cause our pleasure in the Creator and the Creator’s pleasure in us. (Prov. 28:7, 30:8-9, Eccl . 10:16-17)
The more we consume, the more we are consumed. (Psalm 78:29-31, Prov. 23:1-3)
- A driven pursuit for pleasure causes a diminished experience of pleasure. (Prov. 25:16&27,20:1, 23:20-21)
Satisfaction over gratification. (1 Cor. 6:13)
7 Struggles of SuburbiaGrudges: Holding and Healing
Proverbs 26:24-27
- Haters are both deceiving and deceived.
- Haters are not fully known nor fully trusted.
- Haters injure everyone, including themselves
Ecclesiastes 7:8-10, 20-22
Grace given causes forgiveness and forbearance. (Psalm 103:8-10, Prov. 10:12&19)
- Hatred dwells deeply. (Proverbs 10:17-18)
- We have the ability to affect how offended we are. (Psalm 130:3-4)
- Forgiveness is not necessary when offense is not taken. (Prov. 24:17)
The only remedy for grudges is grace. (Prov. 24:29)
- Remember all the grace given you. (Psalm 51)
Forgiveness is grace given. (Prov. 17:9, Psalm 103:12)
- Forgiveness is not an emotion, it is an ongoing state of being. (Prov. 25:21-22)
Imageries for Forgiveness from Wisdom Literature
- Covering (Psalm 32:1, Prov. 10:12, 17:9)
- Blotting Out / Erasing (Psalm 51:1,9)
- Cleansing / Washing (Psalm 51:2-7)
- Removing / Separating (Psalm 103:12)
- Not remembering / Not counting (Psalm 130:3-4)
- Healing / Renewal (Psalm 51:10&12)
- Reconciliation / Restoration (Song of Solomon 8:7)
Gossip: What, Why, & How
Winning is more than not sinning; it is wise living.
Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
-Words weigh. Weigh them before you say them.
-Words keep working. Words work long beyond their sound.
Say less. (Prov. 12:18, 13:3, 20:19, 29:20, Eccl. 5:2)
Love before you speak. (Prov. 12:25, 15:23, 18:21)
Say right things to the right people. (Prov. 11:13, 17:9, 26:20)
Never gain from the negative. (Prov. 16:28, Job 19:2-3)
True words can be sinful words. (Psalm 15:2-3, Job 6:25-26)Is this true? (Psalm 34:13, 101:5)
Am I right? (Psalm15, 141:3)
What is the good? (Prov. 12:18, 18:8, Eccl. 10:12-14)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30
Comparison is a trap that steals kills and destroys
Contentment is the key that disables the destruction
Envy rots my life…
If I can see the trap I can avoid the snare
If I am trapped by comparison, there is freedom in faith
If my heart is at peace it will give life to my body…
4 Thoughts about Comparison to Consider this week:
Don’t envy the sinful.
-Success at the cost of sin has no real significance or value.
-(Proverbs 23:17, 24:1-2 Psalm 37:1-2, 73:2-3, Job 5:2)
Don’t give value to what is without values.
-Do not put value to what someone has without considering the cost of who they are.
-(Proverbs 15:16-17, 16:8, 17:1, 28:6, Psalm 37:16, 73:2-3&16-17)
Don’t compare the good of self against the wrong in others.
-Be careful not to judge yourself on intentions and others on actions.
-(Proverbs 30:12, 21:2, 26:12, 16:5, 27:2, Psalm 19:12-13, 36:2)
Don’t judge yourself by your strengths and others by their weaknesses.
-Be careful not to judge yourself or others based solely on the things you do best.
-(Proverbs 14:21, 22:2, 23:10-11, 31:8-9, Psalm 41:1, 82:3-4, 147:3&6)
7 Struggles of Suburbia
Apathy vs. Empathy
Ecclesiastes 8:10-9:5
Winning is more than not sinning; it is wise living.
Apathy is from the loss of empathy.
Choose righteousness.
-In the end, it goes well for those who fear God.
Choose hope.
-Hope is a matter of conscience, not just circumstance.
Choose love.
-Hate hardens.
Choose good.
-Do well in the doing of good.
Why do I not care?
-Take care of your capacity to care.
-Proverbs 11:25, 15:13, 22:9, Psalm 41:1, 112:4-5.
Am I really this lazy?
-Doing well requires doing work.
-Proverbs 6:9-11, 18:9, 21:25-26, Psalm 82:3-4, 119:26
Does what I do matter?
-Changing one thing can change everything for one.
-Proverbs 11:24-25, 15:1, 25:11, Psalm 37:16, 147:10-11
Is it wasteful to help?
-Be wise in how, when, and where you help the unwise.
-Proverbs 23:9, 26:4-5, 29:11, Psalm 1:1-2, 37:7-9, 37:30-31
The Emptiness of EntitlementWinning is more than not sinning; it is wise living.Ecclesiastes 5:10-6:9The struggles of entitlement are deserving, demanding, and delighting.-Every good thing is God’s grace.Delights drive us.-When what delights us becomes what we deserve and demand, it loses its delight.Deserving is dangerous.-Having never satisfies the appetite to have; it increases it.Demanding destroys.-Faith is trusting in the person, not for the promise.Truths to Untitle the Soul…Am I being honest in humility?-Seek to be neither nothing nor everything.-Proverbs 1:19, 3:26, 11:2, 15:33, 22:29, 23:4-5, 28:1, 29:23Am I cultivating a healthy level of dissatisfaction?-Seek to be neither complacent nor complaining.-Proverbs 1:32, 13:4, 12:11, 14:30, 15:27, 17:22, 28:25,Am I nurturing genuine gratitude?-Seek to be neither unmoved nor unmotivated.-Prov. 6:6-8, 12:27, 14:23, 18:9, 21:25-26, 27:7, 30:15,Am I desiring right delight?-Seek to be neither self-righteous nor unrighteous.-Proverbs 3:7, 11:20&28, 16:2, 21:2&15, 28:26, 29:6, 30:12, Psalm 37:4, 119:14
The Struggle of BusynessWinning is more than not sinning; it is wise living.Ephesians 5:14b-17Be awake. Be aware. Be available.Ecclesiastes 3:1-14The moment matters…-This moment isn’t everything, but it’s not nothing.Time matters more…-Time will always be something we can never get back.Eternity matters most.-God did not create us for time; He created time for us because He created us for Himself.Struggle with these questions, truths, and verses this week:What comes first?-What gets our first gets our best.(Proverbs 8:34, Psalm 5:3, 143:8, 84:10, 92:1-2, 108:1-2, 119:147)What do I value?-What we do we value.(Proverbs 13:4, 10:4-5, Psalm 1:1-2, 46:10, 119:97)What am I avoiding?-What we avoid, we lose.(Proverbs 6:9-11, 12:15, 16:32, 20:4-5, Psalm 32:3-5, 139:7-12)Why am I hurrying?-What we hurry isn’t holy.(Proverbs 14:29, 19:2, 21:5, Psalm 27:14, 37:7, 106:13)
Twisted Truth: God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle2 Corinthians 1:3-14Embrace uncomfortable.Put hope to work.Life gets hard, lean in.Get simple.Get real about the real.Stay sincere.Stay right in the real.The strong are simple enough to be sincere and sincere enough to be simple.
Twisted Truth: Money is the Root of all Evil1 Timothy 6:2-10, Matthew 6:19-24Everyone serves someone.-Who we serve is the result of and revealed by our love and devotion.Money is not the problem.-Money is neutral; people are the problem.Real Money Problems:-Greed: Having what is good at the cost of not doing what is good.-Gain: Getting more for yourself without concern of the cost to others.-Recognition: Needing to be seen in a particular way by particular people.Real Money Answers:-Contentment: gratitude driven stewardship of all one has been given.-Investment: intentional stewardship of what one has into God’s Kingdom and causes.-Generosity: personal sacrifice for the good of others to the glory of God
Twisted Truth: Church People Are Perfect
Romans 7:14–25, Romans 3:23-24; 1 John 1:8-9; Philippians 1:6
Church people are not perfect – but redeemed.Romans 7:14–25 (ESV)
1: ALL OF US ARE GUILTY of SINNING.THE TRUTH ABOUT ALL PEOPLE, INCLUDING CHURCH PEOPLE.Romans 3:23–24
2: GOD REQUIRES CONFESSION, NOT PERFECTION.1 John 1:8–9 You don’t have to be PERFECT to be FORGIVEN, but you do have to REPENT.
HONESTY about our sin is ESSENTIAL.
THE TRUTH of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not that we’re sinless, but that we are forgiven and being transformed.
3: GOD IS NOT DONE WITH YOUPhilippians 1:6
WE ARE A WORK IN PROGRESS
Twisted Truth: God’s Grace Means No ConsequencesRomans 6:23, 1:18-25, 6:1-11Sin has consequences, not just punishment.Death is the right and righteous result of sin.Sin is death because God is holy.Sin wrecks relationships and reasoning.Eternal life is the good and generous result of grace.Grace is life because God is love.Jesus bearing the condemnation of sin does not remove the consequences of sin.
TWISTED TRUTH: I Am A Good Person Luke 13:1-5It's not about being BETTER or WORSE, it's about being INNOCENT or GUILTY.No one is INNOCENT (or GOOD).COMPARISON: I have more good.CANCELLATION: I have done enough good to cancel.COMPARTMENTALIZATION: Selective in our remembrance.CONTAMINATION: the mix affects the whole batch.Everyone is GUILTY.You can REMAIN guilty or RECEIVE forgiveness.
Twisted Truth: There are Many Paths to God.John 14:4-7 (-11)Believing in Jesus requires believing Jesus.-Jesus is everything or nothing he claims.Jesus is the only Way or he is not the way.Jesus is the Truth or nothing he says is truth.Jesus is the Life or in Him is not life.Believe entirely or deny completely.
Twisted Truth: God’s Plan Means No PainJames 1:1-18Every trial is a trail.-We choose the trails, not the trials.Counting joy is choosing Jesus.-Increased Patience.-Increased Endurance.-Increased Maturity.-Increased Wisdom.-Increased Faith.-Increased Perspective.-Increased Appreciation
John 18:37-38 / John 14:6Big Idea - Truth is not relative, it’s revealed. You don’t create truth—you respond to itJesus doesn’t point to truth—He is the truthIf Jesus is simply A way, He cannot be THE wayTwisted Truth in the church-Time – This life is short – James 4:14-Money – Kingdom treasure or earthly control - Matthew 6:19-21-Relationships – Discipling them or being discipled? - 2 Corinthians 6:14-Technology – Seek the kingdom, not comfort – Matthew 6:33
Twisted TruthsJust Me and JesusActs 2: 42-47Unraveling Bad Theology- Just me and Jesus. I don’t need the church.The early believers desperately needed one another, and they knew it.And today’s believers desperately need one another and have forgotten it.Church isn’t something we do, it’s who we are.-A body [1 Cor 12:12-14]-A family [Eph 2:18-22]-A building-A bride [Rev 19:6-9, Eph 5:29-32]-A flock [1 Peter 5:2-4]Christianity is a ONE ANOTHER faith.-Serve one another [Gal 5:13]-Show hospitality to one another [1 Peter 4:9]-Be kind to one another [Ephesians 4:32]-Encourage one another [1 Thess 4:18]-Carry one another’s burdens [Gal 6:2]It is impossible to live a Gospel centered life without a Gospel centered church!
Twisted Truth - Ephesians 1:13 & 2:1-10Ephesians 1:13-The same faith that saves you sustains youEphesians 2:1-10-Sin causes spiritual death-Salvation is spiritual re-birth that can’t be earned-God’s love goes beyond our goodnessTruth - God’s love towards me depends on His goodnessTwisted - God’s love towards me depends on my goodnessKnots form when our intense desire to be good causes us to work hard to do goodWorks are good things done to earn God’s approvalFaith is a life of trust that receives God’s grace
The Main Event: Never AloneMatthew 28:20The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.-The promise of with is personal.John 14:12-28, 15:4-5The Holy Spirit is a Person not a Power.-The promise of the Holy Spirit is His presence – with and in.-The power of the Holy Spirit is His presence – on, for, and through.-The Holy Spirit does not overpower, He empowers.-The Holy Spirit does not invade, He indwells.All who abide abound.
The Main Event: Teach AllMathew 28:20
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
2 Timothy 3:10-16
True of me before Truth from me.
What is seen as true is seen as Truth.
We lead others only as far as we follow.
Scripture is unique in authority, usability, and profitability.
Teach all to all.
The purpose is fullness.
Fullness is readiness.
The Main Event: Round To It
Matthew 28:19
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Romans 6:1-11
Baptism is …
-Confession: an expression of belief by one who believes.
-Identification: publicly uniting with Christ and His Church.
-Celebration: an act of gratitude for the gift of salvation.
-Crucifixion: a declaration of one’s death to self and sin.
Resurrection: a proclamation of one’s new and different life.
Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for the saved.
Matthew 28:19The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.Always going as you go.Always causing as God causes.Romans 10:8-17The Gospel is always specific, but never silent.Do you believe?-Jesus is God’s Son?-Jesus died for all sin?-Jesus rose from the dead?Do you confess?-You are a sinner?-Jesus is the Savior?-Jesus is your Lord?
The Main EventAll Authority | Matthew 28:16-18Big Idea: The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.Jesus has total and perfect authority.-He never loses.In Heaven- He has unlimited spiritual power.-He doesn’t negotiate with evil.On earth- He has unlimited physical power.-His mission for the church cannot be stopped.Over You- You have unlimited Kingdom potential.-Total authority demands total surrender
Matthew 28:1-10The Road to Freedom is built on the Bedrock of Forgiveness.I will not be ________.Be curious.________ is not in ________..Be authentic.________ is found in ________.Be changed.I know because he said ________.Be bold.
The Road to Freedom: The High Price of Freedom
Matthew 27:32-66
The road to freedom is built on the bedrock of forgiveness.
Jesus’ life was given, not taken.
- Faith is life given, not life taken.
Salvation requires substitution.
- In Christ the standard is not lowered; it is fulfilled.
- Receiving Christ’s perfection requires receiving His perfecting.
Freedom requires forgiveness.
- In Christ our sin is not forgotten; it is forgiven.
- Receiving Christ’s forgiveness of our sin requires forsaking our sin.
Forgiveness requires sacrifice.
- In Christ, salvation is not compromise; it is completion.
- Receiving Christ’s sacrifice requires receiving Christ’s standard
Deceived In Our DeceptionMatthew 26:57-68, 27:1-2, 11-31Ways we are deceived:-Deception of protection.--We protect our truth even when our truth is not true.-Deception of persuasion---We make choices based on what others think.-Deception of negotiation.--We often give to God what is easiest rather than what He has asked for.-Deception of perception.--What we think we know about Jesus often keeps us from knowing Jesus.
The Road to Freedom: The Story of 2 BetrayalsMatt 26:30-35, 47-56, 69-75, 27:1-10The road to freedom is built on the bedrock of forgiveness.The Heart Conditions of Betrayal:1. Selfishness2. ArroganceThe Emotional Conditions of Betrayal:1. Disillusion2. FearThe Responses Available after Betrayal:1. Shame2. ConvictionShame causes us to quit.Conviction causes us to start.
The Road to Freedom: The Last TimesMatthew 26:17-29The road of freedom is built on the bedrock of forgiveness.The Invitation to Freedom:1. Accept the truth of self.Forgiveness is given graciously.2. Take the substitute.Forgiveness is given legally.Matthew 26: 36-46The road of faith must be built on the foundation of truth.It’s okay to struggle with the plan.What do I do with sorrow of soul?1. Seek the Father.2. Find some friends.We need present friends, not perfect friends.3. Fight the flesh.4. Submit your spirit.
The Road to Freedom: Finding the Foundation for FreedomMatthew 16:1-16The road to freedom is built on the bedrock of forgiveness.Believing is more than knowing.What we know is not always what we believe.Believing is expecting.Believing requires listening.Believing is investing.Worship is worth it.Believing is remaining.Wickedness seems righteous when greed meets disillusion.
Matthew 25:31-46
The saved serve.
Serving is not how we are saved, but serving is how the saved live.
Loving the Lord means loving the least.
Loving Him makes us love “them.”
Faithful, Wise service is…
-Ordinary, not extraordinary.
-Extra in the ordinary.
-Doing the least of things for the least of these with the least expectation.
-Serving the Highest by serving the lowest because He who is Highest served the lowest.
Ready or Not: Well DoneMatthew 25:14-30The saved serve.Being faithful till the end begins with being faithful today.Fully received.Honoring is not earning.Everything is His.Fully invested.Those who fully receive what God has given fully invest what they have received.Keeping is not investing.Remember the joy before and the abundance beyond us.Entrusted is empowered.Empowered is ability and authority.
Ready or Not: The Cycle of Faith and FaithfulnessMatthew 25:1-13Waiting is work. Waiting is weird.Don’t waste the wait.The saved serve.Salvation is the result of sovereignty, not service; but service is the result of sovereignty, too.Faith is faithful. Faithful is faith.Faith. Faith-filled. Full of Faith. Faithful…
What Are You Waiting For?
Matthew 24
The Promise (v 29-31)
-Jesus is coming back!
The Problem (v 24:36)
-We don’t know when.
In the meantime, we will see the signs…
-Deception
-Division
-Devastation
The Preparation (v 44-51)
-Don’t let your waiting season be your wasting season.
-Focus on the promise, not the problem.-
Don’t live for WHEN. Live for WHO.
Righteousness, Religion, or Ritual?Matthew 23:29-38Hypocrisy is hollow.The unmasked life is full life.Guard life with, not from, truth.A guarded heart is moldable, not hardened – be open and available.Unmasked Truth-Accept the absolute authority of all Scripture.-Receive fresh, not new, teaching.-Obey in action and in Spirit.
Dealing with SelfMatthew 23:25-28Hypocrisy is hollow.The unmasked life is full life.A fake life will never be a full life.Integrity is when direction aligns with intention.Does the direction of my decisions align with the intention of my convictions?Unmasked Truth:-Substance over appearance.-Faithfulness over following.-Righteousness over recognition.Deal with self.-Dealing with self requires dealing with sin.-Dealing with sin requires dealing with stuff.
Matthew 23:23-24
Setting our own PRIORITIES NEGLECTS God’s priorities
We must DESIRE RIGHT, not just AVOID wrong
RECONCILIATION and RESTORATION should be pursued by us more than for us
Our DESIRE for right is not IMPACTED by the result
God’s FAITHFULNESS is that he is both MERCIFUL and JUST
Hypocrisy is hollow.The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of reward, not a kingdom of return.Live for the Reason not the result.Unmasked Truth1. Stop serving the sacrifice.2. God is good; good is not god.3. Only lead where you go.4. Steward well, but never serve, material things.The unmasked life is full life.
Unmasked: Leading is GoingMatthew 23:13-15Hypocrisy is hollow.The unmasked life is full life.Unmasked Truth:1. Enter first.2. Start close.3. Be genuine.4. Do the little.5. Lead with love.
Unmasked: Whole or Hollow?Matthew 23:1-12Hypocrisy is hollow.Hypocrisy is heavy.Unmasked Truth:1. Need not recognition.2. Foster dependency.3. Love loving.The unmasked life is full life.
Prince of Peace | Isaiah 9:6-7Peace is possible because:-God pursues.-God provides.-God preserves.What do we do with this peace?-Believe His peace don't abuse His peace.-Receive His peace don't achieve His peace.
Who is the Wonderful Counselor?Isaiah 9:6, 1-2What does Wonderful Counselor teach us about who the Lord is?-The Lord is wonderful beyond description.-The Lord is an Invested Advisor - One at cost with you in the decision.-The Lord does not just send light; He Himself is the Light.Wonderful Counselor is personal.Wonderful Counselor is not mutual.Wonderful Counselor is eternal.Know the Advisor, not just the advice.Love the Counselor, not just the counsel.
Who is the Wonderful Counselor?Isaiah 9:6, 1-2
What does Wonderful Counselor teach us about who the Lord is?-The Lord is wonderful beyond description.-The Lord is an Invested Advisor - One at cost with you in the decision.-The Lord does not just send light; He Himself is the Light.
Wonderful Counselor is personal.
Wonderful Counselor is not mutual.
Wonderful Counselor is eternal.
Know the Advisor, not just the advice.
Love the Counselor, not just the counsel.
Is First Great? Is Great First?Matthew 22:34-40Love is a choice.Love is not conditioned.First and Great LoveLove from God causes love for God and love for God causes love of God.Priority –Before.Purpose –Above.Power –Beyond.
Resurrection PerspectiveMatthew 22:23-33, 41-46Point 1 – Wrong perspective leads us in the wrong directiona. Godly perspective = Godly directionb. Worldly perspective = Worldly directionPoint 2 - New life happens NOWPoint 3 - Are you living like the resurrection is a CURRENT reality?Point 4 - God’s word is true - trust ita. Jesus is who He claimed to beb. He calls us to respond
Pay It | Matthew 22:15-22Deception entangles.Deception is intentionally evading truth.The Dangers of Deception1. Deception digs deeper.2. Deception darkens everything.3. Deception destroys integrity.4. Deception denies God glory.Pay the price.
Am I Underdressed? | Matthew 22:1-14We (the church) are responsible for the invitation.The invitation is for everyone!The invitation demands a response
Who owns this anyway?Matthew 21:33-46Strength comes from strength.Authority comes from authority.Honor the Owner.Faithful is fruitful.Live entrusted, not entitled.Be empowered, not in power.Seek to be faithful before successful.
Am I a Hater or a Hearer?Matthew 21:23-32Strength comes from Strength.Right comes from right.Change is hard.Change is hard because change is personal.Is this right? Is this real?Face the Truth.Conviction causes action.Embrace the Truth.Conviction overcomes emotion.
Diary of a Wimpy ChristianMatthew 21:12-17Strength comes from strength.Our strength comes from the Lord’s strength when we know our weakness.The righteous response to wrong is strong.Gentle, not soft.Humility, not apology.Kindness, not weakness.Standing Strong will bring…--Conflict – Disagree without dishonor.--Clarity – Clear without compromise.--Change – Truth with humility, not timidity.
Diary of a Wimpy ChristianMatthew 21:12-17Strength comes from strength.Our strength comes from the Lord’s strength when we know our weakness.The righteous response to wrong is strong.Gentle, not soft.Humility, not apology.Kindness, not weakness.Standing Strong will bring…-Conflict – Disagree without dishonor.-Clarity – Clear without compromise.-Change – Truth with humility, not timidity.
Unlikely HeroMatthew 21: 1-11Untie it.We need to be released.Be ready to say yes to God.Bring it to Jesus.We need to be reclaimed.Dedicate yourself to the Lord.The Lord needs it.We need to be repurposed.Put Jesus on display.
Kingdom Upside Down – Last Shall Be FirstMatthew 20:29-34
- The _________ doesn’t always match the ________.2. Are you _________ to the __________________ in front of you?3. Our ____________ of Christ will _____________ us from the _________.4. Jesus ___________ for us to “_____________” Him.
Last Place: The Humility of AudacityMatthew 20:20-27Last place is the best (when our heart is in the right place).Audacity is healthy.Audacity is healthy when it comes from humility.Responsibility before authority.Love the responsibility, not the authority.Our souls need to serve.Our hearts need our hands to help.
Last Place: Living with Grudges and GainsMatthew 20:1-16Last place is the best place.Last place is the best place when your heart is in the right place.God’s promises are good.God’s promises are good, but are they good enough?God’s grace is his to give.God’s blessings are his to bestow.God’s goodness is his to demonstrate.The God of grace comes to us.The grace of God provides for us.Is the God of grace changing us?
Follower: Giving is Living2 Corinthians 9:1-15Followers are givers; but not all givers are followers.Faithful giving brings glory to God, the Gospel beyond, and good among.Faithful giving is willing.Faithful giving is a witness.Faithful giving is generous.Faithful giving is an investment.Faithful giving is joyful.Faithful giving is rewarded.Faithful giving is conviction, not emotion.Faithful giving is conviction, not convenience.Faithful giving is conviction, not compulsion.Faithful giving is trust.
Follower: The Necessity of SincerityRomans 12:9-13Sincerity is a necessity.Sincerity is intentionality.Love with a lean.Serve without shade.Want the work.Love works.
WorshipperJohn 4:20-23; Romans 12:1There are many things you are called to do.There is only one thing you were made to do.(JOHN 4: 20-24)We want worship to be good.The Father wants worship to be true.The world is filled with good worshippers of bad gods.Sadly, many churches are filled with bad worshippers of a good God.What does the Father seek?Worship in Spirit- ascribing worth with a whole life response.In response to His majestyIn view of His mercyWorship in Truth- a deeper knowledge of God.
Follower: Don’t Follow AloneRomans 10:1-12Be a Bringer.Bring all people to Jesus and Jesus to all people.Bringers see souls.Bringers see souls more than sins.Bringers seek salvation.Bringers seek salvation through their prayer and their passion.Bringers speak Jesus.Bringers speak Jesus more than judgment.Bringers bring.
Romans 12:3-8 ESV
A church is as HEALTHY as its MEMBERS...as WEAK...as STRONG...as FAITHFUL...as RIGHTEOUS.
HEALTHY MEMBERS live in their right PLACE and for their right PURPOSE.
God GIFTS us GIFTS.
God's GIFTS are GIFTS for us to GIVE, not to KEEP.
The gifts are given to everyone, but not in the same amount.
The gifts have equal importance, but not the same responsibility.
The gifts have equal value, but not equal authority.
Be BENEFICIAL, not just BENEFITED.
Be VALUABLE, not just VALUED.
Follower: Believing is LivingRomans 10:1-12Believing is living.1. Stop trying to get there. God came here.2. Believing is not accepting. It is surrendering.3. Believing is more than thinking. It is entrusting.4. Confessing is not saying something. It is agreeing with everything.5. Confessing is more than declaring Truth. It is truthfully declaring all that is Truth.Everyone means everyone.
Follower: There is More to Life | John 10:1-18Fully know. Fully known.We must be fully known by the Lord to fully know the Lord.The goodness of God is the cause of all that is good.Our faithfulness is the result of (not the reason for) God’s goodness.Rightfully owned.A rightful purchase and a rightful place.Faithfully following.We follow, not to be good for God, but because God is good.Fully belong.Am, not with.
The Value of the PriceMatthew 19:1-12Marriage is sacred.God’s design is God’s desire.One flesh is sacred – it has a high value and a high price.“One with” requires “all of”.One flesh means:-we do not hide-we do not withhold-we do not withdraw-we do not withoutValue the one.When we value oneness, we honor the price.
The Price of Right – The Forgiven FactorMatthew 18:21-25Forgiveness pays forward.Forgiven people forgive people.If you are forgiven, you are different.Repentance causes the desire for restitution, not the requirement.Keys to True Forgiveness:1. Trust the goodness of the God.2. Ask from an honest place.3. Believe God’s forgiveness is real and is enough.4. Allow God to help you see as he sees.Forgiveness is a price we paid and a price we are still paying.Just because forgiveness is being hard work does not mean you are not doing it.
Dealing with Sin.Matthew 18:15-20This is about Reconciliation. (not retaliation).Desiring to continue and grow in a personal relationship with someone.This is about Sanctification. (not satisfaction).Desiring that someone continues and grows in their personal relationship with Christ.Questions we should ask ourselves? (Offender)Why are they sharing this with me?Is it biblical?Are they right?Why am I doing what I’m doing?Why do I like what they say? Why do I not like what they say?If what they are saying is true, am I willing to change?Questions we should ask ourselves? (Offended)Why am I sharing this with them?Is it biblical?Am I open to being wrong?Why am I doing what I’m doing?What if they don’t like what I say?What will I do if they are willing to change?This is about Salvation. (not condemnation)Desiring that someone has a personal relationship with Christ.How do we treat someone “like an unbeliever”?They are our mission, not the enemy.Move from reconciliation to evangelism.We abandon our spiritual expectations of them.We no longer look to them for spiritual influence.Find new way to love them and reveal the gospel to them.
Matthew 18:10–14 (ESV): The Parable of the Lost SheepTrue humility thinks of others and not just oneself. (Philippians 2:1-4)We are all like sheep.Live in persistent pursuit of God's will.Who's your one? _________________What can cause one to wander away and be lost?1. Curiosity and/or being enticed.2. Lacking a sense of belonging.Beware of these pitfalls:1. Complacency2. Reciprocating ministries3. Unhealthy Biases4. Unconscious Biases5. Calling cliques biblical communityYou were one who was lost at one time who needed someone to help you be found. Who is theone God is calling you to go find and lead them back to Him?
Drastically Practical ChangeMatthew 18:7-9
The more we love Jesus the more we hate sin.
In the fight against sin, it’s time to get drastic.
Stop the pattern.
Stop choosing temptation.
Drastic and Practical Change:LeaveBreak upThrow awayDo withoutLock upGive upSpeak outExpose itBe countedReplace it
The Measure of Faith / Matthew 18:1-6
GREATNESS is not a RACE.
GREATNESS is CHOSEN but not CHASED.
Turn - REPENTANCE is a REQUIREMENT.
Repentance is a COMPLETE CHANGE in WHO, HOW, and WHAT we are.
Faith: UNHINDERED and UNMEASURED trust.
Faith is an INNOCENT, not FOOLISH, trust.
DISHONORED trust DESTROYS.
IMMEASURABLE DESTRUCTION is caused by those who ABUSE UNMEASURED TRUST.
Matthew 17-24-27
God's provision is about LOVE not OBLIGATION
Gods provision is for YOU but it’s not about YOU.
If the Lord is truly our PROVIDER, we embrace the COST of doing what is RIGHT
Conquering MountainsMatthew 17:14-21Everyone comes down from the mountain. (Matthew 17:14-16)We are deceived into believing that the way things are right now is how theywill always be. (Matthew 17:17-20a)Limited desperation leads to limited faith.Your success can become an enemy to your dependence on God. (Matthew 17:20b-24)All things are possible, not because of the depth (size) of your faith, butthe direction of it.Every impossible situation is subject to King Jesus.
Matthew 17:1-13 - Signs to Never Forget1. There is a difference between hearing and experiencing2. We cannot encounter Jesus without being affected3. Jesus stands ALONE – Listen to Him4. Proper expectation comes from proper understanding
Signs: Signs Too Clear to Miss
Matthew 16:24-28
Real Truth about Jesus Following:
-Denial gets draining.
-Dying becomes difficult.
-Following is mostly fun.
Signs I am Serious about Jesus:
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Losing myself yet beginning to like myself.
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Leaving my life yet loving my life.
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Knowing I’m in without knowing what I’m in for.
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Being dissatisfied with where I am yet satisfied where I am.
The Signs We Don’t See
Matthew 16:21-23 & 17:22-23 & 20:17-19The key to visibility is availability.We seek out what we are set on.Why do we miss the Lord’s signs?
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We don’t want to go where God is going. Right action does not always mean right direction.
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We have already planned where we are going. What do you count most – your costs or God’s gifts?
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We don’t want to do what God is doing. Jesus does hard things - be ready.
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We have already planned what God should do. Our plans will never accomplish Gods purposes.Am I on the way or am I in the way?
Signs: Seeing what is RevealedMatthew 16:13-20The Most Important Question: Who do you say Jesus is?Jesus you are the Christ – the Promise of Salvation.Jesus you are the Son of God – the Power of Salvation.Jesus you are Savior and Lord – the Person of Salvation.Signs of the Spirit-Revealed LifeThere is battle between thought and truth.Our thoughts do not become truth, but truth can become our thoughts.There is a battle between flesh and spirit.Our flesh cannot reveal the truths of the Spirit, but the Spirit can reveal the truths of our flesh.There is a battle between person and purpose.There is a dying to our own person to live God’s purpose, but God’s purpose gives real life.
Signs: See the Sign Right There
Matthew 16:1-12
A little off ends up lost.
We stop straying when we accept truth that changes wrong.
Signs of Straying
- Seeking signs instead of truth.
- Looking for desires instead of promises.
- Hearing what I want instead of what God said.
- Seeking what feels good instead of what is right.
- Controlling instead of changing.
Are my expectations built upon my Savior or is my Savior built upon my expectations?
Overcoming the Cycle of Defeat | Romans 5:1-11Facing troubles through faith causes endurance.Facing troubles without faith causes bitterness.Enduring troubles through faith builds authentic character.Bitterness without faith causes hardness and deceitfulness.Authentic faith through troubles builds hope.Hardness without faith causes despair and darkness.Hope wins.Despair and darkness lose.
Romans 8:1-17
The Problems and Promises of IF
If you have the Spirit, you are in Christ because, if you are in Christ, you have the Spirit.
The Problems:
-Self-Minded
-Hostile to God
-By unrighteousness, cannot please God
-Bound to Sin
-Bound to Death
-Spirit of Slavery
-Spirit of Fear
-Heir of Flesh (Self)
-Powerless over sin and wrong
The Promises:
-Spirit-Minded
-Humble before God
-By Christ’s righteousness, pleasing to God
-No judgment
-Alive-Free
-Adopted: A Child of God-Heir of God and Co-heir with Christ
-Power to put to death sin and wrong
Stop taking up what Jesus took.Stop putting on what Jesus put off.
Put on victory. Take up power.
Put on identity.
Take up the promises.
The Spirit-Set Mind:
-Lives in conviction without condemnation.
-Seeks right freely without fear.
-Powerful over sin without sinful pride.
-Sees the pleasure of God without performance.
-Lives like a child, not a slave.
Romans 8:31-39Victory in Christ is…PersonalSpiritualPurposefulWhat more could God do than what God has done?Suffering and struggle happen.Struggling is not losing; it is a part of winning.Victory is not about the obstacle; it is about the obedience.Live in the win.
We Have Been Championed!Romans 5:1-11Now that we have been declared righteous, God will direct me towardsrighteousness, so that my life will display righteousness.A relationship of grace that provides peace and access.A relationship of hope that provides promise and purpose.Hope is certain because of:-the deposit of His Spirit.-the demonstration of His love.-the death of His Son.
Romans 6:1-11Dominion belongs to the Champion.The victory is personal…and it is ours.We live in victory…Therefore we live from victory…Therefore we live for victory.How we consider ourselves is how we consider Christ.
Matthew 15:21-28
Truth is true. Let truth be true.
Love is love. Let love be love.
The Lord is the Lord. Let the Lord be Lord.
Great faith is a faith of confession – a faith that speaks up.
Great faith is a faith of action – a faith that stands tall.
Great faith is a faith of submission – a faith that kneels low.
Matthew 15:9-20
There is no substitute for INTIMACY with God
The two biggest barriers to intimacy are ISOLATION and PRIDE
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Where do I start?
Humbly CONFESS
Invite God to EXAMINE your HEART
Make the CHANGES
Tell someone who you TRUST
A Personal TouchMatthew 15:1-9Root to Truth.Tie to Truth.Test to Truth.Am I actively becoming what I am not?
A Personal Touch | Matthew 14:34-36 / 15:29-31
A touch from Jesus will change everything, but everything will change with a touch of Jesus.
Am I fully trusting in Jesus or simply trusting from Jesus?
The relationship between faith and grace is real.
The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of reward, not return.
Faith costs; grace buys.
The currency of the Kingdom of God is grace, not faith.
The work of the Lord is not for sale.
Matthew 14:22-36How do we experience the goodness of God in the bitterness of life?Faith is not safe.Keep seeing Jesus.Stepping out means stepping on.More than minimum.What type of follower do I want to be?Am I where Jesus told me to be doing what Jesus told me to do?
Matthew 14:1-21/15:32-39How do we experience the sweetness of God in the bitterness of life?Just. Just is enough.Injustice never justifiesWeariness does not justify unfaithfulness.Just bring to Jesus just what you have.Start serving without seeing.
Hometown RejectMatthew 13:53-58; 14:1-12Matthew 13:53-57aThere’s a danger that comes with familiarity.It can lead to bitterness that leads to unbelief that leads to offense that leads to rejection.Matthew 13:57bHow did Jesus handle rejection? He did nothing.Matthew 13:58The way we perceive Jesus is how we will receive Jesus.Matthew 14:1-12When you follow Jesus expect bad things & expect good things.
Matthew 13:44-46, 51-52Deeper is simple and seen.The Kingdom is fulfillment, not abolishment.We must sell out to buy in.We buy in with everything yet nothing.See the value of grace; not just the price.See the beauty of joy; not just the benefit.Righteousness only works right.
Deeper is simple and seen.God is in the small.Don’t begrudge the beginning.Be beneficial.Make the place you are planted different.Stay humble.Start here. Start now.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50Deeper is simple and seen.Trust the King with His Kingdom.Quit controlling.Quit expecting perfection.Live with a healthy dissatisfaction.Limit out.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Deeper is simple and seen.
Never underestimate the generosity of God’s grace.
God is generous by grace, through grace, and with grace.
Salvation causes mission.
Mission causes multiplication.
Mission and multiplication exist because salvation causes transformation.
Matthew 13:10-17, 34-35Simple and Seen.Parables are simple ways to see deep truths.Deeper is condition of heart more than capacity of mind.Deeper is clarity and accuracy.Deeper is learning to learn.Deeper is well-rooted and firmly-founded.
Luke 2:25-38; Ecclesiastes 3
How you see your time will be how you spend your time.Live patiently.Live expectantly.Live to seek.Live to speak.Live faithfully.Live accountably.
Luke 1:37-38
For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, Behold I am the servant of theLord; let it be to me according to your word.
Matthew 1:21-23
She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people fromtheir sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken to the prophet: Behold, the virgin shallconceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means God with us.)
Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Matthew 2:10-11
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy! And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and they worshiped him. They,opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Significant Faith is not…
-Chasing experiences
-Certain expressions
-Created Expectations
What is significant life-changing faith?
-Sincere…
-Surrender…
-To the Savior.
Is my life sincere? Is my life surrendered?
Learn more about Fellowship Church at fcascension.com!
The Stress of RelationshipsEcclesiastes 4The greatest source of stress in our lives is sin.Choose people.Choosing people means preferring another above yourself. (Romans 12:10)Better Purpose – To be better, I need you.Better Production – To do better, I need you.Better Provision – To have better, I need you.Better Protection – To live better, I need you.
The Stress that Stole Christmas - Ecclesiastes 5The greatest source of stress in our lives is sin.Guard the good. (Eccl. 5:1-7)Protect why you do good.Guard the gain. (Eccl. 5:8-17)Protect how you gain.Guard the gift. (Eccl. 5:18-20)Protect how you see your gifts.We give well when we remember that all gain and good are gifts from God.
FightEphesians 6:10-20 (18-20)We need to pray just to make it today.Pray Biblical.Big! Bold! Obedient!Pray Always.Consistent. Persistent.Pray Believing.Specific. Strong. Alert.STAND!
The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:10-13; 17
Fight to WIN
Fight the right BATTLEFight the right OPPONENT
Eph 4:1
The Spirit enables us to...FOLLOW Him
KNOW Him
See more at fcascension.com!
Stand! (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Ephesians 3:14-21
Person...Promises...Providence
Faith is trusting the Person, Promises, and Providence of God?
Salvation is the position of confidence, access, and boldness in Christ.
Faith is knowing what we believe and believing what we know.Faith is knowing who we believe and believing who we know.
Am I living in full access to the Person of Christ?
Am I acting in full confidence in the Promises of Christ?Am I believing in full boldness in the Providence of Christ?
Learn more at fcascension.com!
Stand! (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Ephesians 3:14-21
Person...Promises...Providence
Faith is trusting the Person, Promises, and Providence of God?
Salvation is the position of confidence, access, and boldness in Christ.
Faith is knowing what we believe and believing what we know.Faith is knowing who we believe and believing who we know.
Am I living in full access to the Person of Christ?
Am I acting in full confidence in the Promises of Christ?Am I believing in full boldness in the Providence of Christ?
Ephesians 6:10-20 & 5:1-20Righteousness works.Righteousness works righteousness.Righteousness works righteousness for us.There is no salvation where there is no sacrifice.Righteousness is who we are before righteousness is what we do.Righteousness works righteousness in us.There is no salvation without sovereignty. Security is found in the Lord’s sovereignty.Righteousness works righteousness of us.When the Lord rules we live by the Lord’s rules.Righteousness works righteousness through us.Righteousness put on will be righteousness pressed out.
STAND!The dangers of duplicity:-double-minded-double-hearted-double-willedEphesians 4:25-32Be True: Integrity holds.Integrity is more than not lying.Integrity is intentionally telling the truth.The Battle for True:Fight the fake.Face the real.Think earned not deserved.Our sinfulness is our selfishness.Kill bitterness with kindness. (Resentment)Quench anger with tenderness. Prov. 15:1Quit the Clamor… Stop ScreamingSilence the SlanderNo one will ever speak the truth in love to you – if you don’tderail the dysfunction.
Ephesians 6:10-20Ephesians 4:20-24Live Ready! Being ready is a way of life – new life.We have to die if we want to live.Schemes we need to See:Duplicity: Live divided.Accusation: Stay accused.Insecurity: Feel unusable.Fear: Walk scared.Discouragement: Think defeat.Doubt: Believe denials.
Ephesians 6:10-20 - Stand!Ephesians 1:16-23Wealth. Walk. War.Standup: We are in a fight we do not see but we do feel.If we are not wrestling, we are not winning.Stand on: We fight from victory not for victory.We are not taking ground, we are claiming ground Christ has already taken.Stand in: Are you in a posture, place, and position to be empowered with powerful might of God?
Matthew 12:38-50Dangers of UnbeliefUnbelief is often a subtle danger.1. Jesus needs to prove Himself again.When we are testing Jesus, we are not trusting Jesus.2. We seek a cleaned life more than a changed life.Salvation is not found in the ordering of our lives; the order of our lives is found in salvation.3. Our definition of a disciple is found in how we feel and not in what we do.Discipleship is not knowing what we believe; discipleship is doing what we believe.
Matthew 12:33-37Real confession is necessary for real salvation.We will all experience justification or condemnation – the difference is our life confession.Fruit issues are root issues.We cannot hide who we are, but God change who we are.What and how we speak reveals who we really are.Lord, may the fruit of my life match the faith of my mouth.
Matthew 12:22-32
Real life in Christ requires us to keep it real.
The fight is real.It is unreasonable to live based on reasoning that is not well reasoned (but we all do).
Living divided is deciding to live defeated.
We will never see what we are unwilling to see.
Neutrality is a deception.
The Lord can and will forgive any and all sins except the sin of rejecting the Lord who can and will forgive any and all sins.
Matthew 12:1-21Living by faith means not living from fear.The right question is, “Is it right?”Know your faith.Know your faith better than your fear.Make no hindrance.When we make it about rules, we often make what is right wrong and what is wrong right.Desire what is greater.Mercy is greater.Do the good you know.Jesus is the Right.Jesus is our rightly won righteousness.
Matthew 10:34
We do not sacrifice to earn God's approval, but faith does cost us something.
Matthew 4:1-12
Temptation is because of our fleshly want to satisfy a desire God gave us in a way he didn't intend.
Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:23-31
Prayer is the sacred and righteous battleground between our will and God's will.
Joshua 13-19
Big Idea: God completely fulfills his promise even when our obedience to him is incomplete
Romans 5:6-11
We can experience the mercy of God or bear the mountain of our sin - but we can't do both
3 Phil 3:17 & Phil 3:12-17 - Pastor Joe Ashley
Influencers don't SELL their PERFECTION.
Influencers CELEBRATE their PROGRESS.
Influencers SPOTLIGHT the one they PURSUE.
1 Corinthians 1:11 (10:23-33)
Influence is using who I am and what I have to help others be and do all that God created them for.
Luke 2:10-14, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Our hope is this, the Lord is always true to his promises.
Luke 17:11-18
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Biblical thanksgiving - the Who always precedes the What
God loves us so much that he gave us himself with, in, through, and for us so that we might love him.
A challenge given to the church encouraging them to stay the course and not give into apathy from lead pastor Kirk Jones.