Immanuel Baptist Church Corbin, KY: Recent Episodes

Allen Bonnell

We are a community of Christ followers who desire to transform our community and our world with the good news about Jesus Christ. Rather than just gathering weekly to have church, we seek to be the church that Jesus envisioned. We hope that you will find Immanuel to be a place for all ages and backgrounds. From toddlers to tweens, singles to seniors, Immanuel has a place for you to belong!

A Church of LifeGroups

Acts 2:4242 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.

Why:

We come to know God and bring Him glory.

174 I long for your salvation, Lord,

and your law gives me delight.

175 Let me live that I may praise you,

and may your laws sustain me. Psalm 119

We come to know ourselves and grow in righteousness.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119

We learn direction in life.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

We learn how to have healthy relationships with others.

Proverbs 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

How?

Returning college student, I read a book of the bible this summer and it changed me, it made me a better man.

Hear

romans 10:17 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Read

rev 1:3 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Study

acts 17:11 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Memorize

ps 119:9, 1111 I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119

Apply

james 1:22 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Authentic Community > Independent Living

Show me your friends and I will show you your future.

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Acts 9:26-28

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Life is better together.

Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

2am Friends

Acts 11 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Learns from one another.
Gives generously.

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:16-17

Refrigerator Rights

Acts 13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Lives on mission.

“If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” -unknown

“If we’re going to make disciples and move out in mission, we need to go from managing boundaries to integrating family and mission into one life, a cohesive framework and fabric that empowers a culture of discipleship and mission, not just occasional events and periodic programs.”

Mike & Sally Breen, Family On Mission

Forging Friendships

2 Timothy 4:9-22

“We are born looking for someone looking for us.” Curt Thompson

Main idea: Friendship is forged by grace and love as we do life together.

(Read through the passage commenting as we walk through it)

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

“One sometimes meets super-spiritual people who claim that they never felt lonely and have no need for friends, for the companionship of Chirst satisfies all their needs. But human friendship is the loving provision of God for mankind.” – John Stott

7 applications from Paul to forge those friendships with grace and love.

Have an inner circle.

Be transparent.

Reconcile quickly.

Don’t blame others.

Avoid dangerous people.

Stay connected.

Be active in the church.

“When our spirit is lonely, we need friends. When our body is cold, we need clothing. When our mind is bored, we need books. To admit this is not unspiritual; it is human.” –John Stott

Running Through the Tape

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Present situation

Phillippians 1:3 “I have the desire to depart and be with Christ.”

Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Charles Spurgeon, “To come to thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to rest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes.”

Past victories

There is a battle to fight.

There is a purpose to live.

Hebrews 12:1b “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”

There is a treasure to guard.

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14

Future glory

2 Timothy 1:12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Tell Everyone

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word

Proclaim the truth of Scripture as one who will be held accountable.

1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

“be prepared in season and out of season”

Be ready to preach the truth of Scripture.

“Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Preach the Scriptures with a broken heart.

3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

We preach the Gospel in a hostile environment.

“Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.” -- Zinzendorf

The Bible

2 Timothy 3:14-17

“Christianity is the religion of a Book.” – Arthur Pink

“At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book.” – John Wesley

The nature of Scripture is divine.

“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.” Isaac Newton

The unique revelation of Jesus.

Claims it is from God.

Fulfillment of prophecy.

The power of the message.

The unity of the message.

Trans-cultural appeal of the message.

The honesty of the bible.

VIII.Superiority to other literature.

Pragmatic test of experience.

The translation process.

The purpose of Scripture revelation.

Believe

Act

“The bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the bible.” Dwight L. Moody

The effect of Scripture is powerful.

Saves you

Equips you

“Scripture is the chief means which God employs to bring ‘the man of God’ to maturity.” John Stott

Last Days

2 Timothy 3:1-9

The folly of lovers of self.

The fakeness of lovers of self.

The failure of lovers of self.

Make Your Life Count

2 Timothy 2:22-26

Cleanliness is necessary for usefulness.

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

The privilege of useless is tied to the pursuit of righteousness.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Righteousness leads to effective evangelism.

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

The Unashamed Workman

2 Timothy 2:14-19

Stay Hungry

• TAWG

• PRAY

• COMMUNITY

John 17:17

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

It's ok to have questions, it's not ok to push your speculations.

A good worker:

• Stays hungry

• Stays focused

• Stays sharp

What is your next step with Jesus? .

The Compassionate Expression of Sorrow

Lamentations 3

Lamentations 3

1 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath.

2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;

3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.

4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.

5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.

6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.

7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.

8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.

9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.

10 Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding,

11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help.

12 He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows.

13 He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver.

14 I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long.

15 He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.

16 He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust.

17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.

18 So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I WILL CALL TO MIND

I HAVE HOPE

GODS LOVE ME

GOD IS FAITHFUL

I WILL WAIT FOR HIM

FOR HE IS GOOD

HE WILL DELIVER ME

Numbers 11:14-15 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me

1 Kings 9:3-4 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

Jonah 4:3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

2 Cor. 1:8

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Galatians 6:1-10 (ESV)

Share the load.

Matthew 22: 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Be willing to get dirty

There is a return on investment.

Admonish One Another

Romans 15:14-15

14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14 NASB

“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 NASB

14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish ONE ANOTHER. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God.” Romans 15:14-15 NASB

Have the right motive.

Galatians 6:1 NIV Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

“Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. Acts 20:31 ESV

Be Word saturated.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NASB

Be the right person.

14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 ESV

Spur One Another On

Hebrews 10:19-25

Draw near to God.

Persevere in the faith.

Grow by being accountable.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

Love One Another John 20:11-18

“For God so gave “

life.” John 3:16

loved

the world, that he

in him should not perish but have eternal

his only Son, that whoever

believes

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when

Jesus knew

that his hour had

come to depart out of this world to the Father, having

loved

his own who

were in the world, he

loved

them to the end.” John 13:1

“You knew the full extent of their weakness, so you showed them the full

extent of your love. Washing their feet was a prelude to washing their hearts.

Water sufficed for the first, your lifeblood was required for the second.”

--Scotty Smith

“A . As

“

life

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

ram and

has

new command

I give you:

Love one another

I have loved you, so you

must love one another. By this everyone will

know

that you are my

disciples,

if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Greater love

no one than this: to

lay down

one’s

for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

“And the LORD

God made

for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and

clothed

them.” Genesis 3:21

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a

, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram

offered it

up as a burnt offering

instead of his son.”

Genesis 21:13

“God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21

(the John pass will be read here)

“

But that you may know that the Son of Man has

authority

rise

on earth to

forgive sins

”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you,

, pick up your

bed, and go home.” Mark 2:10-11

you also

will live” John 14:19

“Because I live,

The Red Carpet

The Motives of the Crowd
Our King is Humble
To ride with the King, you must die like the King

The Church

Matthew 16:13-20

Our faith is based on the divine claims of Christ.

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 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.” Acts 2

Our church is built by Jesus.

1 Peter 2 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

6 For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame.”[b]

Our enemy is already defeated by Jesus.

Romans 8 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Let’s Go!

John 4:1-42

The Gospel is the good news of redemption.

God created

Man sins

Jesus died

We Respond

“When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:6

The power of the Gospel changes your life.
A life changed shares the Gospel with others.

Barriers:

What are people going to think of me.

They know my past.

What if I can’t answer all their question’s.

I’m an introvert, not my giftedness.

Rebeca Pippert “Being an extrovert isn't essential to evangelism - obedience and love are.

Charles spurgeon Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay, and not madly to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.

The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.

Carl Henry

Master Your Money

The Dangers of Money

1 Timothy 6:9-10 Those who WANT to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the LOVER OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, EAGER for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs

The trap of debt.

b. The trap of self-sufficiency.

Deuteronomy 8: 17 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.

c. The trap of the enemy.

The Purpose of Money

a. Conform His power.

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, 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.” Malachi 3:10

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!” - Abraham Kuyper

b. Learn contentment.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:

c. Grow community.

ROOTED – Giving is not God’s way of raising money. It’s His way of raising people with surrendered hearts. He wants people to learn to trust and love Him.

The Plan for Money

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. Proverbs 3:9-10

6 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.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Don’t Waste Your Life

JOY (Jesus, Others, You)

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, BUT through love serve one another.

“Christian maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself.” - Rooted

God uses people.

1 peter 4:10 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

God uses unlikely people

1 Samuel 16 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”

God uses who you are

(SHAPE)

Spiritual Gifts

Heart

Abilities

Personality

Experiences

1 Timothy 1:12 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58

Colossians 3:23-24 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

You Were Made For This

Acts 6:1-7

Saved to Serve
The Spirit is our Source

Acts 6:5a, ESV: And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,

Full – completely occupied, abounding in, complete

Faith – trust, belief, confidence fidelity

Holy Spirit – breath, wind

“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” Acts 11:24

Saved to Share

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7 NIV

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9 Opposition arose

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1b

4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

Acts 8:4-6

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:34-35

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Under the Influence Part 2

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14

Romans 8 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

Pslam 62:11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

Directed – The Holy Spirit will lead you in what to say, where to go, and what to do.

Galatians15: 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12

Empowered – The Holy Spirit will empower you to complete the tasks that He calls you to.

Deuteronomy 1:6 “The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain.

Henry Blackaby, “Our world is not seeing God, because we are not attempting anything that only God can do.”

Longing to be filled

Blessed are those who hunger. and thirst after righteousness, for

they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and

drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to

receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7

Confess quickly

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2

Surrender totally

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12

Obedience to God leads to the empowerment of God. 5. Ask

“You do not have, because you do not ask.” James 4:2c

Under the Influence Galatians 5:16-26

When believers are filled with the Spirit, they don’t get more of the Spirit, the Spirit gets more of them.

with

Empowers us to complete the mission.

Acts 4:8 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and

elders of the people! Enables us to live in victory.

• Ask for the Holy

Luke 11:13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Confess your sin Personal Brokenness John 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Open confession of Christ in the world Walk by Faith “And s

do not get drunk with wine, for that is t

ube filled

debauchery, but

the Spirit.” Eph 5:18

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has

set you free

in Christ Jesus from the law

of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

• Be thankful 1 Thes 5:18

• Yield to be filled

Eph 4:30, 1 thes 5:19, acts 7:51

Spirit Baptism

1 Corinthians 12:13

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13

PIC OF MAN BEING BAPTIZED

John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you

another Helper, to be with you forever,

1 John 4:4 “Little children, you are from God and have overcome

them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in

other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4

18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Acts 10

15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave

2

to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” Acts 11

3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19

6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. Acts 19

Romans 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism

“The Signet of the Holy Spirit”

John 10:27-30

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

1) Jesus is the True Shepherd.

2) The Sheep know the Voice of their Shepherd.

3) The Holy Spirit Seals us for the Day of Redemption.

Ephesians 1:13

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,”

Ephesians 4:30

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Doing the Impossible
Luke 18:18-30

Jesus demands complete obedience.
Jesus empowers us to obey.
Jesus rewards those who obey.

“42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2

YOUR NEXT STEP > STAYING WHERE YOU ARE

Our Mission
Matthew 28:18-20

“We save people money so they can live better.” – Walmart

“… inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. REI's

Tesla's mission is to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy through increasingly affordable electric vehicles in addition to renewable energy generation and storage.

Chick fil a "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

You are called.
Share
Train
You are empowered.
You are not alone.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 6:5
Acts 8:4
Acts 8:26
Acts 8:40
Acts 21:8

Every day do something that requires faith.

A New Way of Loving John 13:1-17

Jesus does what no one else will do.
We follow the example of the savior servant.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

The Blessing comes in the doing.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Set Free John 8:31-36

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Abide in Jesus – remain, wait, stay

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:4-5,8-10

Know Jesus

Your Word > My Experiences

Be set free by Jesus

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

The Way Mark 8:31-38

Following Jesus is not about my will, but His way.
Following Jesus is not about my past, but His grace.
Following Jesus is not about my comfort, but His commission.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Title: Get as Rich as You Can Pastor Brett Martin

1 Timothy 6:17-21

Fool's Gold
Pure Gold
Guard the Gold

Fight 1 Timothy 6:11-16

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Phil 2:20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Flee

Genesis 39: she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the hous

Follow

Fight

2 Cor 10:4 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

How to Get Ahead 1 Timothy 6:2b-10

Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 1Timothy 6:2b-10

Materialism is deceptive. Materialism is dangerous.

Reprioritize your life toward eternal rewards.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Live a simple life.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

Give sacrificially.

Liberty 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 1 Timothy 5:17-24

1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 1 Timothy 6:1-2

Paul urges Timothy to take care of himself physically.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

Paul relieves Timothy of the burden of choosing leaders.
Paul instructs Timothy on the issue of slavery.

7 Statements 1 Timothy 5:17-25

17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

The pastor who leads well is worth his pay.
The pastor who leads well is worth your praise.
The pastor’s reputation should be protected.
The pastor who sins publicly should be rebuked publicly.
The pastor who leads well will not show favoritism.
Don’t ordain someone as a pastor hastily.
The pastor’s purity is a priority.

Family Matters 1 Timothy 5:1-16

1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. 1 Timothy 5:1-16

We love one another like family, v. 1-2
We care for those with no family, v, 3-16 a. Engage widows who don’t have help. b. Enlist older widows for service. c. Encourage younger widows to marry.

3 Commands and a Promise 1 Timothy 4:11-5:3

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:11-16

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 1 Timothy 5:1-3

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Live what you preach.

Commit to God’s Word.

Use the gifts God has given you.

Give yourself wholeheartedly to the conduct of your life and having right doctrine and everyone will see your growth.

Hope in the Truth Dustin, John, and Jon 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:1-10

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 1 John 2:19

19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:19

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

My Wife is the Best 1 Timothy 3:11

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 1 Timothy 3:11

The Family of God 1 Timothy 3:14-16

The blessing of belonging. The centrality of Christ

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

Breaking Up Is (NOT) Hard to Do

Psalm 139 13 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. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Jeremiah 15 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Job 31:15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

1 Timothy 3:2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.

Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife,

1 Peter 5:3 “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

HOUSE RULES “Shepherding Your Home” 1 Timothy 3:4-5

*1 Timothy 3:4a – “He must manage his own household competently…” (CSB)

*1 Timothy 3:4b “…and have his children under control with all dignity.” (CSB) – “And see that his children obey him, and He must do so is a manner worthy of full respect.” (NIV)

*1 Timothy 3:5 – “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (CSB)

What I would do again but improve upon…

Love my family more

Lead my family better

Laugh with my family more (They always laugh at him)

Let them go earlier

What is the next step you need to take today in shepherding your family?

Avoiding a Recession

1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Proverbs 22:7. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

Philippians 4:12-13 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Money and material possessions do not lead to contentment.

Misconceptions about money: It will solve all my problems. If I had just a little bit more I would be content. I must have what others have to be happy I would have more time to do the things I really want to do

Circumstances are not in control of my level of contentment.

Proverbs 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

A strong relationship with God will bring contentment

Luke 12:22-34 22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, lO you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, or be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Cultivating a thankful heart will produce contentment

Who’s Your Stranger? 1 Timothy 3:1-7

A Qualification of an Overseer/Pastor/Elder: Titus 1:7-8: “For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”

“The entire Bible is a true historical account of God’s hospitality.” - Dustin Willis & Brandon Clements from “The Simplest Way to Change the World”

Hospitality has been both an attribute and expectation for all believers. Attribute: Acts 2:46 - “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,” Acts 16:15 - “And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16:33-34 - “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” Expectation: Romans 12:13 - “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” 1 Peter 4:9 - “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Biblical hospitality is “making strangers into neighbors and neighbors into the family of God.” - Rosaria Butterfield from “The Gospel Comes With a House Key”

Hebrews 13:2 - “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Hospitality is more about blessing others, while entertaining is more about impressing others.

Hospitality is more about being interested rather than interesting.

Adopt the Always Rule: If you see a neighbor and you don’t know them, always drop everything you’re doing and meet them.

Take one next step: Have one short conversation/greeting a day with a stranger. Once a week, invite a neighbor or Church member to tag along with you. Once a month, invite people from your Church and the community into your home (e.g. cookout, game night, watching movies/sports, play date) Learn how to fix one easy meal for people. (Brownies will do.) Once a month, plan to stay for 30 minutes after the Sunday morning worship service. Once a year, invite a stranger or a neighbor to a holiday event (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas).

Qualifications for Church Leaders

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-13‬ ‭ESV

God’s Plan is Good 1 Timothy 2:8-15 ESV

1 Timothy 3:15 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

First of All 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Prayer is our priority.

“And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Mark 11:17

“Prayer is our most formidable weapon, but the one in which we are the least skilled, the most averse to its use.” E. M. Bounds

“When prayer fails, the world prevails.” E. M. Bounds

“He who is too busy to pray will be too busy to live a holy life.” E. M. Bounds

Pray for those in authority over you.

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Prayer pleases God.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Prayer opens the door for evangelism.

“Prayer is crucial in evangelism: Only God can change the heart. … No matter how logical our arguments or how fervent our appeals, our words will accomplish nothing unless God’s Spirit prepares the way.” – Billy Graham

“At the end of the day, the biggest obstacle to evangelism is Christians who don’t share the gospel. - Al Mohler

Truth in Love 1 Timothy 2:18-20

Remember what God says about you.

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

2 Timothy 1:6 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Keep the faith and do what is right.

2 Timothy 2:17-18 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

2 Timothy 4:14-15 “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.”

Hebrews 12:8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 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. 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. Matthew 18:15-17

Steps in Church Discipline: Have a private conversation. Take 1 or 2 devoted believers with you. Bring a formal accusation. Bring them before the church. Remove them from the church roll.

WHY? For the good of the individual. Protect the name of Jesus. Protect the power of the church’s witness in the community. To spur others on to faith and good works. For the health of the church.

Psalm 85:10 Graciousness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

House Rules 1 Timothy 1:12-17

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

God cares less about where you have been, and more about where you are going.

Acts 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 9:1-2 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Mercy is judgment waived, grace is blessing received.

9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

If God saved me, God can save you.

But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

The closer you get to Jesus, the more you realize your need for Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:9 - For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Ephesians 3:8 - To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.

1 Timothy 1:15, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

Don’t judge people for where they are without Jesus, but see them for where they could be with Jesus

THE GOSPEL THAT MUST BE GUARDED FROM COUNTERFEITS 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Believers must guard the Gospel from counterfeits with confidence (v.1-2)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Believers must guard the Gospel from counterfeits with courage (v.3-7)

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

Believers must guard the Gospel from counterfeits through correct instruction (v.8-11)

8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Application: Know the authentic Gospel Protect the authentic Gospel Preach the authentic Gospel

Who is Jesus?

Who would you say Jesus is? _____________________

People are known by what they say, what they do, and what others say about them.

What people say…

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34 Forgiveness

“Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” — Luke 23:43 Assurance

““Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” — John 19:26 Compassion

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” — Mark 15:34 Loneliness

“I thirst.” — John 19:28 Humanity

“It is finished.” — John 19:30 Victory

“It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the entire land until the ninth hour, because the sun stopped shining; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” And having said this, He died. Luke 23:44-46

“That was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” John 5:18

Psalm 31:4-5 (NASB), “You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.”

What people do…

Matthew 27:50-53, “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

Veil Torn Earth Shook Rocks Split Tombs Opened

Hebrews 9:2-3, 6-7, “There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room as they performed their religious duties. But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”

Jesus is the final High Priest. The cross is the New Testament Mercy Seat.

Hebrews 9:22, “For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.”

What is said about them…

“Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54

Who do you say Jesus is?

It is Finished John 19:28-37

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Tetelestai = it is finished

The task assigned by the Father is finished.

John 17:4 “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

Psalm 22:31 They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, was offered for sins. Hebrews 9:12 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining[a] eternal redemption.
Your debt was paid.
You are new in Christ. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23–24)

Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (from epi and teleo) at the day of Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15, 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55“Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.…

The Suffering Son of Man John 19:28-29

Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

Jesus physically suffered, atonement

Psalm 22:15, “My mouth is dried up like a potsherd and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”

Jesus was 100% man, the incarnation

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14

“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

kenosis = emptied

Nicene Creed puts it, “For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human.”

Jesus took our punishment, substitution.

“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2 NASB

"Take a branch of the hyssop plant, dip it into the bowl filled with blood, and then wipe the blood on the sides and tops of the doorframes." Exodus 12:22

John 4:11 “Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

Cross = Love - Week 4 - My God, My God

Matt. 27:37-45 (NASB) 37 And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 38 At that time two rebels *were being crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him, shaking their heads, 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 HE HAS TRUSTED IN GOD; LET GOD RESUCE HIM now, IF HE TAKES PLEASURE IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'” 44 And the rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way. 45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabaktanei?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”

Psalms 22:7-8 7 All who see me deride me; They sneer, they shake their heads, saying, 8 “Turn him over to the Lord; let Him save him; Let Him rescue him, because delights in him.”

Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?

Psalm 22:22-24 22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor scorned the suffering of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

Psalm 22:30-31 30 A posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

Care Given at the Cross John 19:17-27

Love Our family

Luke 2:34-35 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Ex. 20:12 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

1 Tim. 5:3-4 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

1 Tim. 5:8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Love Believers as Family

1 Tim. 5:1-2 5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Romans 12:10 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Gal. 6:2 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal. 6:10 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

John 13…34A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

1 Timothy 5:Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. ESV

Warren Wiesbe, “One of the weaknesses in the church is Christians don’t get close enough to the cross to feel their responsibility.”

How Sure is Your Salvation Luke 23:43

I will meet God after I die.

Luke 23:40 - But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?

Hebrews 9:27 - And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment

I have sinned against God.

Luke 23:41 - We deserve to die for our crimes...”

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

Jesus is more than a man.

Luke 23:41 - "...but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Ecclesiastes 7:20 - "There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins."

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 4. Only God's grace can save me.

Luke 23:42 - Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 5. Jesus will save me if I ask Him

Luke 23:42 - Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Acts 16:31 - They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” HOW CAN I BE SURE I AM SAVED?

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

It is IMMEDIATE - "Today"

It is CERTAIN - "you will"

It is RELATIONSHIP - "be with me"

It is FOREVER - "in paradise"

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. Revelation 20:14-15

WHEN CAN I BE SAVED?

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

Romans 10:13 - "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Forgive Them Luke 23:26-34

“I am so bored with it all.” Winston Churchill “I finally get to see Marilyn again.” Joe Dimaggio “oh wow.” Steve Jobs “Money can’t buy life.” Bob Marley “Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.” Beethoven banker Richard Mellon to his brother who he had a 7 decade game of tag, “Last tag” Playwright Wilson Mizner to the priest, “why should I talk to you? I’ve just been talking to your boss.” Groucho Marx, “Die my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do."

READ Luke 23:26-34

Isa. 53:12 Because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors

GOD FORGIVES ME GENEROUSLY.

Isaiah 55:7 - Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

GOD FORGIVES ME COMPLETELY.

Colossians 2:13-14 - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

GOD FORGIVES ME REPEATEDLY.

Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

GOD FORGIVES ME FREELY.

Ephesians 1:7 - He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Acts 7:59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he [a]fell asleep. NASB

Choosing the Better Learning to be Mary-ed

And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. LUKE 10:38-42

"We are so steeped in the error of working for God that we are determined to defend Martha. In straining to give her some due, some merit we are defending our own self-conscious labors and hoping they too will count with God. They will not. Make no mistake, Jesus scolded Martha. Martha had chosen duty. Mary had chosen Jesus. Adoration Adoration Martha Kilpatrick.

"Work does not begin with work. God's work must begin with rest. It then moves out from rest to power and performance. Work that does not start with rest is work without Christ's approval or participation. Life is confusing, insolvable...Need screams your name.” “You have nothing to give to Him until you are filled with Him." Adoration Adoration | Martha Kilpatrick, pp. 111, 113.

"Choosing can be casual, floating lazily with the tide. Indecision is a decision not to decide and as such…rules.” Adoration Adoration| Martha Kilpatrick

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is week. Mark 14:38

They bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of GOD. - Colossians 1:10

Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5

10:5

"The power of influence is a scent rather than a speech, a mystery instead of an explanation. Influence can never be conscious. If it is conscious, it is manipulation and not inspiration." Adoration Adoration | Martha Kilpatrick, p.57

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word. but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. - Matthew 13:22

Let marriage be held in honor among all… - Hebrews 13:4

Your Next Step > Staying Where You Are Mark 1:17

Vision Statement - Growing leaders to plant healthy churches in college towns across Kentucky and beyond for the glory of God.

Mark 1:17 “And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Following Jesus

Being changed by Jesus

“And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

(Vanny Testimony)

On mission with Jesus

(picture of Wyatt, Noah, Seth, and Will)

Not So With You Mark 10:35-45

Everyone has a position on the team.
All the positions on the team are important.
The greatest position on the team is the lowest position.

(picture of Murrell fishing and the pics of Will and Jacob being baptized)

A. Serving increases your joy.

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Philippians 2:17

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35

B. Serving improves your relationships.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

C. Serving brings significance.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Your Priorities Determine Your Appointments Mark 1:35-39

Time with God is a daily joy

“A Sunday religion, he who has it, will be lost.” - Charles Spurgeon.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

Time with God was a priority.

“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

Time with God will have interruptions.
Time with God prepares you for your mission.

“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.” Romans 1:16

“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.” Mark 2:19-20

"HOPE IS COMING” Malachi 3:1-12 & 4:4

The Lord had a plan (3:1-6)
The Lord wants us to TEST Him (3:7-12)
The Lord will fight for you. THE LORD OF ARMIES (HOSTS)
Remember God’s Word. (4:4) "Remember the instruction of Moses My servant, the statues and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. “

“The Day of the Lord” Zephaniah 1-3 1) On the Day of the Lord, God will come in Judgment 6 and those who turn back from following the Lord, who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him. 7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is near. Indeed, the Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated his guests.

Matthew 24 21 For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again. 22 Unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect. 23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24 29 “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. 2) All have sinned against the Lord, but Repentance is still possible 1 Gather yourselves together; gather together, undesirable nation, 2 before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning of the Lord’s anger overtakes you, before the day of the Lord’s anger overtakes you. 3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the Lord’s anger. Judgment against the Nations 4 For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will become a ruin. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. 5 Woe, inhabitants of the seacoast, nation of the Cherethites! The word of the Lord is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines: I will destroy you until there is no one left. 6 The seacoast will become pasturelands with caves for shepherds and pens for sheep. 7 The coastland will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; they will find pasture there. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the Lord their God will return to them and restore their fortunes. 8 I have heard the taunting of Moab and the insults of the Ammonites, who have taunted my people and threatened their territory. 9 Therefore, as I live — this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel — Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah: a place overgrown with weeds, a salt pit, and a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of my people will plunder them; the remainder of my nation will dispossess them. 10 This is what they get for their pride, because they have taunted and acted arrogantly against the people of the Lord of Armies. 11 The Lord will be terrifying to them when he starves all the gods of the earth. Then all the distant coasts and islands of the nations will bow in worship to him, each in its own place. 12 You Cushites will also be slain by my sword. 13 He will also stretch out his hand against the north and destroy Assyria; he will make Nineveh a desolate ruin, dry as the desert.

3) God demonstrates His grace by Restoring His people to Himself 1 Woe to the city that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressive city! 2 She has not obeyed; she has not accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she has not drawn near to her God. 3 The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning.

6 I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant. 7 I said: You will certainly fear me and accept correction. Then her dwelling place would not be cut off based on all that I had allocated to her. However, they became more corrupt in all their actions. 8 Therefore, wait for me — this is the Lord’s declaration — until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.

9 For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with a single purpose. 10 From beyond the rivers of Cush my supplicants, my dispersed people, will bring an offering to me. 11 On that day you will not be put to shame because of everything you have done in rebelling against me. For then I will remove from among you your jubilant, arrogant people, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain. 12 I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord. 13 The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid. 14 Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. 16 On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.” 18 I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her. 19 Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame. 20 At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The Lord has spoken.

Now Come the Days of the King Luke 1:1-20 1. The board is set. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”MIC 5:2 2. The pieces are moving. , "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." “LK 9:58 3. We come to it at last. “Now then, tell my servant David, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel.” 2 Sam 7:8

Mary Christmas Luke 1:26-45

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

I. Help is on the way

“And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:16

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

II. All things are possible with God

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

III. God keeps ALL of His promises to you

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Don’t Give Up Luke 1:5-25

Micah 4:2-3 2 Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Malachi 4:5 5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.

(Luke 1:5-25) 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 9according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. 24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Unrealized Dreams
Unexpected Answer
Unfortunate Response

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

THE NECESSITY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

I. Why we believe in the virgin birth.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15 NASB

almah bethulah

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” 24And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:22-25

II. Why the Virgin Birth is Important

Atonement for our sins required a perfect sacrifice.

“The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats.” Exodus 12:5

III. We are all sinners.

“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.” Romans 5:18

IV. Jesus knew no sin.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor. 5:21

This is a supernatural event

Mary said, “How can this be, when I have not known a man.” Luke 1:34

Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing is impossible.”

“and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

The Faithfulness of God Daniel 9

Learn to look at things from God’s perspective through His Word.

v. 1-3, 13

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.” Ps34:1

Choose to believe that God is faithful to His promises because of past faithfulness.

v. 4-6, 15-16

The sun is faithful to rise each morning is reflective of the creator who is faithful to you and I. (picture of sunrise)

Look to God’s Character for assurance.

v. 7, 17-19

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hope: True or False? Jeremiah 29:4-14

Believers must avoid false hopes from false prophets when things seem hopeless (v.4-9) Believers must listen to God's Word when things seem hopeless (v.10-11) Believers must turn back to the LORD who is their true hope when things seem hopeless (v.12-14)

Be careful who you listen to and in what you put your hope
Derive your hopes and dreams from God's Word alone
Make repentance and faith in Christ a daily lifestyle

“Heaven – How Do I Get There?” John 14:1-6

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus said, Trust me, not yourself. “You, believe in God; believe also in me.”

He is trustworthy because of: Of His supernatural identity. He said, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father."

He is trustworthy because of: His impeccable integrity. “He was tempted in every way just as we are and yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

He is trustworthy because of: His keen intellect. “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. (John 7:46)

Jesus is worthy of your trust because of: His miraculous power. “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles.” John 14:11

Jesus is worthy of your trust because of: His sacrificial death “God laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

He is trustworthy because of: His bodily resurrection,

Luke 24:1-8 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!”

Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

Jesus said: Put your focus on Heaven not on earth. “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Jesus said” …Be confident you’re going there and don’t doubt…You know the way to the place where I am going,”

Here’s a sobering Biblical fact…The majority of people are not going to Heaven. 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. Matthew 7:13-14

How do you follow Jesus? How can you be assured of eternal life?

Admit that you have sinned and separated yourself from God “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory,” Romans 3:23

Believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.   “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.”

Confess that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Demonstrate your allegiance to Christ by repenting of sin and being baptized into Christ. Acts 2:38 reads, “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.”

A Light for the Nations

God wants both your Waldo and the world
You always win when you witness
Jesus is too big for the Tri-county area
The Light is most bright in the darkest of night

Acts 13:47 “The Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

The Mercy of God Jonah

Practice first time obedience. 1:1-3, 3:1-3
Develop a heart like God’s for people. 1:17, 2:10, 3:10 4:2 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Remember that it is about God not you. 3:5, 4:4-11 1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth.

17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. - Jonah 1:17

10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. - Jonah 2:10

10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. - Jonah 3:10

2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. - Jonah 4:2

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. - Jonah 3:5

4 And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?” 5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” 10 And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” - Jonah 4:4-11

Go And Tell Mark 5:1-20

We are given the same command
We are given the same method
We are given the same message

Wait For It Mark 4:1-20

Sow the seed of the Gospel indiscriminately.
The seed sown doesn’t always bear fruit.
The success of sowing is realized in fruit.

When the Church Doesn’t Look Like Jesus Mark 2-3

Judgmental Disposition
Legalistic Attitude
Critical Spirit
Division

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Bring your problems to Jesus. Whatever it takes. Come to Jesus to have your sins forgiven.

The Gospel of Mark Mark 1:14-45

The King determines the Time

v. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” v. 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” v. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. v. 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

The King is Authoritative

v. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. v. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. v. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. v. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” v. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

The King is Compassionate

v. 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. v. 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” v. 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The Gospel of Mark

Mark 1:1-15

A servant serves with humility.
Our service is centered on Christ.
When you serve, the Savior is exalted.

Find the One

In John 10:10 Jesus said the thief comes to steal kill and destroy, but I have come to give life and life abundantly.

Pursue

. Song of Solomon 3:4I have found the one whom my soul loves

Song of Songs 1:12 While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

Song of Songs 2:2 Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. 3 Like an apple[a] tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

Jesus

2 Corinthians 61:4-15 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Observe

Song of Songs 1:6 Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; my own vineyard I had to neglect.

Song of Songs 1:9-10 I liken you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariot horses. 10 Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

Galatians 5:22 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Counsel

Proverbs 24:6, “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.”

Song of Songs 1:4b, “We will praise your love more than wine. She How right they are to adore you!”

Song of Songs 6:1 Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn, that we may look for him with you?

Purpose

Amos 3:3"Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?"

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

Purity

Song of Songs 2:7b, “Do not arouse or awaken love until is so desires.”

Proverbs 3:6- 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.

Be the One

“The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Family Matters.

2 Kings 14:2-6 2 Amaziah He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash. 4 The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. 5 After the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, he executed the officials who had murdered his father the king. 6 Yet he did not put the children of the assassins to death, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses where the Lord commanded: “Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.

“And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest.” 2 Kings 12:2

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

1 Kings 12:6-11 6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. 7 They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 9 He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”10 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

Tear Down the High Places.

2 Kings 18:2-4 Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. 4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.”

His Grace > My Past

The One Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Hevel - meaningless, smoke, or vapor.

“Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.” —Ecclesiastes 8:12

“Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.[a] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” —Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” —1 Corinthians 11:28

Ichabod 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

2 Chronicles 7:1-3, “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”

The Glory of the LORD filled the temple.

Shekinah - God's manifested glory

The Lord fills us today with His presence and power.

a. Jesus came.

“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.” John 1:14 14

b. Holy Spirit came.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” --John Wesley

The glory of LORD is not a guarantee in our life.

“Phinneas wife, She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The Glory has departed from Israel"—because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.” 1 Samuel 4:21

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 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.” Revelation 2:4-5

Be filled with the glory of God

a. We are in Christ – Positional Salvation

Romans 8:1 there is therefor no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Colossians 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

b. Christ in us – Sanctification

Colossians 1:27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Title of message: Words with Friends

Scripture ESV/point for Screen (Bold Bible reference use in notes with fill in blanks) Hebrews 11:3 Matthew 12:36-37 Romans 10:9-10 Proverbs 11:9

Think before you speak Proverbs 11:12

Think before you post Proverbs 16:12

Just because you think it, doesn't mean you have to say it. Proverbs 16:24 Proverbs 18:21 Our words have the power to destroy and the power to build up.

Next Steps: Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to apologize to? What post do you need to delete? What lie do you need to stop believing? What truth do you need to start believing?

How to Make Right Decisions Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 5:8 Lead me, O’Lord in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me. 1. Cling to God. 2. Humble yourself. 3. Bring God into every situation. Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Part 1 of a series on Kings.

Check out Pastor Allen's next sermon in the Samuel Series: "Freedom Isn't Free" Freedom Isn’t Free

2 Samuel 12:7-14 Conceal your sins. Confess your sins. If you confess your sin, Christ will cover your sin.

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

I. Repent Psalm 51:1-6 1. Acknowledge your sin, v.13 2. Ask for forgiveness, v.14a 3. Accept responsibility, v.14b “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

II. Receive  Psalm 51:7-11 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

III. Restoration Psalm 51:12-17

Watch as Pastor Allen takes us through the next sermon in the Samuel Series, "Our Sins Will Find Us Out".

Our Sin Will Find Us Out 2 Samuel 11

11 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 1. Sin will cost you more than you want to pay. 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” 6 So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. 8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house. 10 David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” So he asked Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?” 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents,[ a ] and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

12 Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 At David’s invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home. 2. Sin will take you further than you want to go. 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” 16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died. 18 Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19 He instructed the messenger: “When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20 the king’s anger may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21 Who killed Abimelek son of Jerub-Besheth[ b ]? Didn’t a woman drop an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then say to him, ‘Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.’” 22 The messenger set out, and when he arrived he told David everything Joab had sent him to say. 23 The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance of the city gate. 24 Then the archers shot arrows at your servants from the

wall, and some of the king’s men died. Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.” 25 David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage Joab.”

Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay. 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”

Watch as Pastor Jon Barron brings the next sermon in the Samuel series, "A Banquet of Grace".

Saul VS David 1 Samuel 26:7-25

When God is for you, no one can stand against you. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
Trusting in God brings peace. Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
You can never lose by showing grace. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" Colossians 3:13

The Warrior King 1 Samuel 17

The unrelenting attack of the enemy. Defy = blaspheme, is to speak with contempt about God or to be defiantly irreverent.
The unwavering courage of David. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
An undeniable picture of Christ. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'" 2 Samuel 7:16

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" Matthew 9:27

All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?" Matthew 12:23

And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed" Matthew 15:22

“The Lord Sees the Heart” 1 SAMUEL 16:1-13

1) Saul’s heart is prideful and disobedient. 1 Samuel 13:14 - “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

2) Samuel’s heart is fearful but yet obedient.

3) God’s heart was for David.

4) What is the condition of your heart?

Saul: The First King

The boy who started well. Honored his father 1 Samuel 9:3

Hard worker 1 Samuel 9:4 Proverbs 14:23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Humble 1 Samuel 9:21 Proverbs 11: 2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom”

Trusted 1 Samuel 10:16

Could overlook an offense 1 Samuel 10:26 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 1 Samuel 12:24-25

The king who started what he could not finish. 1 Samuel 13:11-13 1 Samuel 15:14 1 Samuel 15:22, 24

Can You Hear Me Now 1 Samuel 3:1-21

When God is silent, keep talking, v. 1-3 “When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible — with absolute silence, not a silence of despair, but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation.” Oswald Chambers “Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” Psalm 22:2 ESV “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
When God speaks, stop talking, v. 4-14 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
When God calls, be available, v. 15-21 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:6 “And Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh, for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of Yahweh.” 1 Samuel 3:21 Lexham English Bible

It Is Not Good to Be Alone

Ruth

“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.” Ruth 1:1

Women of God are sacrificial. Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Women of God work hard. “When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 24:19 Ruth 3:9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer[ a ] of our family.” 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the

morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian- redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

Women of God courageously walk in God’s plan. “Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.” Ruth 4:11-12

Ruth 4:15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” 16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, 19 Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, 20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 21 Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed,22 Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David. 2 Samuel 7:16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"

Cross = Healing

Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. 1. Grieving is a gift “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 2. Share your grief "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." John 11:21 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “it is ok, to not be ok.” 3. Grief is not the final destination 55“Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Psalm 30:5, Weeping may endure the night, but joy comes in the morning.” 4. Let others drink from your well. Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs;

The Cross = courage Numbers 13:26-33 1. The difficult will distract us from the good. 2. Our opposition is God’s opportunity. 3. Faith-filled instead of fearful Numbers 14: 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:11 “The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?” Numbers 14:24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Joshua 14:8 but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.

Cross = Unity Number 12:1-15

Racism exists.
Racism is sin. Matthew 24:14 : “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Revelation 5:9 “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
The cross brings unity. Galatians 2:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

Daniel Lucas takes us through the life of Moses.

Special Message from Bob Russell, former pastor of Southeast Christian in Louisville, KY.

Go And Give What You Have To Offer

Acts 3:1-10

Be available to share the power of the Gospel (v.1-4) “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15b
Be bold in sharing the power of the Gospel (v.5-6)
Be compassionate when sharing the power of the Gospel (v. 7-10) Evangelism is the exaltation of Jesus! I am going to invite ______________, _________________, _____________.

Go, Make an Impact Acts 20:17-21

The value of your impact is determined by your virtues. 1. We impact others by our character. 2. We impact others through our passion. 3. We impact others with truth. “So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8,

GO Acts 1:1-7

(pic of Anchored Ministries) 1. Proof “With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 2. Witness 3. Return

GIVE Acts 6:1-7

The church loved one another through difficult circumstances. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
The church was lead by those full of the Spirit.
The church grew in number because they gave. Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual Consumer “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10:43-44

Kissing Cousins

“ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Genesis 1:28a “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” Genesis 9:7 1. Answering true questions remove barriers to faith. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 2. Analyze the case for Cain.  Who did Cain marry?  Is it plausible? “After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.” Genesis 5:4 “These were the three sons of Noah, and from them came the people who were scattered over the whole earth.” Genesis 9:19  Didn’t God just create another race?  What about birth defects? 3. If we are all not descendants from Adam, then Jesus did not die for everyone. “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men” Romans 5:12 “For since by a man came death, by a Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” Acts 17:26

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Romans 12:1-2 1. Oh, the places you will go because of God’s plan. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 “ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 2. Oh, the places you’ll go because of your efforts. “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. 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.” Romans 12:1-2 a. Do not conform to the pattern of this world. b. Be renewed. 1. God’s Word. 2. God’s People. 3. God’s Spirit. 4. God’s intrusions. 3. Oh, the places God you’ll go for God’s glory. “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

“That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

Is God Bi-polar Deuteronomy 20:16-17

“ However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you.” Deuteronomy 20:16-17 1. God is so far above us, we can’t fully understand. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 “All the earth is mine.” Exodus 19:5” 2. God’s wrath is justified. “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:1-2 3. God’s desire is that none would perish. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

How Secure is Salvation?

1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1. Is salvation permanent? 1 John 5:11-12, And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30 Our security is not based finally on our grip on Christ, but his grip on us. ” -John Piper John 1:12, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God 1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” 1 John 2:19 “ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 2. Am I saved? “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12b a. If we confess our sins. “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” 1 John 4:15 “ if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9 b. If we change. 1 John 2:29: “Everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

2

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17 c. If we obey His commands. 1 John 3:9, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”

d. If you have compassion toward believers. 1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. e. If there is Conflict. 1 John 5:4, “Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

This Changes Everything John 4:1-45 1. Jesus was labeled, because He had to get to her. “The Jews answered Jesus, ‘Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?’” John 8:48 2. “Jesus doesn’t care about your race, nor face, but only about His grace.” – Pastor Jaime, Partner of Immanuel (Brooklyn, NY)

“If you’re a person who finds Jesus as boring or unsatisfying, you haven’t really discovered yet who He is.” 3. Jesus brought up her past, not to shame her, but to win her. 4. She left her label and went on mission. Your next step > Staying where you are My next step is:

Selfless in Obedience Acts 9:1-19

“And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” Acts 8:1-3 ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ Acts 22:19-21 Paul - Even in our sin and rebellion, God is pursuing us, with plans and purposes.

“ Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9:10 (ESV) Ananias – Your next step will require as much faith as your first step. His Word > Our Experiences “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:19-21

Can You Hear Me Now 1 Samuel 3:1-21

“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.” 1 Samuel 2:6-7 “ And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people.” 1 Samuel 2:26 I. How can I know the voice of God? 1. Study the Bible. Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 2. Develop authentic community. Authentic Community > Independent Living “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14 “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 3. Talk with God. II. How can I obey the voice of God? There is a huge difference between victory and retreating. It is the Spirit that enables us. “And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” Ezekiel 36:27 (ESV) “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Selfless in Serving Exodus 3 & 4

“the greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23:11 spiritual contributor > spiritual consumer “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.” Acts 9:36 Luke 9:48b, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48b Exodus 3:4 “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Excuse # 1 It is too big for me.

(3:11) (3:12) (4:1) Excuse # 2 What if I don’t do it right? (4:2) Excuse # 3 I am not equipped. (4:10) (4:12) “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17

“All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.” Proverbs 21:26 1. God will test us to define us. “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” James 1:13 2. To be selfless in sacrificing you have to have great faith, not in yourself, but in God. “But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.” Genesis 22:11 Two points of application: 1. Following Jesus will cost you. Sacrificial Living > Playing it Safe 2. Selfless sacrificing is giving God our first. “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Calling “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 His Calling > My Comfort Jesus said, “As the father has sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21
Courage “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Here I am, send me to _______________________________

Title: False Positives

Definition: A false positive is a professed believer whose life has not been transformed by grace. False positives are not born again. Jesus closed the Sermon on the Mount with a strong warning against unbelief. The Problem 1. False positives choose the easy route rather than the hard road (vv. 13-14). a. The easy way leads to destruction. b. The hard road leads to deliverance. 2. False positives are attracted to false prophets (vv. 15-20). a. False prophets look good on the outside but hate God on the inside. b. False prophets cannot produce God-glorifying fruit. c. False prophets must be rejected. 3. False positives are false disciples (vv. 21-23) a. False positives are self-seeking. b. False positives assume religious activity equals saving faith. c. False positives lack intimacy with God.

The Solution 1. Genuine faith produces the obedience of faith (vv. 24-27) a. Practice what He preached (wise) b. Practice what you preach (foolish) c. Faith that fizzles was faulty at first.

The Application 1. Turn to Christ in true repentance and faith. a. God-Man- Savior-Response b. Surrender to the Lordship of Christ c. Savor the Love of Christ

Praying for the Undeserving Matthew 5:43-48

We forgive others because we are part of the Kingdom of forgiveness. “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 Why should we forgive? a. Bitterness is a self-inflicting poison. b. You will need forgiveness. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 How do we forgive? a. Praying for them b. As we have been forgiven. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 “Falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Acts 7:60 We forgive ourselves because God values us.

Dream Big Matthew 7:7-12

A. W. Tozer, “We may as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low. We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone...[We] have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to substitute for the joy of the Lord and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost.” 1. Ask, Seek, Knock speak to the need for persistency in prayer. 2. The promises of prayer speak to the character of the Father. “You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2b “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 3. When persistency lacks and promises seem to fail. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 “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.” Ephesians 3:20

“ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 1. You don’t pray to be seen. 2. You don’t have to use a lot of words. Prayer isn’t about having the right words, but about having the right heart. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26 3. Prayer is learned. “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2 Praise Repent Ask Yield “Solitude bears the same relation to the mind that sleep does to the body. It affords it the necessary opportunities for repose and recovery.” —William G. Simms

Building a Marriage That Lasts Matthew 5:33-42; 7:1-5

Matthew 5:20, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” 1. Say yes to your marriage. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 2. Say no to yourself “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 3. Say yes to the Holy Spirit. “Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be. – Thomas a Kempis “Everybody thinks of changing Humanity and Nobody thinks of changing Himself.” - Tolstoy "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

Marriages Built to Last Matthew 5:31-32

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7: 24

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

He created marriage. He designed marriage. God loves you.

CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE

"When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man's wife.” Deuteronomy 24:1-2

“If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity,” Deuteronomy 22:13-14

We justify our sin. We are not willing to work. We forget our own sin. There is hope.

“Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Purity, Built to Last Matthew 5:27-32

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 1Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15

HOW ARE YOU HOOKED?

Exposed to improper sexuality. Injured by the exposure. Confused by the injury.

IS THERE A PATH TO FREEDOM?

Guard the wound.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9

Pursue Jesus.

Contentment That Will last Matthew 6:19-24

“If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” Psalm 50:12

Bigger barns are not a blessing.

Make the best investment.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliott-Martyred missionary

What is controlling your decisions?

Anger Kills Matthew 5:17-26

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

I. The Word of God is built to last.

He fulfills prophecy. He fulfills the requirement of the law.

II. Deal with your anger.

Anger leads to murder

Spewers express their anger.

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Proverbs 29:11

“A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.” Proverbs 14:17

Stewers suppress their anger.

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” Psalm 32:3

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in.” Luke 15:28

Your anger hinders your worship to God.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Romans 12:18

What to do with your anger.

Resolve conflicts quickly.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Nip it in the bud.

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20

BUILT TO LAST Mathew 5-7

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” Deuteronomy 34:7

I. Building a life that will last.

It is not cheap It is not built in a day. It is not build alone.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3

You are Jesus in the flesh.

Keep a strong testimony.
Be bold in your witness.

The Road to Freedom 1. We are all enslaved to sin.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12

I consider myself a good person, isn’t that enough?

The penalty for sin is death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Is sin really that big of a deal?

The penalty for sin was paid for by Jesus.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Knowing what I have done, would God really help me?

If we repent of our sins, and confess our faith in Christ, we will be saved from our sin.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

How can I have my sins forgiven?

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Authentic Community drives the Church.
When you trust God you obey God.

1 Corinthians 14:20 “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.”

No longer a mystery

Growing Together Romans 15:14-22

Authentic community < Independent living

The community spurs growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 “ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The Holy Spirit ignites growth. Acts 1:4-5 “ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Risk is often an ingredient to growth.

Why are we in debt? Jesus

Who are we under debt to? Everyone

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

How do we love? As yourself

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47

Why don’t we love? 1. It’s hard. 2. I like me. 3. They don’t deserve it.

Why does Paul address civil authority?

Reasons to obey civil authority:

God placed them there.
It is for our good.
They bear a sword.
Clear conscience.

When should we be active in civil disobedience?

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” Acts 5:28-29

Is it a clear violation of God’s command?
Is it a consistent unjust action?
Is the Spirit calling you to stand up?
Who are you defending?

Be devoted to one another

Authentic community > independent Living

Honor one another above yourselves.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.” Luke 14:7-10

Live in harmony with one another. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:1-2

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22

God’s sovereign choice.

We are talking about a people, not a person.

“The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated, one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

God’s merciful character, v. 14-22

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15

God’s concern for all people.

“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.” John 3:16

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

“He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2

“Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

“For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” Romans 11:32

We all have spiritual gifts.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

You are given gifts to use them.

You were created to contribute.

You receive these gifts for the benefit of others.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Our humility paves the way to service.

“He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” CS Lewis

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Rick Warren

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

Our role is unique in service.

“Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10

“You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.” Zig Zigler

We belong to one another

Our motivation for serving is mercy.

“It does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Romans 9:16

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

Spend our lives serving others.

Ephesians 6:7, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”

Charles Spurgeon said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter."

You need to change, to create more time.

A Spiritual Contributor > A Spiritual Consumer

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10,

There is a purpose in our pain.
Your past doesn’t prohibit you from serving, it prepares you to serve.

God cares less about where we have been, and more about where we are going.

His Grace > My Past

Our present struggles are inconsequential to our future state.

A fallen world Bad decisions Persecution for our faith

The problems of this world remind us of a better hope.

"Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

“Who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:21

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

The ministry of the Spirit of God.

What Why Oops

Apart from Christ I lose the war with sin.

We have freedom from the condemnation of sin, v. 1-4

a. Available through the Spirit of life

b. Attained by the death of Christ.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

We have freedom from the power of sin, v. 5-14

a. Set your mind on the things of the Spirit

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

b. Kill the deeds of the body

Jesus wants to give you NEW LIFE everyday.
The Old must be taken out before the New can be brought in.

You won’t find any life in the cause of death.

Focus on being Free!

Peace with God.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…and his name shall be called…Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Access to God.
Hope in God.

“Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" Luke 24:26

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17

We who once were God’s enemy, have now been reconciled, through the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Righteousness is credited to our account by faith.

“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Hebrews 10:1-4

Faith & The Law

A belief in God’s promises, v. 18

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

A belief that looks beyond our current circumstances, v. 17, 19-20
A belief that God has the ability to change my life, v. 21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Life Truth: Worship is war because the only way to receive what we truly need is to give up what we think we want.

1) We must give up false self-perceptions. V23

2) We must give up control. You can have faith or you can have control. You cannot have both. VV21-22, 24-26

a. Luke 24:25-27 “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken? Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter into His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

b. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

3) We must give up the glory. VV27-28

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven." Romans 1:18

I. The Diagnosis: all humanity has an incurable disease.

II. The Etiology: No fear of God.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 9:10a

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45

Two Prognosis:

Every mouth shall be silenced and all will be held accountable to God.
No one will be declared righteous.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." Isaiah 64:6

The Law doesn’t save you, v. 17-24.
Outward signs do not guarantee you are saved, v. 25-27.
True religion is inner transformation by the Spirit, v. 28-29.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:26-27

ACCORDING TO TRUTH) vv.1-4

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

ACCORDING TO WORKS and DEEDS) vv.5-11

I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. Acts 26:20b

ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL) vv.12-16

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

Wrong belief about God.
Wrong action toward God.
Wrong actions toward others.

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

Change your mind → belief Change of heart → feelings Change of action → behavior

The Gospel is mutually encouraging.
The Gospel is to be shared intentionally.
The Gospel is for all people.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also the Greek.”

The Role of Women in the Church

I. The Bible liberates and releases women to be ministers of the Gospel.

”God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

At that time a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an educated man from Alexandria. He knew the Scriptures very well. Apollos had been taught the way of the Lord. He spoke with great power. He taught the truth about Jesus. But he only knew about John’s baptism. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila heard him. So they invited him to their home. There they gave him a better understanding of the way of God.” Acts 18:24-26

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me" Romans 16:1-2

“Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea, and we went to stay at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.” Acts 21:8-9

“ No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” 1 Timothy 5:9-10

II. The Bible not only liberates, but it also limits the role women play.

Women care more about caring.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 1 Timothy 2:11-14

Jesus is the head of the church.

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23

a. Holy Spirit

“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.” John 16:7

b. The Bible c. Pastors

The Church will last forever

“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

“… greet the church that is in their house.” Romans 16:5

There is one way in the capital C church.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20:28

Specific activity marks a New Testament church.

a. gathers together

“Let us not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

b. Preaching c. ordinances d. sing e. pray f. church discipline.

We are a church on mission.

We are a church not defined by our seating capacity but by our sending capacity.

We are a church that tells our story.
We are a church that engages ALL the world.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Ecclesia = a called out company or assembly.

Have an attitude of compassion.

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

An attitude of compassion moves us to action.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love or each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” 1 John 3:17

Action is not limited by availability.

What is hope? • It is not optimism. • It is confident expectation.

Jesus is the hope of the world.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:26-27

The church is the visible expression of hope.

“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 16:18

You are hope in a hopeless world.

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Where do you need HOPE today?

I. Fear God

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

“It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

II. Obey God’s Commands.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14

“This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:2-3

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

I. Remember that this life ends.

II. Make godly choices early in life.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Take Responsibility.
Guard Your Words.
Work Hard.
Speak Well of Others.
Make Decisions.

“The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever. He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain.” Lamentations 3:31-33

Life happens in the present.

“Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.” Proverbs 23:31-32

“ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:13-14

Take delight in your family.

“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Proverbs 5:18

Be the best you, you can be.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

Eccl 7:1 - A good name is better than fine perfume. (NIV)

Eccl 7:20 - Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. (NIV)

1 Cor 1:30 - Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. (NLT)

Psalm 24:3-4 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god (NIV)

SO HOW DO I PRACTICE MY POSITION IN CHIRST?

1.Ask God to search my heart. Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)

2.Confess my sins. 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

3.Practice the truth. 1 John 1:6 - “So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.” (NLT)

“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.” Proverbs 21:19

I. The enemy of friendship is envy.

II. Laziness ruins relationships.

III. Dissatisfaction destroys relationships.

4 Marks of True Friendship: 1. Sharing 2. Helping 3. Comforting 4. Protecting

Beauty From Ashes Ecclesiastes 3

“We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.” 1 Chronicles 29:15NLT

Enjoy every season.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31ESV

Every season prepares us for eternity.

“ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“O proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:2-3

The seasons will end.

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God.” Amos 4:12

Everything a part from God is meaningless. Everything with God is meaningful.

Pleasure is vexation.

“All King Solomon's goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon's days.” 1 Kings 10:21

“He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge, and he covered it with cedar from floor to ceiling.” 1 Kings 7:7

Wisdom is vain.

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

Work is void.
Riches vanish.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12b-13

Joy is found not is indulging in all that flesh desires; instead, joy is given by God to the man who pleases Him.

Why are we here?

“The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:42

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” James 4:14

you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12

Jesus said I came to give life and give it abundantly. John 10:10

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Praying is a dynamic dialogue.

The Process: Deny – something you have to lay down. Cross – something you have to pick up. Follow – an ongoing pursuit

The Barriers: 1. Cost

Convenience
Commitment

What do you need to Lay Down?

What do you need to pick up?

Persevering with people, pain, and problems.

Speak truth
Reconcile
Let go of them
Warning

Romans 12:19 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.

Forgiveness

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-27

Remember!

The Lord.
Stood at my side.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:18-19

Gave me strength.

SO THAT?

The person is specific.
The message is specific.
The completeness of the message.
The completeness of the audience.

“So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

I. We turn away from godly advice.

II. We turn to our pride.

“He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.” Psalm 17:22 ESV

III. We turn aside from God’s calling.

What Now?:

Believe in Jesus.

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5

Pray and repent.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:12-13

Hide God’s Word in your heart.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

Submit to God.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Tell someone.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

“He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair; He lurks to catch the afflicted; He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.” Psalm 10:9

“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions.” Hebrews 11:32-33

“Samson went down to Timnah together with his father and mother. As they approached the vineyards of Timnah, suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him. The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat.” Judges 14:5-6a

“Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” Daniel 6:21-22b

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:17

“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?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-34

Heart → emotionally how are you doing? 1 2 3 4 5

Soul → spiritually how are growing? 1 2 3 4 5

Mind → mentally how are you expanding? 1 2 3 4 5

Strength → physically are you strong? 1 2 3 4 5

As we get better individually, we get better corporately as a church.

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

We don’t wait in defeat. We wait in victory.
In order to have victory now, you must first believe.
Have you been trusting in your own ability to have victory?
Celebrate the Victory.

Focus on the mission of Christmas, not the mess of Christmas.

You have been rescued.

rescued - to free from confinement, danger, or evil.

Mission Christmas: Go after others.

You have been redeemed.

Redeem - to buy out.

Christmas is not what you get, but what you give.

Mission Christmas: Pay for others.

You have been reconciled.

reconcile - restore friendly relations between.

We serve a forgiving God, in an unforgiving world.

Mission Christmas: Forgive others.

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19

The Church That Threatens The Enemy Acts 16

The Spirit directs the church.

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:4a

The church is to be filled with the Spirit. The church is to walk in step with the Spirit.

“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 6:24-25

The devil distracts the church.

“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.” Acts 1:8

Division Discouragement Dependence

“Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Act 19:14-16

Details Doctrine

The Lord delivers the church

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

Suit Up, and Fight!

Pick it up, put it on, practice it!

Apply the truth of God.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

What lie are you believing about yourself?________________ What truth will you now stand on? ______________________

Rest in Jesus’ righteousness.

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” Romans 3:21-22

Receive His peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

What care do you need to give to God right now _________________.

Believe what God has said.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” Mark 9:23-25 I believe, __________________

You are my deliverer.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 Where do you need to declare God’s deliverance? _________________

Listen to the Spirit.
Pray without ceasing.

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

“Crossing the Sin Line” Genesis 3:1-15

The enemy engages us in conversation.
The enemy wants us to ignore God’s Word.
The enemy directs us to what we’re missing.
The enemy wants us to hide.
The enemy wants us to blame someone else.

The good news: the enemy will not win!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Ephesians 6:10-14a

Our battle is not against one another.

a. What the enemy can do.

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

“For we wanted to come to you--certainly I, Paul, did, again and again--but Satan blocked our way.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18

b. What the enemy can’t do.

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.” 1 John 5:18

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” Colossians 1:13

Our weapons are not of this world.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

a. Truth proclaimed.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:32,36

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8

b. Thoughts captive.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

“Forgive” ‘in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. ‘” 2 Corinthians 2:11

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32

What is spiritual warfare?

It is unseen, but it is real.

It is a war, but it is one already won.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Who is the enemy?

He is a created being.

He is an angel.

“No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

He has a strategy.

He wants to destroy you.

The devil is a liar and an accuser “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.” John 8:44

What is God’s role?

God is our strength and our strong tower.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God will banish the enemy forever.

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

“He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” Mark 4:34

The path is a hard heart.
The rocky soil has no roots.
The thorny soil has other priorities.
The good soil produces fruit.

WHICH SOIL ARE YOU?

The path…..the rocky…..the thorny…..the good

My next step is ____________________________

In this week's episode LIFE Group Coach Heather McVey joins Pastor Rob to explore IBC's core value that Your Next Step > Staying Where You Are. We will also discuss the upcoming Fall Festival.

Calling defined: Calling is always about God calling us closer to Him by inviting us to join Him in what He is doing.

3 Major Comfort Zones

To follow Jesus, we must believe that His calling is greater than the comfort zone of our own personal ability.

To follow Jesus, we must believe that His calling is greater than the comfort zone of financial stability.

To follow Jesus, we must believe that His calling is greater than the comfort zone of our own relational familiarity.

Barry Baker joins Pastor Rob for episode 6 of ibcLIFE.

Sacrificial Living > Playing it Safe Mark 12:13-17

We Magnify What Matters.

Sacrificial Living > Playing it Safe.

So God has stamped His image on every human soul.

“Offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness” Romans 6:13

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

God sees what man overlooks.
God’s economy is different than mans.
God rewards faith.

ownership vs membership

In this episode of ibcLIFE, Pastor Aaron of our Williamsburg campus, joins Pastor Rob.

His Word > Our Experiences His Grace > My Past Authentic Community > Independent Living Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual Consumer

God is not ignoring you; He is pursuing you.

It is not the absence of storms that bring life; it is having life in the storms.

We Magnify What Matters

“China? There lies a sleeping giant. Let him sleep! For when he wakes he will move the world.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual Consumer

Being a consumer leaves you sad, being a contributor makes you satisfied. Consumer leads to failure, contributor leads to being fulfilled.

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35

“Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial.” 1 Corinthians 10:23

In this week’s episode Worship Pastor Brent Foley joins Pastor Rob to share his heart regarding why being a spiritual contributor is greater than being a spiritual consumer; Jeff & Debbie Earnest share about the upcoming “Let’s Get Real” Marriage Conference; & We discuss 3 next steps for helping people in your LIFE Group move from being just spiritual consumers to becoming spiritual contributors.

For more info or to register for the “Let’s Get Real” Marriage Conference, go to ibccorbin.com/marriage-ministry/conference or the @ibccorbin app.

Authentic Community > Independent Living Mark 3:31-35

We Magnify What Matters.

His Grace > ____________

Authentic Community > Independent Living

You can’t be cared for in the crowd.
Created for community.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Life is better together.

“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13

Shannon Sams joins Pastor Rob for this episode of ibc LIFE. Check the attachment for Week 2 life group notes.

Greater Mark 2:13-17

We magnify what matters.

“The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" Acts 2:11b-12

His Grace > < My Past

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

God cares less about where you have been and more about where you are going.

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

His Grace > < My Past

Pastor Allen joins Pastor Rob for the first episode of ibc LIFE.

Checkout the show notes for Week 1 of The Journey Bible Study.

I. Love is Sent.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

II. Love Saves.

“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:5-7

III. Love’s Source.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

spirit = utterance or a person inspired by a spirit.

Truth always wins in the end.

No truth → Not from God. No love → Does not know God.

God is the source of love.
The world experiences the love of God through His children.

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” John 13:1b

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” Matthew 5:46-47

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Loving your brother reveals salvation.
Loving your brother requires sacrifice.

“ Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.” Psalm 112:5

Loving your brother results in service.
Loving your brother renders satisfaction.

“Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.” Psalm 112:1

Justification – is a point in time when you pass from death to life; from an enemy of God to a child of God.

Sanctification – is the daily process of becoming more like Jesus; a process that will continue, at different rates, your entire life.

Glorification – the ultimate state of the believer in heaven with Jesus, and without sin.

We are all born of Adam and therefore we are born with a sinful nature.
It is through Jesus, the new Adam, that we are born again with a new nature free from sin.
The life of a child of God is marked by an increasing level of freedom from sin.

If you love the world, you don’t love God.

As Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24

If you invest in this life you will lose everything

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20

If you invest in the next life, you gain everything.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13

Three characteristics of Jesus: 1. Our Advocate- task 2. Righteous – qualified 3. Propitiation - results a. our sins b. the whole world

Three characteristics of a believer: 1. Obey Jesus’ commands. 2. Live like Jesus lived. 3. Love your brother.

The False Teachers
The Fakers
The True Believers

“You have heard said, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” Matthew 5:21-22

“Anger is momentary insanity.” -Horace

I. Put off Anger.

“He (Jesus) looked around at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts.” Mark 3:5

Anger not addressed in a timely manner leads to sin.

“For with hearts like an oven they approach their intrigue; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire.” Hosea 7:6

Sin in our lives gives the devil a foothold.

II. Put on Compassion.

“Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20

BITTER PEOPLE

Justify their bitterness. Become overly critical . Secretly celebrate misfortunes. Struggle to see bitterness in their own life.

“Don’t wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving; you will never get there. Feelings take time to heal after the choice to forgive is made.” - Neil Anderson

The plan of becoming one flesh
The permanence of becoming one flesh
The pleasure of becoming one flesh

“Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 1 Corintians 7:5

“For a marriage relationship to flourish, there must be intimacy. It takes an enormous amount of courage to say to your spouse, ‘this is me. I’m not proud of it – in fact, I’m a little embarrassed by it – but this is who I am.” Bill Hybels

Our Father

The Father pursued me.

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.’” John 8:42

The Father adopted me.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1

The Father challenged me.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

The Father corrected me.

“And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” Hebrews 12:5-6

The Father has freed me.

“When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him.” Matthew 17:25-26

Building a Marriage That Lasts

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Ephesians 5:31

Commitment

The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry. Matthew 19:10

Courage
Cultivation
Christ

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

Realize you communicate differently

Learn and use good communication skills

Seek prompt resolutions

Be willing to humble yourself and forgive

Be vulnerable and honest

“Then Manoah prayed to the LORD: "O Lord, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." Judges 13:8

Children grow up naturally, but only mature with intentionality.

You are so good.

Psalm 51:5, Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

PR 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

I’ll make it good.

PR 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

What is good?

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 cor 4:17-18

How To Invest Your Time

“Then Manoah prayed to the LORD: "O Lord, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." Judges 13:8

Talk

“The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” Proverbs 20:5

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” Proverbs 17:28

Intentional

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Memories

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Expand

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22

God Remember Accept Communicate Erase

COL 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. COL 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. COL 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. COL 3:21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21

You can serve self, or you can serve family, but you can’t serve both.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

I am better than you…not so with you. My needs first….not so with you. I deserve….not so with you. My interest before yours….not so with you. I am busy…..not so with you. I have rights….not so with you.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Instead of being a Facebook family; be a GRACE filled family.

God

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Remember

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

Accept

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Communicate

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6

Erase

“It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-7

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Happy is the person who has no guilt.
Guilt works from the inside out.

His Grace > My Past

a. Accept responsibility for your sin.

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Romans 6:1-2

b. Believe the Lord forgave you.

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” John 3:18

c. Call out to God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:19

Without God, we can't do anything but sin.

How can we change what we do now? 1. Put off the old self 2. Be made new in the attitude of your mind 3. Put on the new self 4. Be filled with the Spirit of God

3 Truths To experience God’s power in our lives, we must…

1) Accept that there are things we cannot do

2) Believe that God can

3) Commit to live a Spirit-controlled life

3 Next Steps To live a Spirit-controlled life, you must…

1) Set your mind on experiencing true freedom

2) Put to death anything that would steal your freedom

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again with a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

3) Love fully & freely

“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Matthew 20:18-19

I. The proof of the resurrection is indisputable.

II. The promise of the resurrection is for everyone.

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you.” 1 peter 1:3b-4

III. The power of the resurrection can do anything.

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11

“And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

The Gardner is always working, v. 1-4

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24

If you are connected to the vine you will produce fruit, v. 5
If you’re not connected to the vine you can’t produce, v. 6-8

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED

Listen to Jesus and do what He says, v. 9-11
Love like Jesus loves, v. 12-14

Which Way Did He Go George? John 14:1-7

Jesus lived the life we imitate.
Jesus makes sense of our world.
Jesus brings life where there is death.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15

I Am the Resurrection and the Life John 11:1-27

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Jesus is hope to the hurting and helpless.

Dead in your doubts.
Dead in your discouragement.
Dead in the delay.

The resurrection is not something that did happen or will happen; the resurrection is a person with the power to bring life where there is death.

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 21:31

• Sheep have no sense of direction. • Sheep cannot defend themselves. • Sheep are dumb. • Sheep are dirty animals.

What does a “Good Shepherd” do?

He Guides

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

He Provides

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:1-3

He Corrects

"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.” Job 5:17-18

He Protects

PS 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' Luke 15:4-6

Jesus is the light of the world.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

He says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 49:6

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

2 Challenges:

Be the light of your world.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Relight if the fire has gone out.

We practice what we believe daily, the rest is just religious talk.

“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

The problem is not the bread.

Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4

The real need is belief in Jesus.

“Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

Taste and see the Lord is good.

“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

WE HAVE A VISION FOR A CHURCH WHERE:

Everyone is welcome.

“The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” John 4:28-30

What 3 people can you invite to join us next week?

1)_______________________ 2)_______________________ 3)_______________________

Everyone is needed.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” 1 Corinthians 12:21-22

Everyone is changed.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

”The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17

Jeremiah 29:13 has been our theme verse for this series, Seek and Find. “When you seek me with all of your heart you shall find me.”

Who is closest to you but furthest from God?

You are commissioned by the Father for the noble task of evangelism.

Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

Your excuses circumvent God’s plan for your life.

a. Not qualified b. Fear

Success is faithfulness not fruitfulness

Who is closest to you but furthest from God? ________________

a. Get ready b. Stand up c. Say whatever the Lord lays on your heart.

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Dr. Wesley Duewel said, “we must choose whether we will neglect the Spirit, quench the Spirit, or fan into flame the Spirit’s presence.

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

PS 9:10Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

What is one thing you need freedom from today?

We can be saved and still be in bondage.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Evidence of God’s love isn’t found in the absence of trials, but in the strength to endure.
We don’t need more religion, we need more Jesus.

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven;

Revelation 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Seek and Find the Father Jeremiah 29:11

“In the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a time of fasting before the LORD was proclaimed for all the people in Jerusalem and those who had come from the towns of Judah.” Jeremiah 36:9

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.” Joel 2:15

When you seek and find the Father you will find favor.

“They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.” Jeremiah 31:9b

The Key: A heart fully devoted to the Lord.

When you seek and find the Father you will find your future.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

The Key: A heart committed to the Lord’s renown.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

You search for what your heart longs for.

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will punish all who are circumcised, only in the flesh.” Jeremiah 9:25

When Christ does not rule in His proper place, at the center of your heart, something else will find its way there.

Your heart needs to be tuned to the master who created you. a) Acknowledge b) Repent c) Obey

God does not love us because we obey Him; God loves us because He is God; we obey God because we love Him.

John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commands.

“The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

Praise - Matthew 6:9 Use Scripture Material Possessions Physical Blessings Spiritual Blessings People

Respond - Matthew 6:10 What do I need to obey? What do I need to confess?

Ask-Matthew 6:11-12 SBAGS BHAGS Colossians 1:9-11 Yourself - Matthew 6:13

Psalms 25:1-7

Jesus is the Messiah is overlooked when He should be worshipped.

“Whose origins are from of old, from ancient times…..He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” Miach 5:2b,4

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" John 1:1

Jesus the Messiah is for all people, of all time.

“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:3

Jesus the Messiah will either bring trouble or peace to your life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The simple shepherds.
The announcement of angelic host.
The coronation of the Christ.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2

"The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

What is your Next Step? __________________

Rediscovering the awe of Christmas in the virgin birth will defy our rationalism, but we make no excuses for the mystery of Christmas is supernatural.

Supernaturally Sovereign, v. 26-30
Supernaturally the Savior, v. 31-33

“When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13

Supernaturally Secured, v. 34-37

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

A. Why the Virgin Birth?

Almah = the betrothed young virgin

B. What’s the problem?

B. Is belief in the virgin birth essential for faith in Christ?

“But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:25

1) We need courageous faith because the promises of God can turn your world upside down.

a. The very thing that makes you want to give up on God could be proof that He hasn’t given up on you.

2) We need courageous faith because the promises of God stretch our capacity to believe.

a. God always provides what we need in order to take the next step. Then it is a simple matter of whether we trust Him enough to take it.

b. We can always trust God to do what He says because of who He is.

3) We need courageous faith because the promises of God require sacrificial living.

a. You can have faith or you can have control. You cannot have both.

b. It is not about what God is asking from us; it is about what God is doing for us.

Why won’t God give you what you want, when you want it?

So you will believe.

God can bring Life to your Lifeless circumstances.

For your good.

God isn’t out to get you; He’s out to keep you.

He cares for you.
For His Glory.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Authentic Community > Independent Living Your Next Step > Staying Where You Are Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual Consumer His Word > Our Experiences His Calling > My Comfort Sacrificial Living > Playing It Safe His Grace > Our Past

You are not of this world.
You will be attacked.
You must be sanctified.
Jesus is sending you.

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Compelling generosity.

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Wrong priorities lead to selfish, safe living.

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:14

Rewards follow risk.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

Who is it that needs to know about Jesus?

God is at work, join Him.
Found people, find people.

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” John 4:28-30

“Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21

“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." Acts 1:8

Who is your WALDO?

Passion overcomes discomfort.

“For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:41

His Word > Our Experiences John 1:1-14

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Jesus is the Word

"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6

Jesus is Truth

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Jesus is Lord

“Come, let us bow down in worship. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God.” Psalm 95:6

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45

It is not how many titles you have but how many toilets you clean.

You have been gifted to serve.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

You have been qualified to serve.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7

You have been called to serve.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

The compassion of God will meet you where you are.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12-14

The love of God will not leave you there.

“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.” Romans 12:2

Christ proceeds change; change follows Christ

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Colossians 1:28

Everyone has a next step.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

Life is better together.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Life together brings growth. a. Spiritual growth b. Numerical growth

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Life together brings help.

a. Hardships

“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative's house when disaster strikes you-- better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.” Proverbs 27:10

b. Dangers

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Life together brings joy.

a. To know and be known b. To love and be loved c. To serve and to be served.

“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Who are your 2am friends? Do they help you walk closer to Jesus?

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God..” Hebrews 12:2

Jesus took your punishment.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." Galatians 3:13

Jesus gives you forgiveness.

“And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:23-24

Go to Jesus.

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

Do not allow money to be an idol.

a. Give it away

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

b. Keep perspective

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Be content with God’s provision.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

Trust the Lord to meet your needs.

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13

Marriage should be honored.
Marriage should be holy.

“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:28-29

Marriages should be healed.

"There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1

"Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not reckon his sin" Psalm 32:1, 2

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

“Who for your sake was made to be sin that you might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Who bore your sins in his body on the cross.” 1 Peter 2:24

Love God with everything.

Love Others as yourself.

“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29

Remember implies that they once knew them, they once did something for them.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17

The main point is the main point, meeting physical needs was never the main thing, the spiritual life was the main thing.

The Gospel is the solution.

“Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:37-40

Love each other as family.

“He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:48-50

Don’t stop loving one another.

“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?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

Express love through hospitality.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Hebrews 13:16

He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. "But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:27-29

“Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt." `Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:17-18

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

I. Every effort to live in peace.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

II. Rid your life of bitterness.

Bitterness has a dangerous root that produces a poisonous fruit.

How do you kill the root?

Expose the objects of your bitterness

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

With whom are you bitter? ____________________________________

Cancel their debt
Bless your offender

Luke 6:27-28 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:27-28, 31

A LIFE Group is a micro-community of people covenanting together to Love God; to Intentionally pursue relationships with others; to Focus on living out God’s truth; and to Engage in His mission.

True Christian community changes communities.

As we consider the qualities of community in the early church, we see that they were devoted to…

If we are doing life together, people will get connected to (1) God, (2) others & (3) to a mission.

 They were genuinely glad to be together because they had freedom to be genuine together.

 They had true influence without because they had true community within.

To win our Waldos our LIFE Groups must be:

1) Praying for our Waldos

2) “One anothering” one another

3) Investing in order to invite

If we are winning our Waldos, we are changing our community.

1) Pray for our community as we one another one another

2) Share our story to share His story

3) Meet needs as God leads

To engage “the ends of the earth”, our LIFE Groups must:

1) Pray for our community as we one another one another

2) Give

3) Go

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” CS Lewis

We can hang tough in tough times because:

1) We trust the Father’s Heart for us.

“Paideia, or paiea is child training, it’s part of our training, it’s part of our Father’s discipline for us. The word speaks of whatever occurs in the life of children brought upon them by their parents to cultivate their soul, including corrective issues, including curbing their passions, including hedging them against the things that are dangerous. It is also not just protection but it is instruction with a view to producing virtue, aiming at the increase of character. The word doesn’t have the idea of punishment is what I’m getting at. It has the idea of training.” John MacArthur

2) We trust the Father’s purpose for us.

“And that is what this passage teaches. What hostile sinners mean for harm, God means for good. What they will as hurtful, God wills as helpful. What they plan as destruction, God plans as salvation. What they design as a deterrent to faith, God designs as discipline for faith.” John Piper

3) We trust the Father’s plan for us.

A LIFE Group is a micro-community of people covenanting together to Love God; to Intentionally pursue relationships with others; to Focus on living out God’s truth; and to Engage in His mission.

Living out God’s truth must be our focus because: 1) True discovery comes through doing 2) True deliverance only comes through doing

“If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

“Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and steals away the word that was sown in them.” Mark 4:15

3) The blessing is in the doing

Train to be strong.

Oswald Chambers, “If it is difficult to get right with God, it is because you will not decide definitely about sin.”

Compete to win.

a. Perseverance b. Plan

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Focus on the finish line.

aphorao– to look away from all else.

a. Starts it b. Finishes it

Two Common Barriers to Community: 1) The fear of false motives 2) The fear of empty promises

A LIFE Group is three to twelve people covenanting together to love God; to Intentionally pursue relationships with others; to Focus on living out God’s truth; and to Engage in His mission.

I should intentionally pursue relationships with others because… 1) God’s love COMPELS me to do so. 2) The pursuit COMPLETES God’s love in me. 3) The pursuit CONQUERS sin and selfishness in me.

A LIFE Group… 1) Enables you to know and to be known 2) Positions you to bless and to be blessed 3) Makes loving others a priority

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets,

LIFE Groups must be our PRIORITY because community is the PURPOSE of God for His Church and our lives.

1) Every member of IBC should prioritize LIFE groups because we are CREATED for life in community.

2) Every member of IBC should prioritize LIFE groups because we all CRAVE life in community.

3) Every member of IBC should prioritize LIFE groups because we are COMMANDED to live in community.

A LIFE Group is three to twelve people covenanting together to love God; to Intentionally pursue relationships with others; to Focus on living out God’s truth; and to Engage in His mission.

a. Life together is better because our love for God should DIRECT our thoughts, but when left alone we can easily DECEIVE ourselves.

b. Life together is better because our love for God should DOMINATE our emotions, but when left alone we can easily be dominated by our emotions.

c. Life together is better because our love for God should DRIVE our actions, but when left alone we can easily become DISCOURAGED.

Jephthah Judges 11

1 Sam 12:11 “Then the LORD sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely.” 1. God uses those society abuses.

Haste leads to rash decisions. Proverbs 29:20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Guard your words, they mean something. James 5:12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned.
Humility should be honored. PR 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. PR 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. PR 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Barak Judges 4 Hebrews 11:32 “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets.”

A will to obey – Japthah A work to do – Barak A woman to love – Samson 1 Sam 12:11 “Then the LORD sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely.”

Barak gave the messenger more glory than the message. The power lay in the promise, not the prophet 1. Reject passivity

Take responsibility
Lead courageously

I’m a Man

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

A will to obey.

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

a. Humility b. Loyalty c. Courage

A work to do.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

A woman to love. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Forgiveness Joseph

Joseph needed forgiveness. Joseph’s obedience did not protect him from hard times.

Forgiveness brings favor.
Forgiveness is forward thinking.
Forgiveness brings freedom.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

Forgiveness is cultivated out of failure.

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

“The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Your past doesn’t determine where you are you going, your next step does.

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Proverbs 24:16

There is a difference of being set free, and living free.
Success is not based on your skills, but God’s grace.

Where God leads, He feeds; Where God guides, He provides.

I. Faith to leave.

“Joshua said to all the people, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods.” Joshua 24: 2

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27

II. Faith to live.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” Romans 8:17

III. Faith to lean.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14: 14

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7

I. Proof of the flood a. 270 flood stories b. Archeology and Geology c. The Bible d. Canopy Theory

II. The flood reveals the wickedness of the human heart

III. Noah represents the hope of the Gospel.

a. Grace – unmerited favor. b. Perseverance under pressure. c. A type of Christ.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

• Wrong people • Wrong place • Wrong profession

Stand strong even when there will be consequences for your actions.
Stand strong even when the culture says it is wrong.
Stand strong by taking courageous actions.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (NASB) James 4:10

“Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

“Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Peter 3:15

“Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” II Cor.10:5

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Truth is discovered, not invented. Truth is transcultural. Truth is unchanging. All truths are absolute. Contrary truths are impossible.

THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT

Everything that had a beginning had a cause.
The universe had a beginning; therefore, the universe had a cause.

THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT

Every design had a designer.
The universe has highly complex design.
The universe had a Designer.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

“Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

Jesus is greater than our fears

We do the absurd because Jesus is greater

Jesus is Lord of all or nothing at all.

I. Continued sin is a sign, 26-31

II. Confirm your salvation through service, 32-34

III. Confident steadfastness secures salvation, 35-39

“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” Acts 26:20