Discovering HOPE: Recent Episodes
Paul Knight
Our mission is to encourage people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, who let God love them, love him in return, and who love others in Jesus' name. Our vision is to touch with the hope and love of Jesus Christ 10% of the unchurched people in the greater Grand Forks Area.
Fill Us Up, Please! July 17, 2022 Pastor: Paul Knight
Living the Two Step Life. One step away from the darkness, one step toward the light. Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 5:8-21 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible--and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
1) If we are following Jesus, we should be like Jesus, shouldn’t we? Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 5:1-7, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-7 (NASB) Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a person is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.* 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NASB) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Ephesians 5:1-7 (NIV) Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a person is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.* 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 2) To be more like Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit, don’t we? Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 5:18-21, Ephesians 1:13-14, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 4:29-32 Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Ephesians 4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Scriptures referenced: Galatians 5:22-25 NIV, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NIV Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? 3) Because we want to be like Jesus, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, all of us, all the time. Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 5:18-21, Philippians 2:4-8, Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Philippians 2:4-8 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV) For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Being Filled with the Holy Spirit – (vs. 18) Because We Need More... Discussion Questions, Thoughts, and Things to Ponder For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party Quick Review Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that inspired, encourage, challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points. Read all the related Scripture passages. Fill Us Up, Please! In what ways do you notice in the Church a greater need for God’s Spirit? If we are following Jesus, we should be like Jesus, shouldn’t we? In your own life, where are you noticing that you are becoming more like Jesus? If you would think of general areas (finances, attentiveness, sexuality, thoughts, actions, etc.), where do you think it would be important for you to become more like Jesus? What is your greatest spiritual hinderance to becoming more like Jesus? Notes: To be more like Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit, don’t we. What are some of your initial thoughts about the Holy Spirit? What do you know about Him? Would you say you are aware of your need for Him? How would you describe your “feelings” toward the Holy Spirit? (nervous, craving, idolatrous, unsure, etc.) Notes: Because we want to be like Jesus, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, all of us, all the time. If you are not full of the Holy Spirit, what are you full of? Can you describe the competitors to the Holy Spirit’s fullness? What would yielding to the Spirit look like in your life? Would you pray right now through Ephesians 3:14-21. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and to strengthen you in your inner being with His power.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
The Silent Killer June 26, 2022 Pastor: Mason Peters
Be Church! Living up into who we are Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 5:3-8 (ESV) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
1) SYMPTOMS Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 5:3-4 Ephesians 5:3-4 (ESV) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Stymptom #1: Immorality Scriptures referenced: Matthew 5:27-28; James 1:14-15 Matthew 5:27-28 (ESV) You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Stymptom #2: Greed Stymptom #3: Obscenity
2) DIAGNOSIS Idolatry also known as Discontent 3) PROGNOSIS Loss of the Kingdom 4) ANTIDOTE Gratitude
HOPE Church gfhope.org
Be Imitators of God June 19, 2022 Pastor: Eric Kuehner
Be Church! Living up into who we are Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
1) 1. Be Like The Father Scriptures referenced: Genesis 1:26, Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; 20:26; 21:8, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 5:48 Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, "Let us make man* in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Leviticus 11:44-45 (ESV) For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. 45 For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy." Leviticus 19:2 (ESV) Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 20:7 (ESV) Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 20:26 (ESV) You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. Leviticus 21:8 (ESV) You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV) but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." Matthew 5:48 (ESV) You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
2) Love Like The Father Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 13:35 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. John 13:35 (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Reason #1: We are beloved children Scriptures referenced: Romans 8:15, Matthew 6:9, Galatians 4:6-7, John 1:12 Romans 8:15 (ESV) For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" Matthew 6:9 (ESV) Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV) And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. John 1:12 (ESV) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, Reason #2: Christ loved us and gave himself up for us Scriptures referenced: John 15:13 John 15:13 (ESV) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
--DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER-- For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party: Quick Review: Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below: Be Like the Father Love Like the Father Verse 1 tells us to be imitators of God. How are we to imitate God? Who is our model? What areas of your life are in conflict with being an imitator of God? What does is look like to walk out Love? Do you see yourself as a child of God? Are there things that have happened in your own life that have kept you from trusting God completely? What does your Gospel love look like?
HOPE Church gfhope.org
Trading Places May 29, 2022 Pastor: Eric Kuehner
Be Church! Living up into who we are Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV) But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self,* which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
1) The Old Way of Thinking and Living. Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:31, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Ephesians 4:13-15 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. Ephesians 4:31 (NLV) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 1 Corinthians 14:20 (ESV) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. Ephesians 4:13-15 (NLT) This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
2) A New Way of Thinking Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:22-23, Romans 12:2 Ephesians 4:22-23 (NLT) Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Romans 12:2 (NLT) 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) A New Way of Living Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:13-16, Romans 6:12-14 Ephesians 4:24 (NLT) Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT) So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." Romans 6:12-14 (NLT) Do not let sin control the way you live;* do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
No Looking Back May 22, 2022 Pastor: Patrick Severson
Be Church! Living up into who we are Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 4:17-19 (ESV) Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
1) Our new life in Christ according to Ephesians Scriptures referenced: We are blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) We are chosen (Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 1:11) We are blameless (Ephesians 1:4) We are adopted (Ephesians 1:5) We are in Him (Ephesians 1:7) We have redemption (Ephesians 1:8) We are forgiven (Ephesians 1:8) We have purpose (Ephesians 1:9) We have hope (Ephesians 1:12) We are included (Ephesians 1:13) We are saints (Ephesians 1:18) We are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5) We are raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6) We experience the incomparable riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:7) We experience the kindness of God (Ephesians 2:7) We have peace (Ephesians 2:14) We have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18) We are members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19) We are secure (Ephesians 2:20) We are a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21) We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (Ephesians 2:22) We share in the promise of Christ (Ephesians 3:6) We can approach God in confidence and freedom (Ephesians 3:12) We can know our suffering is not meaningless (Ephesians 3:13) We experience the deep, profound love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18) We are complete in God (Ephesians 3:19) We have been called (Ephesians 4:1-2) We can mature spiritually (Ephesians 4:15)
2) It is worth leaving our old life and embracing our new life in Christ Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:18 Ephesians 4:18 (ESV) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
3) Before Christ we were once ignorantly filled with darkness Scriptures referenced: Ephesian 4:15, Ephesians 4:16 Ephesian 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
3) Before Christ we were separated from God Scriptures referenced: Ephesian 4:18 Ephesian 4:18 (ESV) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
4) Before Christ Our Hearts Were Hardened Ephesian 4:18 (ESV) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
5) Before Christ Our Conscience Was a Mess. Ephesian 4:19 (ESV) They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
6) Before Christ We Continually Lusted For Things We Thought Would Bring Satisfaction. Ephesian 4:19 (ESV) They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
TRUTHING May 08, 2022 Pastor: Mason Peters
Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 4:14-16 (ESV) So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. TRUTHING – to live in the truth in a Biblical, Godly way so that we are not pushed around by either external or internal deceit
1) TRUTH . . . TRUTHING means the relentless pursuit of REALITY despite the struggle Scriptures referenced: John 8:43-45 NIV, John 8:32 NIV, John 8:36 NIV John 8:43-45 (NIV) Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:36 (NIV) So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
2) LOVE . . . TRUTHING means the relentless pursuit of RELATIONSHIPS despite the struggle Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
3) MATURITY . . . TRUTHING means the relentless pursuit of JESUS despite the struggle Scriptures referenced: Ephesian 4:15, Ephesians 4:16 Ephesian 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
God’s Game Plan for the Church May 01, 2022 Pastor: Mason Peters
1) ) To Equip the followers of Jesus to accomplish the mission of the Church Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:12 (ESV) To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
2) To mature . . . the followers of Jesus to the point of unity Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:13 Ephesians 4:13 (ESV) Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,* to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
3) 3) To Conform the followers of Jesus to His fullness Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:13 Ephesians 4:13 (ESV) Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,* to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
HOPE Church gfhope.org
Gifts Given April 24, 2022 Pastor: Eric Kuehner
Main Scripture Reference(s): Ephesians 4:7-10 (NKJV) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." (Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
1) Each One is Gifted for a Purpose 1.a Jesus distributes gifts as He desires Scriptures referenced: Matthew 25:15, Ephesians 3:8-9 (NKJV) 1.b These are Jesus’ gifts 1.c Each One has been gifted for the common good Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 12:7, Romans 12:4–6 1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV) To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Rom 12:4–6 (ESV) For as in one body we have many members,* and the members do not all have the same function so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
2) To the Victor Go the Spoils Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:18 Eph 4:8 (NKJV) Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." Psalms 68:18 (NKJV) You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there.
3) No Gifts Should Go Unused Scriptures referenced: 1 Peter 4:10 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN April 10, 2022 Pastor: Mason Peters
Main Scripture Reference(s): Matthew 21:1-11 (NKJV) Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose [them] and bring [them] to Me. 3 "And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them." 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.' " 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set [Him] on them.
1) Investing/Inviting may come at a COST Scriptures referenced: Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,* being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
2) Investing/Inviting is not DEPENDENT on your ability Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
3) Investing/Inviting will be totally WORTH it Scriptures referenced: Matthew 28:16-20 Matthew 28:16-20 (NKJV) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age." Amen.
HOPE Church gfhope.org
Invest and Invite April 03, 2022 Pastor: Jason Wood
Main Scripture Reference(s): John 4 (NKJV) Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from [His] journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."
Evangelism is…Being a Messenger of the Good News
1) God invests in us Scriptures referenced: John 4:6-9 John 4:6-9 (NKJV) Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from [His] journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
2) God invites us in Scriptures referenced: John 4:26 John 4:26 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am [He]."
3) Unity is the POWER of our witness Scriptures referenced: John 13:35 Jhn 13:35 )NKJV) "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
There is not a shortage of the Harvest, there is a shortage of the workers. Scriptures referenced: Matthew 9:35 Matthew 9:35 (NKJV) Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.*
HOPE Church gfhope.org
Kneeling before the Father Ephesians 3:14-15, Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 6:1-9, Psalm 95:6-7 Notes: 2. Praying for inner strength Ephesians 3:16-17 Ephesians 3:17 (The Living Bible) And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. Ephesians 3:14 & 16 ESV For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith— Notes: 3. Praying for comprehension of love Ephesians 3:17-19, Philippians 1:9-11, 1 John 3:1-3 Notes: Next Sunday: Ephesians 3:19-21
Through Him we have Access. Ephesians 2:18, 1 John 4:14-15 Through Him we Belong. Ephesians 2:19 On Him is laid the Foundation. Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 7:24-27, Isaiah 28:16 In Him we are Connected. Ephesians 2:21-22 “The presence of God is what constitutes a temple, not a structure.” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below. Through Him we have Access. Through Him we Belong. On Him is laid the Foundation. In Him we are Connected How did Christ accomplish His reconciliation? Check out Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:15, Ephesians 2:16, and Ephesians 2:18. What are the results/benefits of the reconciliation that Christ brought about? What does it mean to you to be a Citizen/Family member of God’s household? What in your life keeps you off kilter or out of alignment? How can you become more connected with those around and be The Church?
Separated Ephesians 2:11-12, Colossians 1:21-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Separated from. . . God One Another Notes: 2. Blood Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:20-22, Hebrews 10:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, 10:18, Colossians 1:19-20 Notes: 3. Remember Ephesians 2:11-12, Deuteronomy 6:4-12, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Notes: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below? Separated Blood Remember Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near . . . “ In what ways do you sense that you have been brought near to God? How do you notice in your personal life the reality of you being “brought near” to others? Where are you separated from others in ways that Christ would desire otherwise? How do you understand the importance of the blood of Jesus Christ being shed? Think about and describe how you have been “brought near” through the blood of Christ? Is this practically true in your life? When called on to remember your former life, what comes to mind? How do you remember the wonderful things God has done for you? What is the difference between remembering in a good way and remembering in a harmful way? What comes to your memory during the Lord’s Supper? Notes:
You are a piece of work! Ephesians 2:10 NASB For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Genesis 2:7, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, Philippians 1:6 You are the best you, “in Christ.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV . . . created in Christ Jesus . . . 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16-25 You! Do good. Ephesians 2:10 NASB For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 1 Corinthians 15:10, James 2:17-19, Matthew 5:14-16 Discussion Questions, Thoughts, and Things to Ponder For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party Quick Review Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below?
You are a piece of work! You are the best you, “in Christ.”
You! Do good. How do you internally respond to the reality that you are a work of God, His masterpiece? In what ways do you see the handiwork of God in your life? Can you describe a time when you were “the best you” in your relationship with Jesus Christ? If you look at your life like a piece of sculpture, who has been doing of the sculpting (God, Satan, Self)? Can you identify an area where God is working in you currently? How do you respond to the idea of doing good works as a lifestyle instead of a project? Pastor Paul mentioned that a lot of Christians have been trained not to do wrong or not to do bad rather than trained to do good. How is this been true or not true in your life? He also mentioned that sometimes we are more concerned with being right than being good. How do you react to that idea? Imagine if all the Christ followers would be like streams of living water, doing good in the name of Jesus. What do you think could happen?
-- Main Scripture Reference -- Ephesians 2:1-10 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. -- Serman Notes -- 1. You didn't do it. Eph 2:1-3 NIV - 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Eph 2:8-9 NIV - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 2. God did it. Eph 2:4-8 NIV - 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- Rom 5:6-8 NIV - 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 3. There is no room for boasting! Eph 2:9 NIV - 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Col 3:12-13 NIV - 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -- Discussion Questions, Thoughts and Things to Ponder -- For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review: * Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
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Review the main idea behind each of the points below:
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Are you saved?
- If you are saved... you didn't do it.
- If you are saved... God did it.
- If you are saved... Stop boasting Are you saved? Tell or rehearse your salvation story. If you are not saved, what is holding you back? Can you surrender that thing and take a step of faith? Who do you know that needs to hear what God has done for you?? In what ways do you seem to be trying to earn your salvation? Why is God's grace so difficult to receive? Looking back, can you see the hand of God in your salvation? Are there areas of your life or relationships where you tned to boast about who you are in Christ or areas where you demonstrate an arrogance about being a Christ follower? Can you ask God to make you more humble? -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review: Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea points. 1. Opportunities Lost 2. Opportunities Seized What is the result of obedience to Jesus? What is the result of living a life of faithfulness to God? What is the result of living out the good works that Jesus created us to live by the power of God’s Holy Spirit? Well, jump back to verse 34! The reward is for us to, “. . . inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” When seeing someone in need whether in person or through media, what is your first reaction? Is it a reaction of compassion or is it to look away and ignore the need? What are ways in which we can serve the community, our neighbors, our church, and those within other places of need that is outside our realm of touch?
Prayer of Thanks for Faith and Love (verses 15, 16) Ephesians 1:15-16, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:14-16, John 13:34-35, Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 10:22-24 Prayer to Know God Better Ephesians 1:17, John 17:3, Mark 10:21-22, Philippians 3:7-11 NLT Prayer to Know Hope and Power Ephesians 1:18-23, Hebrews 11:1-2, 1 Peter 1:3-4, 1 Peter 3:14-16, Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review: Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below. * Prayer of Thanks for Faith and Love (verses 15, 16) * Prayer to Know Jesus Christ * Prayer to know Hope and Power Who have you or are you noticing whose faith and love is evident? Pause now and give thanks for them. Do you think your faith and love is evident to others? Are you in an active relationship with Jesus Christ? Who could you ask to pray for you that God would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better? List a few people you will pray for today. In what area of your life do you need an infusion of God’s hope? In what area of your life do you need to be more aware of God’s incomparably great power? Stop and pray about these things that God has revealed to us.
Eph 1:1-14 NIV - 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Eph 1:11-13 NIV - 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Luk 8:11-15 NIV - 11 "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luk 8:21 NIV - 21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." Jas 1:22-25 NIV - 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do. Eph 1:7 NIV - 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Jhn 16:5-8 NIV - 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: Eph 4:29-32 NIV - 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Phl 1:6 NIV - 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 1Pe 1:3-5 NIV - 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Eph 1:3 NIV - 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Eph 1:6 NIV - 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Jhn 9:1-3 NIV - 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party Quick Review: Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Review the main idea behind each of the points below? Remember and describe when you first remembering “hearing the gospel.” Remember and describe when you first believed. How does hearing and believing affect your living today? As a part of the message, you heard the parable of the Sower: What kind of soil are you currently? How do you understand being sealed with the Holy Spirit? The Spirits’ sealing serves as a guarantee of our inheritance: of receiving and being. How do you understand this reality? In what ways are you living for the praise of His glory? In what ways do you believe God would like His glory more evident in your life?
THE BEAUTIFUL RETURN Returning to where God desires us to be is beautiful. Step into that beautiful return. Acts 2:42-47 NIV They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. A ___________ People Acts 2:22-24 NIV “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:38, 39 NIV Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Romans 1:16 NIV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. An ___________ people The Source of their power a. ___________ Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” b. ___________ Acts 2:46, 47 NIV Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. c. ___________ Acts 2:46 NIV Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, A ___________ people Acts 2:42 NIV They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching . . . Ephesians 6:17 NIV Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 :NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. John 1:14 NIV The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. A ___________ people Acts 2:42 NIV They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:44 NIV All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. Romans 12:4, 5 NIV For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Acts 20:35 NIV “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” A ___________ people Acts 2:47 NIV . . . and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Matthew 28:16-20 NIV Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 1 Peter 2:11, 12 NIV Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. We are ___________! The church is a people not a place. DISCUSSION UESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party Quick Review a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? Which characteristic of the early church struck a chord with you? a. A Gospel People b. An Empowered People c. A God’s Word People d. A Giving People e. A Mission People When you think of the above characteristics, where do you think the church is doing well? Where do you think the church needs improvement? What makes a person a part of the church? Are you a part of God’s family, the Church? a. For more information about receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and becoming a part of His family, the Church, text: MadeNew to 474747 Thinking of the characteristics above, where do you contribute well to the church living the characteristics? For the sake of the church, where do you think you need to improve? What is your next step? To connect in a lifegroup check out this link: https://www.gfhope.org/lifegroups
Matthew 18:15-20 NIV “If your brother or sister sins (against you), go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:21-35 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” 1. One Anothering well is the ____________ of your ____________, be forgiving. Matthew 18:15-20 NIV “If your brother or sister sins (against you), go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. Matthew 5:23, 24 NIV “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. John 17:20-22 NIV “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— Ephesians 4:3 NIV Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 1 Corinthians 11:17, 18 NIV In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. Matthew 5:43-48 NIV “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Forgiveness: I will live with the consequences of your sin and not seek vengeance or retribution, but rather your blessing. One Anothering well affects ____________ ____________, be forgiving. Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Colossians 3:13 NIV Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Matthew 6:12 NIV And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. · Forgiveness doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter · Forgiveness doesn’t mean there has to be trust · Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget. · It does affect your relationship with God too · The goal to God is always to heal your broken one another. · Forgiveness reflects your love for God. · Unforgiveness reflects your being forgiven. When your “One Another” is ____________ choose a beautiful return, be forgiving! a. Start by looking at ____________. Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Romans 12:3 NIV For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, b. Focus on what was done ____________ you, not ____________ you. Matthew 18:32, 33 NIV “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ c. Go to ridiculous ____________ with your forgiveness. Matthew 18:22 NIV Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. d. Choose ____________ over judgement Matthew 18:33 NIV Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ James 2:12, 13 NIV Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy When God chooses to not give you what you deserve. e. Live with an “as God has forgiven you” heart or Matthew 18:33-35 NIV Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 6:14 NIV For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party Quick Review a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? What stood out to you in the message? One Anothering is the heart of your Father, be forgiving. Did you know that the phrase ONE ANOTHER appears over 100 times in the New Testament? Discuss or think about how important one anothering it to God. How do you think your love for God affects your love for others? How do you think your love for others affects your love for God? When you don’t love someone, don’t forgive them, what do you think that says about your being forgiven? One Anothering well affects your heart, be forgiving. How do you see unforgiveness affecting your life? If God were to give you forgiveness like you forgive others, what would that be like for you? Think through and discuss why you are holding unforgiveness toward a person or persons. Pastor Paul talked about drinking poison in hopes that it will hurt the other person, think about this statement and discuss it. How might you be doing that in your life? When your “One Another” is broke choose a beautiful return, be forgiving! Start with you: What does God desire from you? Are you willing to consistently ask God for help so that you are forgiving? Pause now and do that. What has been done for you: Rehearse the extent that you have been forgiven. Are you like more the unforgiving servant or Jesus? God calls us to ridiculous extremes in our forgiveness. How does that make us more like Him? Choose mercy: Are you willing to choose mercy? Why or Why Not? As God has forgiven you: If God forgives like you do, what will that be like for you?
You know you have drifted when your doing for Jesus is more important than your devotion to Jesus. Revelation 2:1-7 NIV “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 1-3 & 6 NIV “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Revelation 2:4 NIV Yet I hold this against you. . . “The cause of Christ, as important as it is, is not more important than your love for Christ.” Revelation 2:4 NIV |Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Mark 12:28-31 NIV One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 NIV If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is . . . 8 Love never fails. “You know you have drifted when your doing for Jesus is more important than your devotion to Jesus.” 3. How to ____________ to first ____________ . Revelation 2:4-5 NIV Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Was there a time when you loved Christ more than you love him now? If you do not have a relationship with Jesus and would like to speak to someone about that please text: madenew to 474747 “Lord God, I need to confess to you a huge sin in my life. My love for you has grown weak, casual, and cold. I have been so busy and doing that I have drifted in my devotion to you. Please forgive me. Help me turn back to a first love devotion to you. Amen.” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party Quick Review a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? What stood out to you in the message? Good things can rob you of the best thing. What good things compete with or threaten the best thing (Jesus Christ) in your life? How or why do you think they compete or threaten your devotion to Jesus Christ? We often have inner longings or thirsts that drive us in our “doing.” What thirsts are you seeking to satisfy in your work for Christ that are not being satisfied in your relationship with Jesus Christ? How can you address that? First comes love. Do you think Jesus would say that you have forsaken your first love? In what ways do you think stepping away from first love for Jesus is affecting you? How to return to first love. Remember: What do you remember of your early devotion to Jesus Christ? If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, are you willing to speak to someone about your potential relationship with Him? If so, Text MadeNew to 474747 Repent: Are you willing to confess the loss of first love for Jesus as sin? If you are in a great “love” spot with Jesus Christ, take a moment and thank Him. If so, take a moment and do that. If not, ask yourself why you are not. Return: As you think of your spiritual life and your love for Jesus Christ, what do you think God would say, “these are the first things you should return to doing?” Bonus Material: Crazy Love by Francis Chan -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
Proverbs 25:21, 22 NIV If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:22 NIV If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink Proverbs 24:17, 18 NIV Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18 or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. Matthew 5:43-45 NIV “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Romans 12:14-21 NIV 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Proverbs 1:7 NIV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Romans 12:19 NIV Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. John 15:5 NIV “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Ephesians 5:18 NIV . . . be filled with the Spirit, Romans 8:26-39 NIV In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness . . . Galatians 5:22-26 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Proverbs 25:22 NIV In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Romans 12:11 NIV Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:20, 21 NIV On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. John 16:33 NIV “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Matthew 5:10-14 NIV Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. . 14 “You are the light of the world. . . 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Philippians 2:10, 11 NIV . . . that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Revelation 20:11-21:4 NIV Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? What stood out to you in the message? A Wise call to a Radical Response Proverbs 25:22 begins with “if your enemy…” Enemies may come from a variety of types of people: Political, Relational, Family, Theological, Religious, Racial, etc. Who do you think are your enemies? Even though they may not be “actual” enemies, of those who oppose you or the things that you value, who do you think of as enemies? Are you responding to them in your actions, thinking, and heart in a way that honors God? Do you pray for them? Yes No Make a list now and pray. A Wise Call to a Radical Reliance How is your engagement with Scripture informing your responses to the various situations in your life that may cause discord or tension? Be filled with the Spirit… the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses… Keep in step with the Spirit… We are all truly dependent on the Holy Spirit, what can you do to actively increase your awareness of the Spirit and your dependance on Him? A Wise Call to a Radical Hope The hope we have is that God will transform people’s lives. How have you seen “life-change” around you and how can that knowledge help you have hope for others? Even if there is never life-change God promises that He will judge and make all things new. How can this knowledge give you strength to have a godly response to your enemies? Bonus Content: Here are a few resources to help you see this type of living in action. Books: In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham For American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, what started out as a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime anniversary getaway at an exotic island resort turned into one of the most horrific nightmares imaginable. Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot Based on the story of 5 missionaries martyred by the Auca Indians in 1956. Five missionaries went into the land of the savage Aucas. Their offer of friendship was rejected, and the Aucas killed the missionaries. Elisabeth Elliot, wife of one of the martyrs, her daughter and Rachel Saint would not give up and eventually lived among and brought the Gospel to the Aucas. To End All Wars by Ernest Gordon (WWII) The story of Ernest Gordon’s life in the Death House–in a prison camp by the River Kwai. ’When Ernest Gordon was twenty-four he was captured by the Japanese and forced, with other British prisoners, to build the notorious ‘Railroad of Death’, where nearly 16,000 Prisoners of War gave their life. Movies Through Gates of Splendor - not rated To End All Wars – Rated R
Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The Church is to Invest in Future Generations (Col 3:20, Eph 6:1, Deut. 31:9-13, Josh. 8:34-35). WISE PARENTS TRUST GOD’S WORD AND LEAD LIKE THE GOOD SHEPHERD! Wise Parents Provide (Proverbs 27:23-27, Psalm 23:2) Proverbs 27:23-27 “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. 25When the hay is removed, and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, 26the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.” Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Wise Parents Restore (Proverbs 11:8, Psalm 23:3a) Proverbs 11:8 “The righteous man is rescued from trouble…” Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Wise Parents Lead (Proverbs 4:11, Psalm 23:3) Proverbs 4:11 “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Psalm 23:3b “He guides me in paths of righteousness.” Wise Parents Remain Present (Proverbs 2:8, Psalm 23:4b) Proverbs 2:8 “For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Psalm 23:4b “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.” Wise Parents Defend and Protect (Proverbs 2:8, Psalm 23:4c) Proverbs 2:8 “For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Psalm 23:4 “Your rod and staff they comfort me.” Wise Parents Comfort (Proverbs 10:29, Psalm 23:4c, 5b) Proverbs 10:29 “The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous...” Psalm 23:5 “You anoint my head with oil…” Wise Parents Prepare (Proverbs 27:23-27, Psalm 23:5a) Psalm 23:5a “You prepare a table before me…”
Proverbs 3:1-10 NIV My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Financial Principle #1 Clarify Who You Are and the Value of Things Proverbs 3:5 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart Proverbs 3:9. 10 NIV Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Proverbs 22:1-2 NIV A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 9:10 NIV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 11:4 NIV Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. Deuteronomy 14:22, 23 NIV Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always. Malachi 3:6-12 NIV “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the store house, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Psalm 24:1 NIV The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Matthew 6:24 NIV “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. A Tool to Help: The Tithe Challenge https://www.gfhope.org/giving Michael Jr. – comedy clip on giving from LifeChurch.com (https://youtu.be/TKSpqxXyVmk?t=1066) Bit starts approx. 17:46 (the whole message is good and funny) 9 Reasons Why We Give a Tithe and More… Pastor Paul and Bonnie Knight Financial Principle #2 Set a Step by Step, Bit by Bit Financial Pace. Proverbs 13:11 ESV Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 10:4 NIV Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 12:11 NIV Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. Proverbs 21:5, 6 NIV The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. Proverbs 23:4 NIV Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Luke 16:10-13 NIV “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Discipline of a plan: 10 / 10 / 80 A Tool to Help: Financial Peace University – Fall at HOPE Church Book: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Ramsey’s Baby Steps – See bonus content below or follow link: (https://www.ramseysolutions.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps) Financial Principle #3 There is Power in “Not Yet and No.” Proverbs 20:21 NIV The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Proverbs 28:25 NIV The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Proverbs 22:7 NIV The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender. Psalm 37:21 NIV The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; Financial Principle #4 Experience the Joy of Being Gloriously Generous Proverbs 11: 24, 25 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 13:22 NIV A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 19:17 NIV Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 21:13 NIV Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party Quick Review
Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
What stood out to you in the message? Financial Principle #1 -- Clarify Who You Are and the Value of Things Do you think of yourself under the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
Do you see your possessions and money as belonging to God?
How does your view of who you are and the value of things affect your daily life? Financial Principle #2 -- Set a Step by Step, Bit by Bit Financial Pace. Do you have a financial plan for the management of money?
Does your plan fit with worldly wisdom or Godly wisdom?
Are there areas where you struggle regarding Godly financial wisdom?
Are there areas where you experience joy and victory in managing finances? Financial Principle #3 -- There is Power in “Not Yet and No.” How do you personally handle delayed gratification?
Where have you been victorious in waiting and been blessed? Financial Principle #4 -- Experience the Joy of Being Gloriously Generous 1 Corinthians 9:7 states that God loves a cheerful giver. Do you consider yourself cheerful in your giving?
If you are not a cheerful giver, what would help you get to that point?
Are you generous? Bonus Content: 9 Reasons Why We Give a Tithe and More… Pastor Paul and Bonnie We believe what the bible teaches about tithing and giving. We love the Church and want to support it. We agree that tithing and generous giving is a principle of financial freedom. We want to model tithing and generous giving, primarily to our family. We need to combat our own personal greed and consumerism. We trust and love God. We want to acknowledge His provision and protection of us. To remind us that we are not home, we are aliens and strangers here. Because we like it, it is fun. Dave Ramsey 7 Baby Steps Baby Step 1 Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2 Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball. Baby Step 3 Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund. Baby Step 4 Invest 15% of your household income in retirement. Baby Step 5 Save for your children’s college fund. Baby Step 6 Pay off your home early. Baby Step 7 Build wealth and give.
Proverbs 3:5, 6 NIV 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. A Life Question: Are you on a path that is leading to God’s best for you? Proverbs 3:1-6 NIV My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:6b NIV … and he will make your paths straight. Matthew 7:13, 14 NIV “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Genesis 12:1a & 2 NIV The Lord had said to Abram, . . . 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Wisdom Lesson: Wisdom is knowing the best life possible is the life lived on the path designed by God. Three Practices for the Journey to a Great Life Practice #1 Develop a Deep ________________________ in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart Proverbs 3:1 NIV My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart Proverbs 3:3 NIV Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Genesis 12:1-5 NIV The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out . . . Wisdom Lesson: Wisdom is knowing that where you want to be may require you to move from where you are! Trust God on the journey. Practice #2 Determine to ________________________ in a Way ____________ to God’s Way. Proverbs 3:5b NIV and lean not on your own understanding. . . Proverbs 14:12 NIV & Proverbs 16:25 NIV There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then. . Genesis 16:1-3 NIV Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. Wisdom Lesson: When your way and God’s way are contrary its always wiser to take God’s way. Practice #3 Acknowledge that _________is ______Over ______, _________. Proverbs 3:6a NASB In all your ways acknowledge Him. . . Proverbs 3:6a NIV . . . in all your ways submit to him Luke 22:42 NIV “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Genesis 22:1, 2 NIV Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Wisdom Lesson: Acknowledging God is always best even when his best leads to sacrifice and submission. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party Quick Review a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? What stood out to you in the message? Are you on a path that is leading to God’s best for you? In your everyday life, are you living on the path that God has designed for you? Are there specific areas of your life that you know you have taken a detour off God’s path? a. What are those areas? Practice #1 -- Develop a Deep Heart Trust in the Lord. In what areas of your life do you have difficulty trusting God? How do you think you can develop that practice of Heart Trust? Are there things you are doing that diminish your trust in God? Practice #2 -- Determine to Not Even Lean in a Way Contrary to God’s Way Where are you most apt to go your way over God’s way? Choosing your way over God’s way is evidence of a lack of trust in God. In the ways mentioned in question 8, why do you think you do not trust God? What can you do to learn to “stand firm” instead of “leaning on your own understanding?” Practice #3 -- Acknowledge that God is God Over Everything, Always Do you agree with the idea that God should be God over everything, always? In the areas where you tend to be your own god, your areas of disobedience, will you prayerfully place them and you on “an altar” declaring your willingness to acknowledge, submit and obey? Take a moment and, if possible, kneel or lay prostrate before Him and make that declaration. Submit your questions regarding this message or series to hope@ghope.org We would like to invite you to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. To let us know you have made this decision, to receive more information or for guidance in this decision please text: MADENEW to 474747 -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
Personal integrity should be a staple of a walk with God. Join Pastor Eric Kuehner as he guides us through a discussion on integrity. “So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.” Proverbs 21:3 NIV 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 1. Integrity is ____________ in our private life (Daniel 6:1-3) Daniel 6:3 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. Proverbs 11:3 NIV 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 2. Integrity is ____________ in our personal life (Daniel 6:4-5) 3. Integrity is ____________ in our professional life (Daniel 6:4-10) Proverbs 4:24-27 NIV 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 10:9 NIV 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 28:6 (English Standard Version) 6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Integrity is ____________ in our public life (Daniel 6:11-28) Daniel was not in the lions’ den because he had done something wrong. He was there because he had done something right! Questions: When you hear the word “integrity,” what comes to mind. What exactly does it mean? Who do you know that you would describe as a person of integrity? What sets this person apart from other people of a similar age and position? Do you think integrity is valued today in society? Why or why not? What do you think is the biggest challenge that we face in keeping our integrity today? Share a time when it was very tempting to lie or be less than God would want you to be. What types of situations test your integrity the most? -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
What happens when alcohol takes us further than we wanted to go and keeps us longer than we wanted to stay? Pastor Eric Kuehner guides us on a discussion of drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise". Proverbs 23:29-35 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. 31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! 32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. 34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” 1. Drunkenness ____________. Is drunk you, the real you? Matthew 12:34-35 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. “Drunkenness may expose things deep inside of you, but it doesn’t have any good news for the darkness that emerges.” Gen. 9:20-21 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded[a] to plant a vineyard.21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. “No one ever takes the first drink thinking that they want to become an alcoholic.” The danger in overindulgence in alcohol can trap you in a lifestyle of dependance. I must have a drink to relax I must have a drink to socialize I must have a drink to deal with life I must have a drink to fit in I must have a drink because I’m happier when I drink The more a person consumes the more a person loses. Loses the will to think straight Loses the will to act right Loses the ability to control themselves Loses the ability to function “We can’t be filled with the Spirit and filled with wine at the same time” ____________ and ____________ Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV) 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. A. Old Life (Eph. 5:18a) B. New Life (Eph. 5:18b) Questions: What stood out to you most about this Sunday’s sermon? How is wine (strong drink) a mocker? Is getting drunk a sin? Do you think that drunkenness is cause for separation from eternity in heaven? Luke 21:34, 1 Cor. 6:10, Gal. 5:21 Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…” If you drink alcohol, what steps have you put into place to not get drunk? If you don’t drink alcohol, why not? Why do you think being drunk with alcohol and filled with the Spirit are used in the same sentence? What things of the old you have you cut off and what evidence of the Holy Spirit do you see with-in yourself? -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
Worry is not from God, and nothing productive comes from it. Join Pastor Eric Kuehner as he guides us how to deal with worry. -- Selected Verses -- Matthew 6:25-27 (25) Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (26) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. (27) Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Stop ____________ about life He is our _________. Worry is _________. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Worry means to _________. Worry _________ your mind. Worry Affects You in 4 Ways: 1.) ____________ 2.) ____________ 3.) ____________ 4.) ____________ Worrying isn’t good for you. Worry is Distracting, Consuming, and Paralyzing. Worry strangles the peace and purpose right out of our lives. \ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Methods for Handling Worry, Stress, Anxiety A. ____________ (Heb. 12:28; Ps. 95; Ps. 100) B. ____________ (1 Thess. 5:17; Jer. 29:11-14; 1 John 5:14-15) C. ____________ (Rom. 12:4-5; Prov.11:2; Ex.18:14-15) D. ____________ (Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 12:25-27) E. ____________ (2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 119:105; Matt. 4:4; Joshua 1:8) -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
How do we deal with anger in a Godly biblical way. Pastor Paul continues with the Life Hacks series as we explore a smoldering heart. -- Selected Verses -- Proverbs 29:22 NIV An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Proverbs 15:1 NIV A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:18 NIV A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 19:11 NIV A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Ephesians 4:26, 27 NIV “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 and do not give the devil a foothold. -- Serman Notes -- 1. The Smoldering Heart! Proverbs 29:22 NIV An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Proverbs 15:18 NIV A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 22:24, 25 NIV Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Where does anger come from? A. Anger that starts from a holy discontent Mark 3:3-6 NIV Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. B. Anger that starts appropriately but becomes ungodly. C. Anger that starts from an ungodly source Ungodly anger is the outward evidence of an inward erosion. 2. Be aware of Anger Danger! Proverbs 14:17 NIV A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. Proverbs 25:28 NIV Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Negative Responses to Anger * A. Stuff It * B. Stoke it * C. Spew it Ungodly anger Ephesians 4:29-31 NIV Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. A person who lives with a continual ungodly anger is demonstrating their unwillingness to submit to God. 3. Positively Dealing with your anger. Proverbs 15:18 NIV A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 19:19 NIV A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again. Proverbs 29:11 NIV Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 16:32 NIV Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 19:11 NIV A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Let God use your anger to serve His purposes, in you and in the world. Put your anger out or put it to work. Positively Processing Your Anger a. Take ownership of your anger. Job 19:4 & 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 b. Go under the surface to the source. James 4:1-4 c. Learn to cross your heart and head. James 1:19, 20 d. Take your thoughts captive. Romans 12:1-2 & 1 Corinthians 10:3-6 FOUR WISDOM DEVELOPING PRACTICES ONCE A WEEK LIFE HACKS MESSAGE A DAILY PROVERB – Reading Schedule: June 20 ~ Proverbs 20; June 21 ~ Proverbs 21; June 22 ~ Proverbs 22; June 23 ~ Proverbs 23; June 24 ~ Proverbs 24; June 25 ~ Proverbs 25; June 26 ~ Proverbs 126 A WEEKLY PROVERB -- Memorize & Mediate on the weekly (distributed at services or online). LIFE HACK GROUPS -- Go to gfhope.org for more information or email: pseverson@gfhope.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your LIFE HACK Group, or a watch party Quick Review a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention? What stood out to you in the message? As you examine your heart and your head, what causes anger in you? Is your anger godly or ungodly? Has your godly anger become ungodly in the way you express it? How aware are you about the source of your anger? Why do you get angry? Is there an anger in you that God would want put out? Is there an anger in you that God would want put to work? What are your next steps to deal with the anger that is in you or that arises? -- Get Connected -- Contact Us! (https://www.gfhope.org/contactus) We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff. -- Stay Connected -- Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/gfhope) Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gfhope.org/)
You are Made on ____________ for a ____________ ! Genesis 1:26, 27 NIV Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Psalm 139:13, 14 NIV For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 2. Have a bold, crazy, risk-taking ____________ in ____________ . Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God . . . Revelation 3:15, 16 NIV I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 3. Learn to ____________ things you love for things you love ____________ ____________ . Romans 12:1, 2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Philippians 3:7-9 NIV But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Matthew 22:37-40 NIV Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 4. Be ____________ Matthew 16:17, 18 NIV Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 4:19 NIV “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your life group, or a watch party Remind each other of the 4 Points main points from the message.
Look up all the passages mentioned under each of the points. You are made on purpose for a purpose. What is the importance of knowing that you are made on purpose?
The primary purpose for each person is to bring glory to God. How are you seeking to live your purpose for God’s glory? Have a bold, crazy, risk-taking trust in God. Where in your past have you exercise the kind of trust mentioned in the above statement?
Where in your life do you think God is wanting you to “really” trust Him? Learn to give up things you love for things you love even more. Read Matthew 22:37-40
Take a moment and clarify what you love most.
Is there something you love that is getting in the way of what you love even more? Be Church The church is people not a place. In what ways are you Church?
Church is people not just an individual person, in what ways are you living as church with others?
“Moms are the Most Essential Workers of our DAY!” Exodus 2:1-3 NIV Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Hebrews 11:23 NIV By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. The Story of an amazing woman, Jochebed, a mother. What is it that Great ____________ of Faith Do? 1. Great Moms of Faith Don’t Live ____________ the ____________. Exodus 1:8-14 NIV Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” 11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites 13 and worked them ruthlessly.14 They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly. Hebrews 11:31 NIV By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Acts 16:24-26 NIV When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Great people of faith don’t live under the circumstances, but live a courageous anticipation of God’s blessing! 2. Great Moms of Faith Live with a Healthy ________________________ Exodus 1:15-22 NIV The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” 20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. 22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Proverbs 1:7 NIV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Revelation 3:16 NIV So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Philippians 1:14 NIV And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 3. Great Moms of Faith Live a ____________ Culture Defying ____________ Exodus 2:1-10 NIV Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother.9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” Matthew 10:16 NIV “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. The place intended for destruction and death, becomes the place of deliverance. 4. Great Moms of Faith Live a ________________________ Hebrews 11:24-28 NIV 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. Acts 7:20-22 NIV “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for by his family. 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Pray for those under your care. Pray for their salvation
Pray for their return to relationship to the Lord
Pray that you would not get stuck living “under the circumstances.”
Pray for your personal faith, that it would be white hot.
Pray for a creative courage in protecting your children.
Pray that your faith will influence them. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your life group, or a watch party Read Exodus 1 & 2:1-10
Remind each other of the 4 Points main points from the message.
How do you see the times mentioned in Exodus and our times similar?
Where do you currently feel that you are living under circumstances that God would want you to rise over?
What do you do to nurture your relationship with God and a healthy fear of Him?
How can you prevent the cooling of your heart, so that you are not lukewarm?
As a parent, where could you or would you like to be more creatively courageous in protecting your children?
Think through the most important things of faith you would like to transfer to your children. What are the main things you would like them to know or experience?
It seems that Moses had a period of time where he was not living the faith of his mother, if you have a child/ren that have wondered, what can you do?
See Luke 15
Pray together through the items mentioned above.
HOW TO INCREASE MY GO-YNESS Mark 16:8-20 NIV Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. [The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.] 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. 12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. 14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Matthew 28:16-20 NIV Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Increasing Our “Go-yness” Go-yness Is moving obediently into every place with the ________, ________ ___________ message of Jesus! Admit Your ___________ Mark 16:8 NIV Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. Mark 16:14 NIV Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Mark 16:16 NIV …but whoever does not believe will be condemned. John 3:16-18 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ___________ Jesus Mark 16:15, 16 NIV He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:12-14 NIV Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. 14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Mark 1:14-17 NIV After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 12:29-31 NIV “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” The word gospel means: ___________ Who is the good news about: ___________ With your ___________
With your ___________ Trust Your ___________ to Jesus Mark 16:17-20 NIV And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Matthew 28:19, 20 NIV Therefore go . . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” As a Christ follower, I desire to trust Him for every encounter in my life; the good, the bad and the ugly. Bringing My World to Christ Pick 3 people to pray for: 1. their ___________ 2. ___________ to share the good news in your life 3. ___________ and ___________ when the opportunity comes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your life group, or a watch party Read the passage/s
Review each of the points of the message to remind yourself of what was spoken about.
Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
Together review each of the main points, talk through them, and remind each other of what was said. ADMIT YOUR EMOTIONS All followers of Jesus are called to “Go into all the world…” When you think of that command what emotions do you experience? Discuss how you can submit your emotions to your obedience. EXPRESS JESUS In a world that is increasingly full of bad news, how can we be good news givers?
What good news have you experienced lately and how does it point to or include Jesus?
So often people speak about the things of Jesus and the truths about Jesus without speaking about the person of Jesus. What are you doing to keep your relationship with Jesus fresh and current?
Tell about a time when you spoke to someone about Jesus that did not know Him personally.
Have you prepared your story/s of your encounters with Jesus so that you can express it? Take turns and share a recent experience with Jesus TRUST YOUR ENCOUNTERS TO JESUS How has the Lord protected you in your past?
Think of the three people you are praying for, how can you turn your encounters with them into God appointments?
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GENEROSITY (THE WIDOW'S MITE) What does a kingdom financial perspective look like? God's kingdom requires different math and a different perspective. Pastor Paul Knight explores generosity, giving and the role it plays in our lives. Mark 12 37-55 NIV The large crowd listened to him with delight. As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Spying with Jesus... Mark 12:41 NIV Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. OBSERVATION #1 = IT ALL BELONGS TO GOD Mark 12:38-40 The Message He continued teaching. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.” Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NIV You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 NIV David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Luke 16:10-12 NIV “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? A KINGDOM PRINCIPLE.... WHEN YOU GIVE, YOU GIVE WHAT IS ALREADY GOD'S. OBSERVATION #2 SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY MAKES GOOD SENSE! Mark 12:41-42 & 44 NIV Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Proverbs 11:24-26 NLT Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 26 People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 ESV Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your life group, or a watch party Quick Review –
Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
Together review each of the main points, talk through them, and remind each other of what was said.
If you have experienced a time when your generosity was blessed by God, tell about it. Message Discussion: Observation #1 -- It all belongs to God. · Why do you think people are so impressed by those with money? · Do you tend to consider people with money “higher” than those without? · In what ways and in what areas do you notice yourself flaunting for recognition? · If Jesus were to observe your giving patterns, what do you think He would say or teach about how and what you give? · Do you agree with the statement: It all belongs to God? · How is that demonstrated in your life? · Discuss the Kingdom Principle: When we give, we give what already belongs to God. Observation #2 -- Sacrificial Generosity Makes Good Sense! · Jesus said, the widow gave all. Why could this make sense? · Michael Jr., the comedian, said that “tithing is not generosity that’s just not stealing.” How do you respond to that? · To watch his whole message The Right Response with Michael Jr. follow this link: · Discuss the kingdom principle: You cannot out give God. · What are your thoughts about Tithing and God’s promises in Malachi 3. Would you be willing to respond to God’s invitation? http://gfhope.org/giving Observation #3: Your Impact Can Go Beyond Your Capacity. · Where have you observed or experienced impact beyond capacity? · Discuss this equation: Your Gift + Your Faithful Heart + God = Exponential Impact · Discuss this kingdom principle: Value is not measured by earthly status but by the heavenly Owner! · Discuss this kingdom principle: Faithfully do your part, then watch God create the impact.