Teaching Notes

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Mark 10:46- 52

Ask questions that bloom out versus box in.

Jesus’ DesireQuestions: “What do you want?” * “Does this offend you?” * “What do you want me to do for you?”*

The greatest human tragedy is to give up the search. Nothing is of greater importance than the life of our deep heart. To lose heart is to lose everything. And if we are to bring our hearts along in our life’s journey, we simply must not, we cannot, abandon desire.

John Eldredge, The Journey of Desire

What do you want me to do for you?”

Jesus

There’s ‘The Thing’ but then there’s the ‘Real Thing’ behind that thing.

Core Drifts: Appetite (Genesis 2:9) * Ambition (Genes 2:15) * Approval* (Genesis 2:25)

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

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:1-13

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. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

Jesus restored our core drifts back into core desires.

What Jesus resisted in the desert personally, he defeated at the cross permanently.

Dave Rhodes, Clarity House

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

St. Augustine, The Confessions

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of The Lord- Phil Wickham
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
My Testimony- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayBeautiful Surrender- Bethel Music
King Of My Heart- Bethel Music
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
Tremble- Mosaic MSC

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Teaching Notes

What do you want?

Jesus, John 1:38

The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground– trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.

Genesis 2:9

Core Desire #1 Appetite

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Genesis 2:15

Core Desire #2 Ambition

It is not good for the man to be alone.

Genesis 2:18

Core Desire #3

Approval

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Genesis 3:4-6

Our desires aren’t wrong, they often settle for less.

“If we consider..the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

C. S. Lewis in “The Weight of Glory”

Our desires often become idols.

“When anything in life is an absolute requirement for your happiness and self-worth, it is essentially an ‘idol,’ something you are actually worshiping. When such a thing is threatened, your anger is absolute. Your anger is actually the way the idol keeps you in its service, in its chains. Therefore if you find that, despite all the efforts to forgive, your anger and bitterness cannot subside, you may need to look deeper and ask, ‘What am I defending? What is so important that I cannot live without?’

Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?"

Jesus, John 6:60-61

When's the last time Jesus has offended you?

If you’re not being regularly offended by Jesus, then it’s likely that you’re not following the real Jesus.

“The fact that there’s just so many different voices says, ‘How can you possibly know or choose?’” he says. “You just pick whatever appeals or doesn’t appeal to you.”

Christian Smith

Does this offend you?

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywherePraise You Anywhere-Brandon Lake
Tremble- Mosaic MSC
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle

WFC SpeedwayGlorious- BJ Putnam
Love So Great- Hillsong
Here Again- Elevation Worship
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching Notes

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:46

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Colossians 1:15-16

Paradox:Jesus was a “know it all”, who asked others what they knew.

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers...And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:46-47, 52

Series Objectives:1. Sit with Jesus’ questions. 2. Ask questions like Jesus.

How Do We Ask Questions Like Jesus:1.Ask questions that Bloom .

Answers before questions harm the soul.

Henri Nouwen

2. Beware “The Boomerang”

3. Mine the Babushka.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

John 1:35-42

Ζητέω zēteō - seek; desire, demand, attempt to find,
Jesus is using quest language.

What do I want? What am I going after?

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Same God- Elevation Worship
Firm Foundation- Maverick City/Cody carnes
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters

WFC SpeedwayGlorious- BJ Putnam
My Testimony- Elevation Worship
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Firm Foundation- Maverick City/Cody Carnes

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Teaching NotesI am in a valley…

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…

Psalm 23:4 NKJV

…but I have a Good Shepherd.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

If you have a Good Shepherd, he will be with you.

Yea, 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.

Psalm 23:4

The valley disciplines us.

The valley causes us to trust in God.

But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

1 Samuel 17:34-37

The valley makes us stronger.

Therefore, it’s not over!

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:26-28

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGlorious Day- Passion feat./Kristian Stanfill
Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)- Kari Jobe
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
I’ve Got Joy- CeCe Winans

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Passion feat./Kristian Stanfill
Love So Great- Hillsong
Gratitude- Brandon Lake
House of Miracles- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesYou are not alone.

5 Significant Heroes in the Bible Suffered from Depression.* Job (Businessman)

Depression haunts my days. At night my bones are filled with pain, which gnaws at me relentlessly. With a strong hand, God grabs my shirt. He grips me by the collar of my coat. He has thrown me into the mud. I’m nothing more than dust and ashes. “I cry to you, O God, but you don’t answer. I stand before you, but you don’t even look.

Job 30:16-20 NLT * Elijah (Prophet)

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

1 Kings 19:4 NLT * David (King)

I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief…

Psalm 6:6-7 NLT * Jeremiah (Prophet)

I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken.

Lamentations 2:11 * Heman, the son of Korah (Priest)

I am forgotten, cut off from your care. You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths. Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me.

Psalm 88:5-7 NLT

What is Depression?

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?

Psalm 42:5 NLT

10 Things You Can Do

Biological

1.Exercise

Get Outside
Good Mood Foods

· Folic Acids – Beans, lentil, oatmeal

· Omega-3 - Fish, nuts, legumes, avocados, flax seed oil, and linseed oil.

· Tryptophan - Milk, cheese, eggs, soybeans, tofu, and turkey

· Fruit - Kiwi, sour cherries, bananas, plantains, plums, pineapples, and tomatoes

· High-Fiber Food - avocados, whole wheat bread, barley, beans, lentils, almonds, raspberries, pears, oatmeal, and bran muffins.

Sleep

Spiritual

Happy Memories

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-8

Goal Achievement

“…straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the price for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

Prayer & Meditation

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

Gratitude

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Worship Music

“…then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better…”

1 Samuel 16:23

Spotify Playlist

Clinical

Therapy & Medication

www.westsidefamily.church/care

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereI Thank God- Maverick City
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
How Great Is Our God- Chris Tomlin
Bigger Than I Thought- Passion

WFC SpeedwayChild Of Love- We The Kingdom
My Testimony- Elevation Worship
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle
Goodness of God- Bethel Music

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Teaching Notes

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Burnouta debilitating condition that takes away energy, optimism, and effectiveness.

Stages of Burnout1. Emotional Exhaustion.

Increased frequency and duration of negative assessment.
Loss of emotional stability, personal discipline, and resiliency.
Isolation.
Diminished work effectiveness.
Identity impairment and confusion.

“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

1 Kings 17:1-6

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

1 Kings 19:10

He takes care of him physically.
He reminded Elijah of the big picture.
God told Elijah to find a ministry partner.

Self Assessment1. Do a physical assessment. 2. Find emotional replenishment. 3. Do a spiritual assessment. 4. Never walk alone.

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThis Is Our God- Phil Wickham
Know You Will-Hillsong
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
Lord I Need You- Matt Maher

WFC SpeedwayChild Of Love- We The Kingdom
Love So Great- Hillsong
O Come To The Altar- Elevation
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters

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Teaching Notes

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

James 4:7-8

Sobering Stats* Worry and anxiety are Westsiders’ #1 struggle (45%) * 32.3% of all U.S. adults suffer from anxiety & depression symptoms * 50% of young adults (ages 18-24) * Anxiety and depression has jumped 25% since the pandemic * Anxiety is now the #1 issue for women and #2 for men

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolation delights my soul.

Psalm 94:19

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

The Four Buckets1. Situational (life) 2. Spiritual (soul) 3. Medical (body) 4. Clinical (mind)

You are allowed to be as human as Jesus.

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Luke 22:44

Take your anxieties head on.

Invite the Lord into them.

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.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 139:23

Let yourself be held.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15-16

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolation delights my soul.

Psalm 94:19

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of The Lord- Phil Wickham
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Fear Is Not My Future- Maverick City
God Of Revival- Bethel Music

WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
Worthy of It All- CeCe Winans
Firm Foundation- Maverick City
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesEvery 11 minutes, someone in our country dies from suicide.

Tragic Juxtaposition:

Death by suicide is the tragic result of someone’s great pain.
There is no greater pain than losing someone by suicide death.

You don’t have to end your life to end your pain.

Rick Warren

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Psalm 139:11-12

Are there examples in the Bible of suicide? Yes

Abimelech (Judges 9)
Samson (Judges 16)
King Saul (1 Samuel 31:5)
Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23)
King Zimri (1 Kings 16:18)
Judas (Matthew 27:1-5)

Is suicide a sin? Yes.

You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:13

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

Job 14:5

Can suicide be forgiven? Yes.

We are not judged based on any one act in our life.
We are not judged upon the final act of our lives.
We are judged upon the blood of Jesus. Period.

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

Is it a sin to have suicidal thoughts? No.

Suicidal ideation is a reflection that we live in a sinful world and have a sinful nature, but having suicidal thoughts is not a sin.

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. 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.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

How do we respond when someone expresses suicidal thoughts to us?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Take Them Literally.
Invite Them To Say More
Get Specific

Go “5 Deep”

5 People
5 Resources
5 Self-Care Strategies

Does my struggle mean that my faith is weak? No.

“I have had enough Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

Elijah, 1 Kings 19:4

“Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live…I am angry enough to die.”

Jonah, Jonah 4:3,9

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.”

Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

They Cried Out To God:

Other Voices vs The Voice of God

HarshHopeful

AccusesAnchors

HauntsHolds you

Pushes you away Draws you near

IsolatesInvites

What you’re notWho you are

RepetitiveRefreshing

CompoundsComforts

CondemnsConvicts

Shame Sorrow

CripplingCatalyzing

Death was not theirs to choose.

“I have had enough Lord,” he said. “Take my life;...”

Elijah

“Now O Lord, take away my life…”

Jonah

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGraves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury
Abide- Worship Initiative
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
Rest On Us- Maverick City
Graves Into Gardens-Elevation Worship
Firm Foundation (He Won't)- Maverick Cit

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Teaching NotesIt’s okay to not be okay.

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.

Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV

Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom.

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, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV

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 NIV

Lie #1You are not good enough.

He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

Lie #2You are alone.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:7-10 NIV

Lie #3Your life is meaningless, so what’s the point?

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NIV

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThis Is Our God- Phil Wickham
Promises- Maverick City
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
There Is A King- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
My Testimony- Elevation Worship
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

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Teaching NotesI Get YouYou are not alone.

Globally:
Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide.

U.S.:

The global prevalence of anxiety and depression has increased 25 percent since the pandemic’s arrival in early 2020.
Anxiety is now the No. 1 issue for women; And the No. 2 issue for men behind alcohol and drugs.
Generation Z (those born 1999-2015) is the most stressed-out generation ever.
Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.

Kansas:
Kansas ranks dead last in mental health among the 50 states, including D.C.

Johnson County:
The Good Faith Network confirmed mental health as the priority…The scale of mental health needs in Johnson County is heartbreaking.

The Four Buckets

Situational
Clinical
Medical
Spiritual

David Gets You

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

Psalm 6:6-7

I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning… I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

Psalm 38:6,8

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Psalm 23

Jesus Gets You

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.

Hebrews 4:15

Jesus was homeless (Matthew 8:20)
Jesus’ family thought he was crazy (Matthew 12:46, Mark 3:21, John 7:5)
Jesus’s best friends turned their back on him (Mathew 26:56)
Jesus’ close friend betrayed him for money (Matthew 26:46-50)
Jesus stood face to face with the devil and endured all his demonic tricks (Luke 4:1-3)
Jesus dealt with death (John 11:1-45)
Jesus endured gossip and slander (Matthew 12:24, John 8:52)
Jesus was publicly shamed (Mark 14:65)
Jesus endured seasons of hunger (Mark 11:12)
Jesus was criticized and mocked (John 5, Matthew 12)
Jesus was rejected (John 6:60-66)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
Fear Is Not My Future- Maverick City

WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The Kingdom
Rest On Us- Maverick City
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesThe SettingIt is Tuesday of the Passion Week. He is in the temple courts teaching people about the good news when the Jewish religious leaders question him about his authority. He answers their question by telling them The Story of the Tenants. On Friday, they will crucify Jesus.

The Story

He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

Luke 20:9-12

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’ “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

Luke 20:13-16

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Luke 20:17-18

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[a] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Acts 2:22-24

The So What What is a cornerstone?

Historically, the cornerstone was the most important part of any building. The total weight of an edifice rested on this particular stone, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight. The builders would take sightings along the edges of this part of the building. If the cornerstone was set properly, the stonemasons could be assured that all the other corners of the building would be at the appropriate angles as well. Thus, the cornerstone became a symbol for that which held life together.

Two Decisions:

Decision 1: Accept or Reject.

Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:11-12

A Prayer of Acceptance:
Dear God, I do not want to be like the religious leaders who rejected your son. I believe Jesus is the cornerstone of life and I want to accept and receive him today. I confess before you that I have sin in my life, and I want to be forgiven by Jesus. I want to move my life in a brand-new direction under your authority. So, today I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior – the Son of God who died and rose again on the third day. Come into my life and grant me eternal life by your amazing grace. By the authority of the name of Jesus I pray – Amen

Decision 2: To build my life on Christ.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 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.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.

1 Peter 2:4-7

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Psalm 127:1

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereLion- Elevation Worship
If The Lord Builds The House- Hope Darst
Because He Lives- Carrie Underwood
The Cross of Christ- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayRattle-Elevation Worship
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
Firm Foundation-Cody Carnes/Maverick City

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Teaching NotesThere are two types of people in this world, good and bad. The good sleep better and the bad seem to enjoy the waking hours much more.

Two men went up to the temple to pray…

Luke 18:10a NIV

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

Luke 18:10 NIV

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all of those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 18:10-14 NIV

We walk in pride when we focus only on ourselves.

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people - robbers, evil, doers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

Luke 18:11-12 NIV

We walk in humility when we focus on the sacrifice.

The tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven, but beat his chest and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Luke 18:13 NIV

I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.

Luke 18:14a NIV

Fix our eyes on Jesus.

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of God- Mitch Langley
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
Child of Love- We The Kingdom
Gratitude- Brandon Lake
Goodness Of God- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesThe Story Part 1

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

Luke 16:19-24

**What is Hades like?**

A place of fire
A place of “blackest darkness”. (Jude 13)
A place of solitary confinement from God’s presence

They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV

What is Abraham’s Side like?

A place that is restful & peaceful.
A place for Old Testament believers.

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

Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!

John 1:29

Today you will be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:43

**What is heaven like?**

A place in the very presence of God as we await our resurrected bodies and the life we were made to live.

The Story Part 2

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Luke 16:25-31

How do we avoid hell and get to heaven?

Call out and asked Jesus to forgive you and save you, not so much to save you from hell and banishment from his presence but to save you for life with him as he intended from the beginning!
“God doesn’t send anyone to hell; he merely honors a person’s choice.”

I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside…They enjoy the horrible freedom they have demanded and are therefore self-enslaved: just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free.

C.S. Lewis

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of Love- We The Kingdom
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
Abide- The Worship Initiative
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

WFC SpeedwayWon't Stop Now- Elevation Worship
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
I Surrender- Hillsong

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Teaching NotesKingdom StoriesLuke 15 and 16 Jesus gives us several parables. He tells these little stories that describe a system of values in his kingdom. Every kingdom has its treasure. And it’s the king who determines what is done with that treasure.

The character of the kingdom reflects the character of the king.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

“So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

“‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’

“Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Luke 16:1-8

There are three unhappy groups of people here:

We have the owner.
We have the manager.
We have debtors.

After the manager utilizes his financial resources to benefit the debtors there is a transformation in these three groups of people.

We now have a happy owner, a happy manager, and happy debtors.
Everyone is happy because the manager served the owner and debtors over himself.

A Shift in MetaphorThis parable tells us something about the dynamic in the Kingdom of God.

As Kingdom managers, we have been given responsibilities, resources and opportunities. We will look at these things as possessions and perspective.

Possessions and Perspective:

You possess a heart. Love is the heart of the Kingdom.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

You possess responsibility. The resources are not yours.
You possess temporary treasure. We exchange temporary treasure for kingdom treasure.
People are the treasure of King Jesus.

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

Romans 5:8

Why do we do this? We do it out of love for the king who gave everything for us

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

There’s a lot of freedom when you realize you aren’t the king.

Freedom from the fear of failure.
Freedom from slavery to the stuff of life.
Freedom to live abundantly in the God’s kingdom.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

To do something “in the name of the Lord Jesus” means we do things in submission to and in alignment with his priorities and character.

In other words, We do it the way he would do it were he in our place

You have a choice to make today. Are you going to run the business your way or His way?

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThe Lion and The Lamb-Leeland
The Cross of Christ- The Collective KC
He's Able- Deitrick Haddon
I Surrender All- Phil Wickham

WFC SpeedwayGraves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
Goodness Of God- Bethel Music
Gratitude- Brandon Lake
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music

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Teaching Notes

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So, he got up and went to his father.

Luke 15:17-20 NIV

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled…

Luke 15:20b

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 NIV

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Luke 15:21 NIV

‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”

Luke 15:22-23 NIV

The older brother became angry and refused to go in…

Luke 15:28a NIV

So, his father went out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28b

“My Son”, the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

Luke 15:31 NIV

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.

Luke 15:32 NIV

ApplicationThere’s nothing you can do to make God love you more.

There’s nothing you will do could make God love you less.

Conclusion He is a better savior than you are a sinner.

If you turn around, you will be found.

We have to celebrate and be glad because our brother or sister was dead and is alive again; you were lost, but now you are found.

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereDo It Again- Elevation Worship
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
The Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC
Jesus is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
Child Of Love- We The Kingdom
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesCAKE-EATER:

A well-off person who indulges himself or herself

How Rich Am I?

The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.

Luke 12:16-21

You Might Be a Cake-Eater If…

1. You think you made the cake.

...he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Acts 17:26

2. You worry about the cake.

3. You eat alone.

“Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land.”

Isaiah 5:8

“Frictionless Society”: “What We Lose When Companies Make Things Easier For Consumers” - Wall Street Journal)

4. You can’t enjoy the cake.

Jesus offers this Solution

He says that we should not be the person who

stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:21

SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereDo It Again- Elevation Worship
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
The Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC
Jesus is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
Child Of Love- We The Kingdom
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching Notes

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So, he got up and went to his father.

Luke 15:17-20 NIV

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled…

Luke 15:20b

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 NIV

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Luke 15:21 NIV

‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”

Luke 15:22-23 NIV

The older brother became angry and refused to go in…

Luke 15:28a NIV

So, his father went out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28b

“My Son”, the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

Luke 15:31 NIV

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.

Luke 15:32 NIV

ApplicationThere’s nothing you can do to make God love you more

There’s nothing you will do could make God love you less.

Conclusion He is a better savior than you are a sinner.

If you turn around, you will be found.

We have to celebrate and be glad because our brother or sister was dead and is alive again; you were lost, but now you are found.

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereDo It Again- Elevation Worship
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
The Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC
Jesus is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
Child Of Love- We The Kingdom
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesCAKE-EATER: A well-off person who indulges himself or herself

How Rich Am I?

The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.

Luke 12:16-21

You Might Be a Cake-Eater If…1. You think you made the cake.

...he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Acts 17:26

2. You worry about the cake.

3. You eat alone.

“Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land.”

Isaiah 5:8

“Frictionless Society”: “What We Lose When Companies Make Things Easier For Consumers” - Wall Street Journal)

4. You can’t enjoy the cake.

Jesus offers this Solution

He says that we should not be the person who

stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:21

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil Wickham
If The Lord Builds The House- Hope Darst
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Promises- Maverick City

WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
God So Loved- We The Kingdom
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
Available- Elevation Worship

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Teaching Notes

Had any man in the quarter engaged in such activity,
he would have been shot at once.

Kenneth E. Bailey

Do you know why Jesus told the story?

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them
that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1

Stories are:* **Spiritual**

Physical
Portable
Portals
Narrative Transporting
Ancestral
Communal
Neural
Active Anticipation
“Brain Echo”
Personal
Disruptive

...the popular perception of Jesus is that of a village rustic creating folktales for fishermen and farmers. But when examined with care, his parables are serious theology, and Jesus emerges as an astute theologian.”

Kenneth Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes

The Storyteller…1. Leverages “The Light to Heavy” Principle.

2. Invokes “The How Much More”… Motif.

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:6-8

3. Chooses The Most Unlikely Hero.

In situations of extreme danger women
can do things that men dare not do.

Kenneth Bailey

4. Speaks To The Vulnerable - His Church.

Soon Jesus and his disciples will be in Jerusalem. That could mean disaster, even death, for Jesus and his followers. But within such perilous times, one should not lose heart. Gow will not only care for his own, even vindicate them. Therefore the disciples should persist in prayer and faith.

Arland Hultgren

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
Worthy Of It All- CeCe Winans
The Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC
Resurrecting- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayMy Testimony- Elevation Worship
Rest On Us- Maverick City
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury

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Teaching Notes

Had any man in the quarter engaged in such activity,
he would have been shot at once.

Kenneth E. Bailey

Do you know why Jesus told the story?

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them
that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1

Stories are:* **Spiritual**

Physical
Portable
Portals
Narrative Transporting
Ancestral
Communal
Neural
Active Anticipation
“Brain Echo”
Personal
Disruptive

...the popular perception of Jesus is that of a village rustic creating folktales for fishermen and farmers. But when examined with care, his parables are serious theology, and Jesus emerges as an astute theologian.”

Kenneth Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes

The Storyteller…1. Leverages “The Light to Heavy” Principle.

2. Invokes “The How Much More”… Motif.

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:6-8

3. Chooses The Most Unlikely Hero.

In situations of extreme danger women
can do things that men dare not do.

Kenneth Bailey

4. Speaks To The Vulnerable - His Church.

Soon Jesus and his disciples will be in Jerusalem. That could mean disaster, even death, for Jesus and his followers. But within such perilous times, one should not lose heart. Gow will not only care for his own, even vindicate them. Therefore the disciples should persist in prayer and faith.

Arland Hultgren

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
Worthy Of It All- CeCe Winans
The Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC
Resurrecting- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayMy Testimony- Elevation Worship
Rest On Us- Maverick City
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury

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Teaching Notes onelife child sponsership

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse Of The Lord- Phil Wickham
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Anchor- Mitch Langley
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle

WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesHINENI

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
Worthy Of It All- CeCe Winans
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry

WFC SpeedwayGod So Loved- We The Kingdom
What a Beautiful Name- Hillsong
Gratitude- Brandon Lake

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Teaching NotesMy Way

I will do life my way

Buffet Christian

I will pick and choose from the Bible what I like

All-In Christian

I will adjust my life to God’s Word in all things

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThis Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
Oceans- Hillsong
Jireh- Maverick City

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Passion City Music
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
King of My Heart- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesWhat does the Bible Say About Life? Life begins before conception.

“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

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.

Isaiah 44:24

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

Galatians 1:15-16

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

So how then should we live?

Value all human life.
Stand up for the voiceless.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Proverbs 31:8

What does the Bible Say About Death? Not our job!

You shall not murder.

Deuteronomy 5:17

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood…

Proverbs 6:16-17

The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

1 Samuel 2:6

So how then should we live?

Don’t play God.

Slavery and the Holocaust happened because one group of people decided another group of people weren’t human.

David Livingstone Smith

Don’t use abortion as a form of birth control.
Adoption is an option.

What does the Bible Say About Women’s Rights?God highly values all women…so should we.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

So how then should we live?

Men - let’s step it up!
Women – embrace your rights but don’t take the rights away from your child at a chance of life.

What does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? Available to all .

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 8:10-11

This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool… “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66:1-2

Here is a link to a podcast by Mikhaila Peterson who interviews 30-year-old British author, Louise Perry on her book The Case Against the Sexual Revolution. This is not a Christian podcast, but the information is compelling. Keep in mind Westside does not necessarily agree with everything that is said and there may be some language issues to navigate.

Podcast on The Case Against the Sexual Revoution

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThis Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
Oceans- Hillsong
Jireh- Maverick City

WFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Passion City Music
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
King of My Heart- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesWESTSIDE VALUE

God’s Word: We live & die by itPledge of allegiance to the Bible:

I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God

From Psalm 119:105, 111

Where do I stand?

I’ll do it my way – I’m not buying into the Bible or yielding my life to it.
Buffet Christian - I’m going to stay in authority over my life and pick and choose from the Bible what I like.
All-in Christian – I’m turning authority of my life over to God and committing to following him fully according to his Word.

There are 66 books in the Bible

39 Old Testament
27 New Testament

This is called the canon of scripture.

Canon = rule or measure

How do we know these are the right books?

Three tests:

The Credibility of the Author.
Doctrinal Soundness.
Acceptance by the Church.

The books were recognized.

Internal Recognition: Biblical authors refer to one another.
External Recognition: Extra Biblical affirmation of the original documents.

ConclusionThe written word reliably leads us to the living Word, Jesus.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

1 Peter 1:10-12

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Matthew 5:17

Further reading

Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham
The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGlorious Day- Passion
If The Lord Builds The House- Hope Darst
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs
How Great Thou Art- Carrie Underwood

WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The Kingdom
Glorious Day- Passion
I Surrender- Hillsong
No Longer Slaves- Bethel

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Teaching NotesWESTSIDE VALUE

God’s Word: We live & die by it

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Joshua 1:8 NLT

Where do I stand?

I’ll do it my way – I’m not buying into the Bible or yielding my life to it.
Buffet Christian - I’m going to stay in authority over my life and pick and choose from the Bible what I like.
All-in Christian – I’m turning authority of my life over to God and committing to following him fully according to his Word.

5 Step ProcessRevelation: God makes himself known. * General Revelation

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.

Romans 2:14-15 NLT

Special Revelation

Inspiration: God moves individuals to write down his word.

All Scripture is inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16 NASV

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:19-21

Transmission: God’s Word copied.Three Reasons You Can Be Confident in the Bible

Quantity – We have 24,000 copies of the New Testament compared with 643 copies of Homer’s Iliad.
Distance – The oldest copy is less than 100 years for the New Testament but 500 years for Homer’s Iliad.
Accuracy – There are only 400 words in doubt as to their original penning leaving us with a 99.9% accuracy for the New Testament.

Translation: God’s Word in other languages.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Transformation: God’s Word in us.

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

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGlorious Day- Passion
If The Lord Builds The House- Hope Darst
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs
How Great Thou Art- Carrie Underwood

WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The Kingdom
Glorious Day- Passion
I Surrender- Hillsong
No Longer Slaves- Bethel

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Teaching Notes

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

What is man that You take thought of him,

And the son of man that You care for him?

Psalm 8:3-4

Wonder provokes kindness.

Kindness provokes a kind of wonder.

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?

Jesus, Matthew 5:46-47

1. Kindness comes straight from God’s heart.

Though the mountains be shaken

and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Hesed is “wrapping up in itself all the positive attributes of God: love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, loyalty–in short, acts of devotion and loving-kindness that go beyond the requirements of duty”

Darrell L. Bock, Bible scholar

2. Kindness disagrees and still loves

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

3. Kindness has power.

“...not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:4

Kindness is impossible.

If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Who needs your kindness?

Who can you provoke to wonder?

Going Deeper Discussion Questions1. When is a moment that you have experienced a deep sense of awe or majesty, either in stargazing, being in nature, or through some other experience? 2. What’s the kindest thing you’ve ever experienced from someone else? 3. What strikes you about true, biblical kindness? 4. How does the sermon help you better understand God’s heart for you and what true repentance is? 5. This Christmas season, who is God’s Spirit prompting you to show biblical kindness towards?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

O Come All Ye Faithful- Phil Wickham
Broken Vessels- Hillsong
What A Beautiful Name- Hillsong
O Come O Come Emmanuel- Lincoln Brewster
WFC SpeedwaySame God- Hillsong
Noel (He Is Born)- Tommee Profitt
O Holy Night- Lincoln Brewster
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music

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Teaching Notes

People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17

Kids Get Wonder

“...to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens,

His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters,

His love endures forever.

who made the great lights—

His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day,

His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:4-9

Children know how to stand in awe of the small, ordinary things in their world and see the specialness that they contain. As a child you knew how to open yourself to the world and engage with it in a way that was uncluttered by thinking and talking. You knew how to allow yourself to be captured by something, not simply think about it. You knew how to let it get you rather than you simply get it. And you knew how to remain wordlessly with whatever was holding your attention. This knowing by way of wonder that comes so naturally to children is an important part of the reason that Jesus urged his followers to become like little children.

David Benner (Opening to God)

“...to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:4

Kids Get Faith

“However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:8

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein

Kids Get Love

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are…Beloved, now we are children of God

1 John 3:1-2

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: Give thanks to the God of gods.

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: to him who alone does great wonders,

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: who by his understanding made the heavens,

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: who spread out the earth upon the waters,

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: who made the great lights—

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: the sun to govern the day,

All: His love endures forever.

Leader: the moon and stars to govern the night;

All: His love endures forever.

Kids Get Wet

Going Deeper Discussion Questions1. What’s a favorite childhood (or parenting) memory of Christmas for you? 2. How do you struggle with “Adulting”? How do you think that’s becoming a barrier to your faith? 3. Read 1 John 3:1 and reflect:

* What kind of Father do you believe God is to you?
* Where do you struggle to fully receive your sonship or daughtership identity in Christ?

Which of the four Kid(ish) qualities do you want to grow in the most:
- Wonder
- Faith
- Love
- Experience
- Make a plan to enter into the Advent Season differently this year– less adult-like and more kid(ish)

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Go Tell it on the Mountain- Zach Williams
Hark the Herald Angels Sing- Bethel Music
The First Noel- Maverick City
Mercy- Elevation Worship
WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
Here Comes Heaven- Elevation Worship
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong Worship
Here Again- Elevation Worship

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Teaching Notes

The path of life leads upward for the prudent

to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

Proverbs 15:24

“The Old Testament looks at the subject in depth: death is a whole realm in conflict with life, rather than a single and merely physical event.” - Derek Kidner, “Proverbs”

The Proverbs…

1. Inspire us towards our best life

Relationships:

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Proverbs 21:21

Health & Wellness

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Moral/Spiritual

For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 8:35-36

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives (Proverbs 11:30)

“The expression ‘the way of life’...is a route that leads to, or is marked by, one’s being truly and fully alive. - Derek Kidner, Proverbs pg50

2. Provoke Regret

The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

4 Types of Regret:

1. Foundation: “If only I’d done the work.”
2. Bold: “If only I’d taken the risk.”
3. Moral: “If only I’d done the right thing.”
4. Connection: “If only I’d reached out.”

Point us to grace.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,

but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

Proverbs 14:32

Going Deeper

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

In Dan's message, he spoke to the idea of law and karma. It is that each action incurs an equal and opposite reaction. You break the law and you get the consequences of a lawbreaker. You ARE a lawbreaker. Or in karma, what goes around comes around. The trajectory of your life is unalterably determined by the choices, good or bad, that you previously made.

He then speaks of the grace that Jesus introduces. In Jesus' grace one does not get the negative consequences one has earned.

How do you deal with regret in your life? Do you dwell on them? Seek to deny them?
What have been some of the best insights from the Proverbs Journey for you over the course of this series?
How much has a “karma theology” seeped into your thinking about life?
What is one way that you are literally living on and clinging to grace in your life?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGlorious Day- Passion Feat./Kristian Stanfill
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
God Almighty- Maranda Curtis
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayThis Is The Kingdom- Elevation Worship
Worthy- Elevation Worship
Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Child of Love- We The Kingdom

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The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward

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Teaching Notes

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction

Proverbs 1:7

The choice that every family must make is to choose the center of their family

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19

What’s at the center of your family’s wagon wheel?

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great clash.

Matthew 7:26-27

The choices you make today influences the family you have tomorrow.

Going Deeper

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

In this weekend's message, JJ encouraged us to examine the priorities in our families. What is the center of our family life? In other words, what is the thing that drives all of our activity in our homes?

JJ suggested that there are a few things that tend to wind up as the "hub" of the family "wagon wheel."
Education - Sports - Money - Fear - Cultural Trends/Crisis

If you were to look at your calendar and bank account, what would you say your family leans towards from amongst these categories? Is it a category you don't see listed above?
What is the shadow side, or downside, of prioritizing that particular area in your family?
From Proverbs 27 above, what does the overall shape of your family life reflect in the central heart of your family? Would you say it is a healthy set of priorities?
If the fear (or reverent respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, how with making that wisdom central adjust your family priorities?
Is there anything you think should change for your family in the immediate future? How would you adjust your priorities for a more healthy family life? How does scripture inform those decisions?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereI Thank God- Maverick City
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

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Teaching NotesThe tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21)

The Power of Words

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. (Proverbs 16:30)

Have you ever been the recipient of the vicious wink or the pursing lips?
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)

With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. (Proverbs 11:9)

“Jesus doesn’t condemn, so neither can you.”
“I have overcome death, so I can definitely overcome this.”
“I’m a child of God...I might be a big deal.”
“I am no longer a slave to fear, so go ahead and take your best shot.”
“God is going to work out everything out for my good, just you wait and see.”
“If God is for me, who cares that you are against me.”
“I will not only conqueror this attack...I am more than a conqueror.”
“No matter what you say, nothing can separate me from the love of God.”

The Weakness of Words

Words are no substitute for action.

Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. (Proverbs 14:23MSG)

Words cannot alter the facts.

Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they’re deceiving you.
They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.
(Proverbs 26:23-26 NLT)

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve. (Proverbs 24:12 NLT)

Words cannot force a response

Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. (Proverbs 29:19)

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. (Proverbs 17:10)

Words at their Best

They will be honest
An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. (Proverbs 24:26)
They will be few
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28)
They will be calm
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
They will be timely
Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken at the proper time. (Proverbs 25:11)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Matthew 12:34)

Going Deeper

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of Love- We The Kingdom
All That I Needed- Mitch Langley
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
He's Able- Deitrich Haddon

WFC SpeedwayHere Again- Elevation Worship
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
The Lion and The Lamb- Bethel Music feat./Leeland
Rattle- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21)

The Power of Words

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. (Proverbs 16:30)

Have you ever been the recipient of the vicious wink or the pursing lips?
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)

With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. (Proverbs 11:9)

“Jesus doesn’t condemn, so neither can you.”
“I have overcome death, so I can definitely overcome this.”
“I’m a child of God...I might be a big deal.”
“I am no longer a slave to fear, so go ahead and take your best shot.”
“God is going to work out everything out for my good, just you wait and see.”
“If God is for me, who cares that you are against me.”
“I will not only conqueror this attack...I am more than a conqueror.”
“No matter what you say, nothing can separate me from the love of God.”

The Weakness of Words

Words are no substitute for action.

Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. (Proverbs 14:23MSG)

Words cannot alter the facts.

Words cannot force a response

Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. (Proverbs 29:19)

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. (Proverbs 17:10)

Words at their Best

They will be honest
An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. (Proverbs 24:26)
They will be few
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28)
They will be calm
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
They will be timely
Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken at the proper time. (Proverbs 25:11)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Matthew 12:34)

Going Deeper

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of Love- We The Kingdom
All That I Needed- Mitch Langley
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
He's Able- Deitrich Haddon

WFC SpeedwayHere Again- Elevation Worship
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
The Lion and The Lamb- Bethel Music feat./Leeland
Rattle- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes4 Traits of a Good Friend

Constancy

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.

Proverbs 14:20

Wealth attracts many friends,
    but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

Many curry favor with a ruler,
    and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
    how much more do their friends avoid them!
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
    they are nowhere to be found.

Proverbs 19:4, 6-7

Friends love through all kinds of weather,
    and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Proverbs 17:17 MSG

Do not forsake your friend

Proverbs 27:10

Candor

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:6 NASB

To flatter friends
    is to lay a trap for their feet.

Proverbs 29:5

…his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?

1 Kings 1:6 KJV

Counsel

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

1 Samuel 23:17

And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

1 Samuel 23:6

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Common Sense

Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
    too much of you, and they will hate you.

Proverbs 25:17

If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse.

Proverbs 25:17

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 25:20

Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”

Proverbs 26:18-19

Going Deeper

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

You have probably heard it said, "the direction and quality of your life is directly related to the people you choose to spend time with," or "you become like the five people who are closest to you." We have all probably heard some version of that. In the verses from Proverbs above, we are affirmed that we tend to pick up habits, character, and values from the people we spend the most time with. We are heavily influenced by the people whom we call friends.

Apart from your current family members, who are your closest friends?
Were your parents protective of who you spent time with as a child? As you look back, are you glad
they were protective?
Think about some of your greatest regrets. Were you in the company of friends or enemies?
Read Proverbs 13:20 above. How has this proverb been demonstrated in your life?
What is one tangible, intentional way you can practice “walking with the wise”?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
Once For All- Mitch Langley
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
He's Able- Deitrick Haddon

WFC SpeedwayRejoice- Influence Music
Available-Elevation Worship
Goodness of God-Bethel Music
There Is A King- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes4 Traits of a Good Friend

Constancy

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.

Proverbs 14:20

Wealth attracts many friends,
    but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

Many curry favor with a ruler,
    and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
    how much more do their friends avoid them!
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
    they are nowhere to be found.

Proverbs 19:4, 6-7

Friends love through all kinds of weather,
    and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Proverbs 17:17 MSG

Do not forsake your friend

Proverbs 27:10

Candor

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:6 NASB

To flatter friends
    is to lay a trap for their feet.

Proverbs 29:5

…his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?

1 Kings 1:6 KJV

Counsel

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

1 Samuel 23:17

And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

1 Samuel 23:6

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Common Sense

Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
    too much of you, and they will hate you.

Proverbs 25:17

If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse.

Proverbs 25:17

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 25:20

Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”

Proverbs 26:18-19

Going Deeper

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Apart from your current family members, who are your closest friends?
Were your parents protective of who you spent time with as a child? As you look back, are you glad
they were protective?
Think about some of your greatest regrets. Were you in the company of friends or enemies?
Read Proverbs 13:20 above. How has this proverb been demonstrated in your life?
What is one tangible, intentional way you can practice “walking with the wise”?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
Once For All- Mitch Langley
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
He's Able- Deitrick Haddon

WFC SpeedwayRejoice- Influence Music
Available-Elevation Worship
Goodness of God-Bethel Music
There Is A King- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe Character of the Sluggard

He will not begin things

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?

Proverbs 6:9

He will not finish things

The lazy do not roast any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

Proverbs 12:27

A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

Proverbs 19:24

He will not face things

The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”

Proverbs 22:13

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 20:4 AV

He will lack integrity

Lazy people irritate their employers,
like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

Proverbs 10:26

A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.

Proverbs 18:9

The Outcome for the Sluggard

A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.

Proverbs 15:19 NLT

Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
for their hands refuse to work.

Proverbs 21:25

The Causes

Physical Causes
- Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
- Sleep Deficiency (Sleep Apnoea)
- Unhealthy or Unbalanced Diet (Diabetes)
- Dehydration
- No Exercise/Too Much Exercise
- Hypothyroidism
- Fibromyalgia
- Psychological Causes
- Lack of Self Esteem
- Lack of Positive Recognition from Others
- Lack of Self Discipline stemming from Low Self-Confidence
- Lack of Interest
- Fear of Rejection
- Anxiety/Depression
- Excessive Dopamine hits (Video Games)

Two Lessons for the Sluggard

Learn by Example

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
    Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
    or governor or ruler to make them work,
they labor hard all summer,
    gathering food for the winter.

Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT

Learn from Experience

I went past the field of a sluggard,
    past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
thorns had come up everywhere,
    the ground was covered with weeds,
    and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
    and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34

Going Deeper

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34

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.

Col. 3:23-24

From the above sets of verses, how would you contrast the attitudes towards work?
In your own words, how would you define the word "sluggard?" Have you ever gone through a season of life when that described you? If appropriate, share your story.
What has to change in a person in order for them to no longer be a "sluggard?"
From the passage in Colossians above, what posture should we have towards our work? Is that encouraging or discouraging for you personally? Explain.
How do we prayerfully approach productivity in our lives without it becoming a false idol?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of God- Mitch Langley/Citizen Way
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Anchor- Mitch Langley
It Is So- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Worthy- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Rejoice- Influence Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe Character of the Sluggard

He will not begin things

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?

Proverbs 6:9

He will not finish things

The lazy do not roast any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

Proverbs 12:27

A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

Proverbs 19:24

He will not face things

The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”

Proverbs 22:13

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 20:4 AV

He will lack integrity

Lazy people irritate their employers,
like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

Proverbs 10:26

A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.

Proverbs 18:9

The Outcome for the Sluggard

A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.

Proverbs 15:19 NLT

Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
for their hands refuse to work.

Proverbs 21:25

The Causes

Physical Causes
- Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
- Sleep Deficiency (Sleep Apnoea)
- Unhealthy or Unbalanced Diet (Diabetes)
- Dehydration
- No Exercise/Too Much Exercise
- Hypothyroidism
- Fibromyalgia
- Psychological Causes
- Lack of Self Esteem
- Lack of Positive Recognition from Others
- Lack of Self Discipline stemming from Low Self-Confidence
- Lack of Interest
- Fear of Rejection
- Anxiety/Depression
- Excessive Dopamine hits (Video Games)

Two Lessons for the Sluggard

Learn by Example

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
    Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
    or governor or ruler to make them work,
they labor hard all summer,
    gathering food for the winter.

Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT

Learn from Experience

I went past the field of a sluggard,
    past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
thorns had come up everywhere,
    the ground was covered with weeds,
    and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
    and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34

Going Deeper

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34

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.

Col. 3:23-24

From the above sets of verses, how would you contrast the attitudes towards work?
In your own words, how would you define the word "sluggard?" Have you ever gone through a season of life when that described you? If appropriate, share your story.
What has to change in a person in order for them to no longer be a "sluggard?"
From the passage in Colossians above, what posture should we have towards our work? Is that encouraging or discouraging for you personally? Explain.
How do we prayerfully approach productivity in our lives without it becoming a false idol?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of God- Mitch Langley/Citizen Way
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Anchor- Mitch Langley
It Is So- Elevation Worship

WFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Worthy- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Rejoice- Influence Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young—

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance—

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

We start with the premise and proclamation: “I am that fool.”

THE SIMPLE

Let Others Choose The Trail For Them

The simple believe anything,

but the prudent give thought to their steps.

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,

and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

Proverbs 1:32

At the window of my house

I looked down through the lattice.

I saw among the simple,

I noticed among the young men,

a youth who had no sense.

He was going down the street near her corner,

walking along in the direction of her house

at twilight, as the day was fading,

as the dark of night set in.

Then out came a woman to meet him,

dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

Proverbs 7:6-10

THE SCOFFER

Mocks Those On The Right Trail

The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—

behaves with insolent fury.

Proverbs 21:24

THE STUPID

Choose The Same Wrong Trail Over and Over

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so fools repeat their folly.

Proverbs 26:11

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him… “Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live.

1 Samuel 25:23-28

How do you play the fool most often?

THE SIMPLE?
THE SCOFFER?
THE STUPID?

“I lead a lot of high level, C-Suite sessions for Fortune 100, global companies, thought leaders and you always think that you’re going to talk about global strategy or market trends or things about how to change the world but inevitably, without fail, the conversation will always veer to someone saying “I’ve got this guy”. It will always come down to someone on their team or board member or employee that reports to them where they say, “What should I do?” - Dr. Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings

Parenting Square: (Adapted from Andy Stanley, Ken Blanchard)

Wonderful - Need Nurture/Discipline (0-5 years)
Wicked - Need Training (5-12 years)
Wobbly - Need Coaching (12-18 years)
Wise - Need Support (Adult years)

Going Deeper

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young—

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance—

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

If appropriate, share one of the more foolish things you’ve done in the past–hopefully, something where everything turned out okay in the end!
Do you believe in the premise that the only way we’ll grow is by assuming we’re the fool first?
Which of the passages shared from the service challenged you the most?
Who is or has been a Nabal (i.e. Fool) in your life? How have you learned to deal with them wisely?
What is your “I will…” statement, where you intend to grow in Godly wisdom?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereAlive- Hillsong Young and Free
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
King of My Heart- Bethel Music
We Praise You- Brandon Lake

WFC SpeedwayBuild Your Kingdom Here- Rend Collective
I Surrender All- Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter
Promises- Maverick City
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

View Details

Teaching Notes

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young—

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance—

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

We start with the premise and proclamation: “I am that fool.”

THE SIMPLE

Let Others Choose The Trail For Them

The simple believe anything,

but the prudent give thought to their steps.

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,

and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

Proverbs 1:32

At the window of my house

I looked down through the lattice.

I saw among the simple,

I noticed among the young men,

a youth who had no sense.

He was going down the street near her corner,

walking along in the direction of her house

at twilight, as the day was fading,

as the dark of night set in.

Then out came a woman to meet him,

dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

Proverbs 7:6-10

THE SCOFFER

Mocks Those On The Right Trail

The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—

behaves with insolent fury.

Proverbs 21:24

THE STUPID

Choose The Same Wrong Trail Over and Over

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so fools repeat their folly.

Proverbs 26:11

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him… “Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live.

1 Samuel 25:23-28

How do you play the fool most often?

THE SIMPLE?
THE SCOFFER?
THE STUPID?

“I lead a lot of high level, C-Suite sessions for Fortune 100, global companies, thought leaders and you always think that you’re going to talk about global strategy or market trends or things about how to change the world but inevitably, without fail, the conversation will always veer to someone saying “I’ve got this guy”. It will always come down to someone on their team or board member or employee that reports to them where they say, “What should I do?” - Dr. Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings

Parenting Square: (Adapted from Andy Stanley, Ken Blanchard)

Wonderful - Need Nurture/Discipline (0-5 years)
Wicked - Need Training (5-12 years)
Wobbly - Need Coaching (12-18 years)
Wise - Need Support (Adult years)

Going Deeper

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young—

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance—

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

If appropriate, share one of the more foolish things you’ve done in the past–hopefully, something where everything turned out okay in the end!
Do you believe in the premise that the only way we’ll grow is by assuming we’re the fool first?
Which of the passages shared from the service challenged you the most?
Who is or has been a Nabal (i.e. Fool) in your life? How have you learned to deal with them wisely?
What is your “I will…” statement, where you intend to grow in Godly wisdom?

WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereAlive- Hillsong Young and Free
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
King of My Heart- Bethel Music
We Praise You- Brandon Lake

WFC SpeedwayBuild Your Kingdom Here- Rend Collective
I Surrender All- Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter
Promises- Maverick City
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesKey Question: How does the Christian survive in Babylon?

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.

Daniel 1:1-5

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Daniel 1:8

Resolve not to defile yourself

“At the end of the ten days they looked better and more robust than all the others who had been eating from the royal menu.”

Daniel 1:15

“Israelites considered food from Nebuchanezzar’s table to be contaminated because the first portion of it was offered to idols. Likewise, a portion of the wine was poured out on a pagan altar. Ceremonially unclean animals were used and were neither slaughtered nor prepared according to the regulations of the law. (kosher)

quote out of NIV Study Bible

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.

Romans 14:1-2

I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.

Romans 14:14

God gave these four young men knowledge and skill in both books and life. In addition, Daniel was gifted in understanding all sorts of visions and dreams. At the end of the time set by the king for their training, the head of the royal staff brought them in to Nebuchadnezzar. When the king interviewed them, he found them far superior to all the other young men. None were a match for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

And so they took their place in the king’s service. Whenever the king consulted them on anything, on books or on life, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom put together.

Daniel continued in the king’s service until the first year in the reign of King Cyrus.

Daniel 1:17-21

Be the Best. 

Darius reorganized his kingdom. He appointed one hundred twenty governors to administer all the parts of his realm. Over them were three vice-regents, one of whom was Daniel. The governors reported to the vice-regents, who made sure that everything was in order for the king. But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.

Daniel 6:1-3

The vice-regents and governors got together to find some old scandal or skeleton in Daniel’s life that they could use against him, but they couldn’t dig up anything. He was totally exemplary and trustworthy. They could find no evidence of negligence or misconduct. So they finally gave up and said, “We’re never going to find anything against this Daniel unless we can cook up something religious.” (Daniel 6:4-5)

At this, the king was very upset and tried his best to get Daniel out of the fix he’d put him in. He worked at it the whole day long.

Daniel 6:14

“May the God, whom you serve continuously, rescue you!”

Daniel 6:16

King Darius published this proclamation to every race, color, and creed on earth:

Peace to you! Abundant peace!
    I decree that Daniel’s God shall be worshiped and feared in all parts of my kingdom.
    He is the living God, world without end. His kingdom never falls.
    His rule continues eternally.
    He is a savior and rescuer.
    He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.
    He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

From then on, Daniel was treated well during the reign of Darius, and also in the following reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 6:25-28

Don’t hide the secret to your success -God

Going Deeper Discussion1. Daniel's journey in Babylon begins in Daniel, chapter 1. He had to leave his home and survive in a foreign land. What adjustment(s) did he have to make to his mindset to survive in Babylon while maintaining his dedication to God? 2. Daniel was an out-of-the-box thinker. He asked that he and the others be allowed to follow their own diet for a period of time to prove that they would still be and look healthy without defiling themselves with the Kings food. How can you retain your integrity as you navigate the waters of your Babylon? 3. As the saying goes, "If it is worth doing, then it is worth doing well." God wants our very best. How do you bring excellence into your daily activities? 4. In Daniel, chapter 6, Daniel had to trust God as he faced a very severe punishment for worshipping Him. When God delivers you from tough circumstances, how can you share all He has done for you in a way that people will see it could only be the work of God?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of Love- We The Kingdom
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)- Kari Jobe
God of Revival- Bethel Music
WFC SpeedwayDon't Tread On Me- We The Kingdom
Simple Gospel- United Pursuit
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
I Thank God- Maverick City

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Are you an intentional or accidental person?

INTENTIONAL - deliberate pursuit.

ACCIDENTAL - haphazard reaction.

Jesus was always intentional

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Mark 1:35-38

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing,as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Mark 1:40-45

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 2:15-17

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

John 2:1-4

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”

Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

John 9:35-38

The Three Most Common Traps:

Self-Absorbed
Self-Abandoned
Family Abdication

What’s one way that you can grow more intentional in your life and work?

Great leaders want this for you.
We always overflow something. So live from the overflow of heaven.
Jesus was a self sacrificing leader, so that we can.

Going Deeper Discussion1. Can you relate to the picture of an “Accidental Person”? How so? 2. Could you imagine if Jesus were accidental about his purpose? 3. Which of the “5 Circles of Influence” did you score the highest on? Describe what’s working there for you. 4. Which did you score the lowest on? 5. What’s one more way that you can practice an intentional and deliberate pursuit?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
O the Blood- Mitch Langley
Tremble-Mosaic MSC
Jireh- Maverick City
WFC SpeedwayLiving Hope- Phil Wickham
This Is The Kingdom- Pat Barrett
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes77% of people said that they trust their employer - Edelman Trust Index

Jesus matters in our workplace.

“Jesus spoke constantly of financial practice, of management of both projects and people: payment, debt wages, investment, hiring and firing, relationships between managers and staff…”

Jordan K. Monsoon, Adjunct Professor, University of Northwestern-St. Paul (Christianity Today, The StoneMason The Builders Rejected).

Jesus was a developing leader

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions… And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:46, 52

2. Jesus asked great questions

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

John 5:6

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

Mark 10:35-41

In your conversations, are you a pusher or a puller?

3. Jesus was always intentional and never accidental

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Mark 1:35-38

What’s one way that you can grow more intentional in your life and work today?

4. Jesus trusted, hustled, and rested well.

Going Deeper Discussion

“Jesus spoke constantly of financial practice, of management of both projects and people: payment, debt wages, investment, hiring and firing, relationships between managers and staff…”

Jordan K. Monsoon, Adjunct Professor, University of Northwestern-St. Paul (Christianity Today, The StoneMason The Builders Rejected).

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—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 20:25-28

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13:12-15

At your place of work (however you want to define that), who would you present the “Worker of the Week” award to? What is it about them that impresses and impacts you the most?
If you are in a leadership role of any kind, what kind of pressures do you feel?
How much have you thought about Jesus as a model and “influencer” for your job?
In your conversations, are you a pusher or a puller?
What’s one way that you can grow more intentional in your life and work today?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild Of Love- We The Kingdom
All That I Needed- Mitch Langley
Peace Be still- Lauren Daigle
King of Kings- Hillsong
WFC SpeedwayPromise Keeper- Hope Darst
Believe For It- Cece Winans
Great Things- Phil Wickham

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Teaching Notes

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Matthew 5:13 MSG

We are Salt

Creates thirst for God
Preserves what is good
Heals wounds
Brings out flavor with each bite

Recommendation: Jump in the saltshaker with other believers at your work

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

We are Light

Bring your light out of the closet
Shed light on the truth
Illuminate the path to God

Recommendation: Make sure your spiritual batteries are charged

Going Deeper Discussion

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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16

Randy's message this week encouraged us all to walk with integrity in our workplaces and seek to be a blessing there. From first Peter above, the author is encouraging us to behave in a way that honors Jesus in our public lives.

How should it motivate our interactions with coworkers when we "revere Christ as Lord" in our hearts?
If someone were to inquire about "the hope that you have," what would be the evidence of that hope in your work life?
Why does Peter encourage us to frame our answer with "gentleness and respect?" What would be the opposite of that posture?
What does it mean to "keep a clear conscience" in your workplace? In what ways could you be tempted to compromise your conscience?
How should we then view our workplaces in light of Randy's message and the above verses? How would you summarize it in just a few words?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch Langley
Reign Above It All- Bethel Music
Too Good To Not Believe- Cody Carnes
WFC SpeedwayKing of My Heart- Bethel Music
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)- Kari Jobe

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Teaching NotesMake a quick list of your first thoughts this morning:

Do you wake up to a bunch of WHATs or from a deep WHY?

Purpose: “Apply your best to what matters most.” - Dr. Vic Strecher, University of Michigan Public School of Health

Core Components of Purpose:

Goals - we are going after something specific
Meaning - we are experiencing and offering meaning
Others - we are pursuing it for the benefit of others

Purpose matters…

To your brain (pic: MRI scans)
To your performance (pic: Janitorial services)
To your grit (pic: Incline test)

When we have purpose:

Resiliency increases by 54%
Stress decreases by 33%
LIfe Engagement increase by 60%
Depression drops by 36%
Inclusivity quadruples

Let’s go back to Genesis 1:26: “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky… (1:26)

God’s purpose was to give us purpose in our work.

I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Jesus, John 10:10

Greek: Ἵνα (pronounced: “hina”)
Why is “ina” significant? “The reason is to be sought in the teleological understanding of the ways of God and the destiny of man” - Ethelbert Stauffer, “Ἵνα,”

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

-Jesus, John 15:11

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.

-The Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus’ purpose is to make us fully alive

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

John 9:1-3

Jesus’ purpose is to make us fully alive, even through suffering, for His glory.

God’s purposes never stop in your life.

…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

The Apostle Paul, Philippians 2:13

To Will: θέλειν (pronounced: thelein) - purpose; desire; enjoy; be of an opinion
To Act: ἐνεργέω (pronounced: energeō) - work; be at work, to cause to be, to result in
Good Purpose: Εὐδοκία (pronounced: eudokia): good pleasure; desire, what is wished for

What’s your “So That…”?

Without a clear “So That…” we’ll say:

Now what?
What’s next?
So what.

The “So That…” 5 Circles:

What brings you joy?
What does the world need?
Will they pay for it? (or give to it)
Are you good at it?
What’s in your story?

“So That Statement”:

“I work so that…” {12-15 words}

“So Thats…” won’t always make you happy
Not all “So Thats…” are pleasing to God
Don’t ever say the word “Just.”

Going Deeper Discussion

…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

The Apostle Paul, Philippians 2:13

To Will: θέλειν (pronounced: thelein) - purpose; desire; enjoy; be of an opinion
To Act: ἐνεργέω (pronounced: energeō) - work; be at work, to cause to be, to result in
Good Purpose: Εὐδοκία (pronounced: eudokia): good pleasure; desire, what is wished for

If you haven't already, watch the weekend message and have a discussion answering the questions below.

What thoughts fill your head when you wake up each morning - a bunch of “Whats” or a “Deep Why?”
Can you describe a time in your life when you didn’t have a sense of purpose? What did that feel like?
How are you personally impacted by the truth that God lives from a deep why and is constantly at work in your life?
What are the things that…
1. Bring you joy?
2. The world around you needs?
3. Someone might pay for or give towards?
4. You are good at doing?
5. Do you have a “So That…Statement”—at least one in draft mode? Would you be willing to share it?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGreat Things- Phil Wickham
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
God of Revival- Brian Johnson
WFC SpeedwayRest on Us- Maverick City
Oceans- Hillsong
Forever Reign- Hillson
Glorious Day- Passion City

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Teaching Noteswork

Noun activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.

When you are actively engaged, you feel fully alive.

God was the first worker and was actively engaged in his work.

“Let there be light…” (1:3)
“Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” And it was so (1:6)
“Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so… and God saw that it was good (1:9-10)
“Let the land produce vegetation…and it was so…and God saw that it was good (1:11-12)
Let there be lights in the vault and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years…” And it was so…And God saw that it was good. (1:14,18)
“Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky….And God saw that it was good. (1:20-21)
“Let the land produce living creatures according to their kind…and it was so… And God saw that it was good. (1:24-25)
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky… (1:26)
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (1:31)
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” (2:1-3)

“Not only did God create something new but, equally important for our definition of entrepreneurship, he created something for the good of others.” - Jordan Raynor, Called to Create

“God is an entrepreneur. He leveraged His resources at great cost to Himself. He made space in the universe for us.” - Dr. Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Seminary

We were made for active engagement

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky… (1:26)

Sin distorts all good things, including our work.

“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground…” (Genesis 3:17-19).

Idle Work vs. Idol Work

“Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:5-6)

TRUST

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

HUSTLE

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for your human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

REST

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:2-3)

God was not only the first worker. He was the first rester.

Quick Assessment: on a scale of 1-10, (1- growth area; 10 - crushing it), how are you doing in these three areas?

Trust
Hustle
Rest

When we are cranking on these three elements: Holy Hustle.

God is still actively engaged.

“...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13).

Going Deeper Discussion1. What do you look like “fully alive”? 2. How does understanding God as “actively engaged in His work” or being the “first entrepreneur” impact the way you think about Him? 3. When work gets distorted for you, which way do you go: idle work or idol work? 4. How do you rate yourselves in the following three components of “Holy Hustle”:

* Trust: 0 - 10
* Hustle: 0 - 10
* Rest: 0 - 10

What do you need to do today to become more actively engaged?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHoly Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
Make Room- Community Worship
All That I Needed- Mitch Langley
WFC SpeedwayGreat Things- Phil Wickham
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Living Hope- Phil Wickham
Egypt- Cory Asbury

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Teaching NotesGoodness Defined

Kalos – outward beauty, aesthetic

Kaka – Evil

Agathos – inward moral goodness, integrity

I choose to do the right thing in my relationships with others

The Story

Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far…Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord? (2 Samuel 7:18)

David reigned over all Israel, doing what is right and just for all people. (2 Samuel 8:15)

When David was told, “Uriah did not go home,” he asked him, “Haven’t you just come from a distance? Why didn’t you go home?”

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” (2 Samuel 11:10-11)

Put Uriah on the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die. (2 Samuel 11:15)

7Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ (2 Samuel 12:7-10)

Which Character are You?

Uriah did the right thing
Nathan did the right thing

Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6)

David did the wrong thing

Recovery Strategy

When David was confronted, he admitted it and made it right.
David lived with the consequences with dignity.
David maintained his commitment to walk with God.
God was gracious to David.

Going DeeperRandy defines "goodness” for us this way: "I choose to do the right thing in my relationships with others."

In this weekend's message, Randy tells the story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. Ultimately, David made some very poor choices in his relationship with others. This resulted in a great deal of suffering as everyone experienced the consequences.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul is writing the church at Thessalonica encouraging them to "do right in their relationships" empowered by the Holy Spirit.

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1:11-12

What is Paul specifically praying for in these two verses?
What is the outcome of this prayer?
What is God's responsibility in these verses?
What is Paul's responsibility? What is the Christ follower's responsibility?
Are we alone to muscle our way through "goodness?" What is our posture in light of these two verses?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You-Brandon Lake
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
Jesus At The Center- Israel Houghton
WFC SpeedwayHoly Water- We The Kingdom
Worthy- Elevation Worship
King of My Heart- Bethel Music
Goodness of God- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesGentleness Defined

Praus = Mild Medication

Gentleness: I am thoughtful, considerate, and calm in my relationship with others

Thoughtful – think before you speak

Considerate – put yourself in the other person’s shoes

Calm – lower your voice and watch your body language

The Story of Nabal and Abigail

A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.

His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings. (1 Samuel 25:2-3)

While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep.

So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name.

Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!

“ ‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing.

Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’”

When David’s men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David’s name. Then they waited.

Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days.

Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

David’s men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word.

David said to his men, “Put on your swords!” So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. (1 Samuel 25:4-13)

One of the servants told Nabal’s wife Abigail: “David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them.

Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing.

Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them.

Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.” (1 Samuel 25:14-17)

Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys.

Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them.

David had just said, “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good.

May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!”

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground.

She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.

May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.

“Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal.

And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you.

Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD'S battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live.

Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling.

When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant.” (1 Samuel 25:18-31)

Going DeeperGentleness: I am thoughtful, considerate, and calm in my relationships with others

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

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5

In this message Randy shares a wonderful story David, Abigail, and Nabal. Nabal turns out to be harsh and hostile in his language which stirs up King David's anger. His wife Abigail, however, responds wisely and gently, turning away David's anger.

When someone responds to you in a harsh or adversarial way, how does that make YOU feel? How did that story go?
How does a harsh or caustic response create more division? Where in culture do you see outrage creating more division and less conversation?
In the book of Galatians above gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. How do you see that evident in mature Christ followers?
What are some things that you could do to lean into the Holy Spirit to make you more gentle when confronted by the harshness of the culture around us?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of God- Mitch Langley/Citizen Way
Way Maker- Leeland
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
WFC SpeedwayI Thank God- Maverick City
Come Again- Elevation worship/Maverick City
Don't Tread On Me- We the Kingdom
Child of Love- We the Kingdom

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Teaching NotesKindness: I am kind to others for their sake because God has been kind to me.

Old Testament: Hesed

New Testament: Chrestos

The Story

1 Samuel 20:14-16

But show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.”

1 Samuel 20:14-16

2 Samuel 9:

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?

Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king saidk to him, “Are you Ziba?” “Your servant,” he replied.

The king asked, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” (note that it’s God’s kindness inside David that is being offered) Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.”

“Where is he?” the king asked. Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.

When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, “Mephibosheth!” Your servant,” he replied.

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.”

Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servants to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all the members of Ziba’s household were servants of Mephibosheth.

And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was crippled in both feet.

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Application

I am proactive & intentional about showing kindness to others.

I give my best, not my leftovers, when I show kindness.

When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine.

The king asked Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the desert.”

The king then asked, “Where is your master’s grandson?” Ziba said to him, “He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back my grandfather’s kingdom.’”

Then the king said to Ziba, “All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” “I humbly bow,” Ziba said. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king.”

2 Samuel 16:1-4

Kindness backfires sometimes – show kindness anyway.

Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.

When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”

He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba my servant betrayed me.

And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you.

All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields.”

Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has arrived home safely.”

2 Samuel 19:24-30

Going Deeper

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4

Randy shares a wonderful story of kindness from the Old Testament from King David to Mephibosheth. This is a story of kindness given without expectation. The lame grandson of king soul would never be able to reciprocate the extravagant kindness shown to him. This story is a kind of foreshadowing of the kindness that Jesus shows you and I.

From the verses in First Corinthians above, describe how Jesus embodies that love towards humans. How has he shown that love to you specifically?
In the story Randy shares, the lame grandson of David's enemy Saul is completely incapable of returning the favor. How does this illustrate our relationship with Christ? What posture should that provoke in our own hearts?
In the story with David it appears that his generosity is taken advantage of. Even so, David still gifts Mephibosheth extravagantly. Does Jesus still love us when it is unappreciated or even rejected? How hard is it for us to do the same? How do the verses above guide us to love people who may even be taking advantage of our kindness?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereEvery Beat- North Point Worship
Carried to the Table- Leeland
Reign Above it All- Bethel Music
See a Victory- Elevation Worship
WFC SpeedwayRattle- Elevation Worship
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
Don’t Tread On Me- We the Kingdom
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

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Teaching NotesPatience: I take a long time to overheat and endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life

Macrothymeo – Thermometer
Upomone – To Remain Under

The Story

1 Samuel 22 – David, a full-time fugitive
1 Samuel 24 – The Cave of Ein Gedi

4The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said[a] to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

5Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

1 Samuel 24:4-7

1 Samuel 26 – The Hill of Hakilah

8Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.”

9But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”

1 Samuel 26:8-11

Application

Recognize that the Lord may be using another person or circumstance to develop you as a person or to take you to another level as a leader. (18:10, 19:9)

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

James 1:2-4, MSG

God does not want us to do wrong to relieve our pressure or crisis. (24:5-7; 2 Sam. 1:14-16)
We can take a long time to overheat when we trust God to work out his plan in his time. (26:9-12)

Who or what is the Saul in your life right now?

Going Deeper

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

James 1:2-4, MSG

From Randy's message we see at times it is a person who is the test, challenge, and pressure the challenges our faith. We can call these "sandpaper people." At times God uses them to sand off the rough edges and reshape our character.

Who are the sandpaper people in your life? What is an example of how that person challenges your character?
Do you have a story of someone in your past who was a challenge to your character and possibly your faith? How did God use that person to mature and develop you?
When you interact with your "sandpaper person" and the temperature goes up for you emotionally, what do you think that reveals about your own character? What do you think God may be teaching you?
Spend some time as an individual or as a group to pray over a couple of things. Ask God to help you see this person as a gift in your life. Ask him to clearly reveal what needs to change in your own heart and character. And ask him to bless that person and matured them just as he is working in you.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong
Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)- Kari Jobe

WFC SpeedwayBattle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Worthy Is The Lamb- Passion
Rest On Us- Maverick City
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesFruit of Spirit David’s Relationships

Love Jonathan

Patience Saul

Kindness Mephibosheth

Gentleness Nabal & Abigail

Goodness Bathsheba & Uriah

Biblical Definition of Love: “I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.”

The Setting of the Story

Genesis: Nation of Israel is founded by Abraham– 2000 B.C.
Joshua: Israel secures the land of Canaan promised to Abraham – 1400 B.C.
1 Samuel: Choose Saul as their first king – 1000 B.C.

The Story

55As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is that young man?”Abner replied, “As surely as you live, Your Majesty, I don’t know.” 56The king said, “Find out whose son this young man is.” 57As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine’s head. 58“Whose son are you, young man?” Saul asked him. David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”

18After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 17:55-18:4)

5Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

6When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. 7As they danced, they sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands.”

8Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. (1 Samuel 18:5-9)

Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”4Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”6Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.”7So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before. (I Samuel 19:1-7)

But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, 10Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. (1 Samuel 19:9-10)

Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?” 2“Never!” Jonathan replied. “You are not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without letting me know. Why would he hide this from me? It isn’t so!”3But David took an oath and said, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, ‘Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.’ Yet as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.” 4Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.” (1 Samuel 20:1-4)

30Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? 31As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”32“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. 33But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David. (1 Samuel 20:30-34)

41After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. 42Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. (1 Samuel 20:41-42)

How to really love someone?

I make a “no strings attached” covenant to love them.
I am their advocate.
I help them see God’s good vision for them.
I sacrifice my rights to see them succeed.

Going Deeper

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:1-4

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-38

In the passage from Matthew above, Jesus uses the term "all the law and the prophets." This was the way he refers to the Old Testament scriptures. So, we can see this all encompassing law of Jesus reflected in Jonathan and David's relationship.

From Randy's message, how was Jonathan self-sacrificial in his relationship with David?
How does love God and love for your neighbor fulfill the requirements of the law?
What is a relationship in your life right now that challenges you to love another person the way you love yourself? Describe that.
What does that look like with someone in your family?
How do you do that with someone in your life who is difficult and doesn't respond in kind?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereI Thank God- Maverick City
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
God Of Revival- Brian Johnson
WFC SpeedwayHoly Water- We The Kingdom
Oceans- Hillsong
King Of My Heart- Bethel Music

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Teaching Notes

“...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Sometimes our kids feel like thorns

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,...”

2 Corinthians 12:7

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

2 Corinthians 12:10

God gives us exactly what we can’t handle

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Rest in the mess (& not after)

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Let God and others into your mess

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

Going Deeper1. What’s the worst mess you’ve ever made that your Mom (or a mother figure) helped you (or had to) clean up? 2. Is there any “thorn” in our life that God can’t use to greater shape you into his image? 3. What does true rest look like for you? 4. Are you comfortable letting others into your mess? 5. What’s one way that you can say to the mother figure in your life “My mess is mine?” and take a load off her plate?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
House of The Lord- Phil Wickham
Jireh- Maverick City
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst

WFC Speedway
Here Again- Elevation Worship
Jireh- Maverick City
Holy Ground- Passion City

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Teaching Notes

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16)

“Your mess is mine” - Vance Joy

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. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:3-10

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength…

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. 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. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord…

Acts 9:10-28

Paul had grace from God but not from the people of God
- “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13)
- 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. (Acts 9:26)
- Grace is messy and confusing
- {Jesus}, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
- Grace takes guts
- Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul,... (Acts 9:17)
- But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how… (Acts 9:27)

QUESTION: To whom do you need to say, “Your mess is mine”?

Fill in the blank: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace}
Grace unlocks the church.
1. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31)
2. Your mess is ours!

Going Deeper1. When has someone extended a hand beneath the bathroom stall and said (in one way or another), “Your grace is mine”? 2. Per John 1:14, are you more of a “Gracer” or a “Truther”? 3. What’s the most confusing or difficult part about extending that hand to someone? 4. Who is someone in your life that God is nudging you towards? 5. Based on Acts 9:27, can you fill in your own blanks: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace}

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Child of God- Mitch Langley
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

WFC Speedway
Unstoppable God- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

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Teaching Notes

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. 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. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:3-10

GRACE IS…

I want you to describe grace.

Grace is when… (event)
Grace is like… (metaphor)
Grace is like the time… (personal)
Grace sounds like, smells like, feels like, looks like…

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.

1 Corinthians 15:9

“I WAS A HOT MESS”

I don’t deserve to…{blank}
Because I… {blank}

NO MATTER THE MESS!

GREATER THE MESS, GREATER THE IMPACT.

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.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12,14

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

“Paul’s confidence was rooted in his awareness that God’s grace was a dynamic force in his life.”

Going Deeper1. What’s the worst mess you’ve ever made? 2. How would you describe grace? 3. Share a time that you have experienced grace from God or someone in your life. What did it feel like to receive it? 4. What ditch to fall into more easily: “I am who I am” (antinomianism) or “I work harder than the rest” (legalism)? 5. Do you believe that God says to you, “Your mess is mine!”

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Glorious Day- Passion feat./Kristian Stanfill
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
Promise Keeper-Hope Darst
Revelation Song- Kari Jobe

WFC Speedway
Great Things- Phil Wickham
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Surrounded (Fight My Battles)- Upper Room

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Teaching NotesThe Story: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

“Lazarus, come out!”

John 11:43

The Problem: Why didn’t Jesus do that for me?

Resolution:

Look for and trust in the greater purpose

Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

John 11:4

Jesus is going to resurrect us not just resuscitate us

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

John 11:25-26

“Do you believe this?”

John 11:26

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Graves Into Gardens- Brandon Lake
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst

WFC Speedway
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Rest On Us- Maverick City
I Thank God- Maverick City

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Teaching NotesI am the true vine (- Jesus, John 15:1), and then he says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (- Jesus, John 15:5)

The vine was part and parcel of Jewish imagery, and the very symbol of Israel. - William Barclay

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command.I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:1-17

God has his own method of self-improvement. It’s called Pruning

…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Jesus, John 15:2

Jesus Offers Himself as Friend

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Jesus, John 15:15

Jesus is our true nutrient source.

We are grafted in.
We are held there.
Healing happens the closer we are

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Jesus, John 15:9-11

Will I let Jesus in that close?

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
I Thank God- Maverick City
Oceans- Hillsong
You Say- Lauren Daigle
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs

WFC Speedway
Your Love Never Fails- News Boys
Oceans- Hillsong
Mercy- elevation and Maverick city
I Thank God- Maverick City

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Teaching Notes

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1a)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Application

Jesus is the way because we all get lost.

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

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus is the truth because we all believe lies.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Jesus is the life because we are all dying.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3

Peace is not found in the absence of problems.

Peace is found in the presence of Jesus.

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Too Good to Not Believe- Brandon Lake
Tremble- Mosaic MSC
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle

WFC Speedway
This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
I Thank God- Maverick City
Do It Again- Elevation Worship
I Surrender- Hillsong

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

“I am the good shepherd.”

Jesus (John 10:11, 14)

“Who’s shepherding you?”

Three Suburbian Obstacles Regarding Sheep & Shepherds…

They thought of Slingers and we think of Precious Moments

“An experienced slinger could kill or seriously injure a target at a distance of up to two hundred yards. The Romans even had a special set of tongs made just to remove stones that had been embedded in some poor soldier’s body by a sling.”

Malcom Gladwell, David & Goliath

Regarding Sheep & Shepherds…

They knew the backstory and we think we are the story

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them….

Ezekiel 34:1-6

I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice….

Ezekiel 34:15-16

I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.

Ezekiel 34:23-24

To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”

But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

John 10:1-21

What is Jesus saying here?

Ezekiel heard right.

I am…all that was prophesied and promised.
My people have had far too many bad shepherds for far too long

Regarding Sheep & Shepherds…

They thought of a business enterprise and we think of a petting zoo

Business: “Woo-le”

Investment Group
Build Infrastructure
Purchase Inventory
Growth Phase
Go To Market
Reinvestment

What were the bad shepherds doing?

They were taking nothing to market.

Who is the thief in John 10:10?

“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)
It’s the religious leaders; the bad shepherds.

What is Jesus doing?

He is deconstructing destructive religion
He’s subverting the entire business model
I will take myself to market.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (- Jesus, John 10:10-11)

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:6-7

“Who’s shepherding you?”

Bad Shepherd

Takes from you
Preys upon your vulnerabilities
Leaves you defenseless
Abandons you
Creates Insecurity

Good Shepherd

Gives to you
Protects you
Lays themselves down
Grounds you
Creates freedom

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Child of God- Mitch Langley
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
King of Kings- Hillsong
Believe For It- CeCe Winans

WFC Speedway
Child of Love- We The Kingdom
Mercy - Elevation Worship
Amazing Grace- Chris Tomlin

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Teaching NotesPeople are entryways to a new direction and quality of life.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

John 10:1-5 ESV

Sheep know their own shepherd. They won't follow anyone else.

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:7-10 ESV

Jesus is the door that leads to life. All other doors lead to death.

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life…If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”

John 5:39-40,46 NIV

“I pity celebrities, no I really do – these people were once perfectly pleasant human beings. But now their wrath is awful. I think when God wants to play a really rotten practical joke on you, he grants you your deepest wish and then laughs merrily when you realize you want to kill yourself. You see they wanted fame. They worked, they pushed, and the morning after each of them became famous they wanted to take an overdose. Because that giant thing they were striving for, that fame thing that was going to make everything okay; that was going to make their lives bearable; that was going to provide them with personal fulfillment and happiness had happened, and they were still them. The disillusionment turned them howling and insufferable.”

Cynthia Heimel, “Tongue in Chic” column in The Village Voice, January 2, 1990

There is no other door that will lead you to life abundant.

We don’t believe that his grace is enough.

When we pass through the true door of salvation, we find abundance of life that transcends our earthly circumstances.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

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.

1 John 5:11-12

Today is the day you can pass through the door of his salvation.

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Good God Almighty- Crowder
What A Beautiful Name- Hillsong
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury
Way Maker- Leeland

WFC Speedway
Rest On Us- Maverick City
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
I Surrender- Hillsong
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship

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Teaching NotesJohn 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

Creation (Genesis 1)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 

Genesis 1:3

“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 28:19-20

Because Jesus is the Light, he can be with the Father and with us at the same time.

New Creation 1 (2 Corinthians 4:6)

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

Believers in Jesus are called to reflect the Light of Jesus that runs through us to others.

New Creation 2 (Revelation 22:5)

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.

Revelation 22:5

In the end, we won’t need the “Sun” anymore because we will have the “Son” to provide us all the light we need 24/7.

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Child of God- Mitch Langley
It Is So- Elevation Worship
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake

WFC Speedway
Too Good to Not Believe- Brandon Lake
Holy Ground- Passion City
Jireh- Maverick City
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

"What offends the mind, reveals the heart."

Jack Deere

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?"

John 6:60-61

When's the last time that Jesus has offended you?

GET OFFENDED!

If you’re not being regularly offended by Jesus, then it’s likely that you’re not following the real Jesus.

Two Reasons Why We Must Get Offended:

Jesus wants to confront our idols.
Theology
Christianity • Politics
Lifestyle
Sensibilities
Etc.
Jesus wants us to grow more into his image.

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

1 John 2:5-6

I am the bread of life. (- Jesus, John 6:48)

The Seven “I AM’s” of Jesus:

I am the light of the world (John 8:20)
I am the door (John 10:9)
I am the good shepherd (John 10:11,14)
I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
I am the vine (John 15:1,5)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)

And now, I am the bread of life...

God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.”

Exodus 3:14

HOW JESUS OFFENDS:

[Jesus] came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Grace: The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. (John 6:29)
Truth: But as I’ve told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. (John 6:36)

The bottom line is this:

Truth without grace becomes toxic
Grace without truth has no power
If you’re a Gracer, Jesus will offend you with Truth.
If you’re a Truther, Jesus will offend you with Grace.

HOW TO GET OFFENDED:

Read the gospels. Repeatedly.
Invite his Spirit to offend. Repeatedly.
He’ll bring conviction to your spirit

Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23-24

Join others who do too. Repeatedly.

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Death Was Arrested-North Point Worship
There Is A King- Elevation Worship

WFC Speedway
Your Love Never Fails- Jesus Culture
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music
Build Your Kingdom Here- Rend Collective

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Teaching NotesJohn 8:48-59

The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Exodus 3:11-14

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Hebrew Word – YHWH – YAHWEH

Application

Jesus is God

Jesus saves

Jesus – Yeshua – Yahweh Saves

Jesus is present

Jesus will give us his name

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Revival- Daniel Doss
Jireh- Maverick City
Too Good to Not Believe- Brandon Lake
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC Speedway
Rest On Us- Maverick City
Come Again- Elevation Worship
Surrounded (Fight My Battles)
Glorious Day- Passion City

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Teaching Notes

“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.”

John 3:16

Kosmon (Κόσμον)
cosmos, universe; earth; world system; people;

“There's not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Lord over all, does not exclaim, 'Mine'!”

Abraham Kuyper, Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1901-1905)

REMIX YOUR FIT!

“Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?”

Mark 6:3

tektōn (τέκτων)
Definition: “One who uses various materials (wood, stone, and metal) in building.

But guess what we do have:

Jesus talked about stones (Luke 19:40)
Jesus gave Simon the nickname Stone (Matthew 16:18)
Jesus talked about foundations (Matthew 7:24)
Jesus talked about cornerstones (Mark 12:10/Psalm 118:22)

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

Luke 14:28-30

“Jesus spoke constantly of financial practice, of management of both projects and people: payment, debt wages, investment, hiring and firing, relationships between managers and staff…”

Jordan K. Monsoon, Adjunct Professor, University of Northwestern-St. Paul (Christianity Today, The StoneMason The Builders Rejected).

Jesus did not have a well-respected job.
Jesus worked with others
Jesus worked for “The Man”
Jesus traveled for his work
Jesus was subject to temptation and taverns
- 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. (Hebrews 4:15)

“Vocational Ministry” is the exception and not the expectation.

Paul writes the expectation for the followers: “...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 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. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-15

“Ordinary Christians they were the key…it was anonymous Christians, not the officially constituted leaders…, who were primarily responsible for Christianity’s spread. Lay Christians traveled to new areas and established churches. What caused ordinary Christians to get involved in this? Often it was work. Christians followed their business opportunities or the imperatives of their jobs by moving from their home areas to new areas as merchants, artisans, doctors, prisoners, slaves and (by the third century) soldiers.” - Alan Kreider, The Patient Ferment

Q: Do you know your FIT?

Are you being intentional with it?
Do you know why you’re really there?
What is your company really about?

Going Deeper Discussion1. What’s the best job you ever had and what made it so? (Feel free to also share the worst and why) 2. Based on the insights offered in the sermon about Jesus’ vocation as a builder and businessperson, how does that impact the view of Jesus’ relevance to you and your job? 3. Who has had the greatest and most Godly impact on you in your work? 4. Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, what’s your biggest challenge in trying to live out this passage at work? 5. Based on the sermon, how do you need to ‘remix your fit’ in God’s global mission?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereAlive- Hillsong Y & F
Once For All- Mitch Langley
Promises-Maverick City
King of Kings- Hillsong United

WFC SpeedwayRattle- Elevation Worship
Holy Ground- Kari Jobe
Peace Be Still- Hope Darst

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Acts 1:6-8

EXplore impact lunch

Community Impact

Global impact

Going Deeper DiscussionJesus is giving his disciples marching orders as they are tell the world the good news. From the above verse (Acts 1:6-8):

What kind of kingdom did the disciples expect? What kind of kingdom will Jesus deliver?
Jesus says they will receive power from the Holy Spirit. Power to do what?
When Jesus talks about these locations, it appears they expand in concentric circles. Why do you think that is?
The Samaritans and the Jews had great historic animosity towards each other. They didn't share the same values, beliefs, or cultural understandings. They were "those" people. Who are "those" people in your life right now? What do you think Jesus is calling you to do towards them? Is that a hard thing? How would you begin to go about doing it?
How does Jesus called us to see the world? And how does he empower us to be a blessing in it?

Recommended Resources:

Book - Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Liverpool
Video Study - When Helping Hurts

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereAlive- Hillsong Young & Free
Anchor- Mitch Langley
Too Good to Not Believe- Brandon Lake
You Spirit- Tasha Cobbs

WFC SpeedwayHow Great Thou Art- Josh Groben
Make Room- Community Worship
Too Good To Not Believe- Brandon Lake
The Lion and The Lamb- Leeland

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes What’s wrong with using a life’s savings to save a life?

We’re not all called to adopt, but we are all called to look after widows and orphans.

You can choose a life of impact over ease.

I don’t want Satan checking the box that says, “not a threat”.

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

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten--the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts, and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.

Joel 2:25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…

Hebrews 10:24

Going Deeper Discussion

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. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

Gal. 4:4-6

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Cor. 6:18

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

After reading the above verses, what is Gods posture towards spiritual orphans? What does he do for them? What are the benefits?
As Christ followers who walk in imitation of Jesus, how do we connect God's heart to adopt us into his family with our hearts for the orphan/foster children in our society?
What are some practical ways we can "look after widows and orphans in their distress?"
What are some thing we can do sooner than later as a family or A2 group?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGood God Almighty- Crowder
Jireh- Maverick City
Reign Above It All- Bethel Music
Control- Mitch Langley

WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The Kingdom
Rest on Us- Maverick City
This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe measure of spiritual growth is:

Growing love for God
Growing love for people

“Jesus Centered” definition: “My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do."

“… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 

The movement to the Jesus Centered life is primarily a move of attitude.

The top 3 most significant catalysts are:

Giving away my life: "I am willing to risk everything that is important in my life for Jesus."
Jesus is first: "I desire Jesus to be first in my life."
Identity in Jesus: "I exist to know, love, and serve God."

I realize that:

Everything I have...

Everything I can do...

Everything that I am...

Is a gift of grace.

It is a movement from the kingdom of “me” to the kingdom of “Thee.”

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matt. 6:33 ESV

“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.”

Gal. 2:20

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…”

Phil. 3:7-8

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Matt. 10:39

Recommended Reading: “More” by Greg Hawkins

ALL ESSENTIALS EXPERIENCES

Going Deeper Discussion

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matt. 6:33 ESV

Read Matthew 6:19-34 for little more context.
In this passage Jesus is contrasting the economy of the world with the economy of the kingdom of God. How would you explain the difference?
What is this passage say about the heart of God?
What does it say about people?
What is Jesus challenging us to do?
What are "all these things" from verse 33?
What are some practical every day ways that you can "seek first the kingdom of God?"

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of The Lord- Phil Wickham
Jesus At The Center- Israel Houghton
Broken Vessels- Hillsong

WFC SpeedwayThe Lion and the Lamb- Leeland
Goodness of God- Jen Johnson/Bethel Music
There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do- Passion

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes Hebrews 5:11-6:3

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 

Hebrews 5:11

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 

Hebrews 5:12

6 fundamentals (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Repentance – The change of mind that causes one to turn away from sin
Faith in God – Turning to God and trusting him with your life
Baptism – Why it is important to go public for Jesus
Laying on of Hands – The importance of corporate prayer.
Resurrection of the dead – The ultimate hope of believers
Eternal Judgment – There is a heaven & a hell and Jesus is returning to judge the earth.

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 5:13-14

Beliefs

Personal God – I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life (Psalm 121)

Authority of the Bible – I believe has decisive authority over what I say and day. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Church Activities

Essential Classes – Moving from the Sanctuary to the Classroom

ALL ESSENTIALS EXPERIENCES

A2 Community – Living on mission with a small band of believers

a2 communities

Practices

Bible Engagement – From getting started to Frequently engaging God’s Word

Prayer – From getting started to frequently talking and listening to God.

Going Deeper Discussion

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Hebrews 5:11-14

As one transitions from the growing in Christ stage to the close to Christ stage of your spiritual growth, the primary shift is in personal responsibility for your own growth.

From verse 11, is it difficult to teach someone who isn't "trying to understand?" Why are some people teachable and others not?
From verse 12, what are some of the elementary truths of God's word that we need to be grounded in? (hint:Randy covered 6 of them in his message.)
From verse 14, how does the author describe someone who is taking responsibility for their spiritual growth?
What would it look like for you to make that shift in your own life? Have you already done so? How would you encourage someone else?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereI Thank God- Maverick City
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle

WFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel music
Child of Love- We The Kingdom

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Teaching NotesYou are Here

Where are you?

Exploring Jesus – “I believe in God, but I am not sure about Jesus. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”
Growing in Jesus – “I believe in Jesus, and I am working on what it means to get to know him.”
Close to Jesus – “I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.”
Jesus-Centered – “My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do”

Our main goal is to help you - Take Your Next Step

To get from Explorer to Growing

Beliefs

Vanilla – Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

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

Recommended Essentials Class – Starting Point

Chocolate – Belief in God

You need to accept the God who is…not the God you want

Recommended Essential Class – Think Like Jesus

Church Involvement

Vanilla – Serve in the Church

Recommended Essential Class – Get Connected (S.H.A.P.E)

Chocolate – Worship Services Weekly

Practices

Vanilla – Get Started with reading the Bible

Recommended Essential Class – This is a Bible

Chocolate – Get Started with Prayer

Recommended Essential Class – Pray Like Jesus

ALL ESSENTIALS EXPERIENCES

Going Deeper Discussion

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

From the above verse let's discuss definition of terms. To start, what does saved "mean?"
How would you describe "grace?"
Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." How do you say that in your own words?
The apostle Paul he's clearly trying to make a point here about something you work for and something that is a gift. Why do you think he wants to make this strong distinction?
Do you think that legalism/performance, the impulse to perform in order to receive/merit something, is a default attitude for people? Why or why not?
How does this discussion inform or frame your relationship to God?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
Believe For It- Cece Winans
Hallelujah Rising- Mitch Langley
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong United

WFC SpeedwayI Surrender- Hillsong
Simple Gospel- United Pursuit
Forever Reign- One Song Society

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Teaching NotesYou are Here

13 times Jesus offers the invitation to FOLLOW ME

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son

Romans 8:29

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:28-29

Where are you? (Check the box next to the one that best describes where you are at)

Exploring Jesus – “I believe in God, but I am not sure about Jesus. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”
Growing in Jesus – “I believe in Jesus, and I am working on what it means to get to know him.”
Close to Jesus – “I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.”
Jesus-Centered – “My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do”

Wherever you are at, we want you to take your NEXT STEP toward Jesus.

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

Westside moved from Average to Self-Motivated!

Getting You There

The Vision: We want everyone at Westside to be grounded in the Essentials.

Get your Essentials book and schedule your first class!

ESSENTIALS EXPERIENCES

TAKE THE CHURCH PULSE ASSESSMENT

Going Deeper DiscussionWhere are you?

Exploring Jesus – “I believe in God, but I am not sure about Jesus. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”
Growing in Jesus – “I believe in Jesus, and I am working on what it means to get to know him.”
Close to Jesus – “I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.”
Jesus-Centered – “My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do.”
Based on Randy's descriptions above, where do you think you are in your spiritual journey? Do you feel like you toggle between a couple of them at times?
Name one experience that you felt was pivotal in your spiritual growth? Who was involved in that story?
When do you feel most "on track" in your relationship with Christ? Are there any practices or patterns that surface for you?
"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) What do you think "life to the full" would look like based on this verse? Do you think you have ever experienced it?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

I Thank God- Maverick City
See A Victory- Elevation
Promises- Maverick City
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley

WFC SpeedwayJireh- Maverick City
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Egypt- Cory Asbury

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Teaching Notes

“A desert locus swarm can be 460 miles in size and pack between 40 to 80 million locusts into less than half a square mile. Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day, so a swarm of such size would eat 423 million pounds of plants every day.”

National Geographic

Declare a holy fast;
call a sacred assembly.
Summon the elders
and all who live in the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.

Joel 1:14

We are calling the assembly that makes up Westside together to 40 days of prayer and fasting from January 17- February 25. 40 days of crying out to the Lord to seek what he has in store for us.

“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Mark 9:29

Fasting – Reframing from something you depend on for a set period of time for a spiritual purpose.

We do not fast because we are commanded to; we fast out of a place of desperation…to turn to or back to God.

“By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

Jonah 3:7-9

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.

John 3:16

We do not fast because we are commanded to; we fast out of a place of desperation…to find direction or make a decision.

He “proclaimed a fast for all of Judah”

2 Chronicles 20:3

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

2 Chronicles 20:12

The Lord replied to them…the threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
    the great locust and the young locust,
    the other locusts and the locust swarm—
my great army that I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
    and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
    that I am the Lord your God,
    and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.

Joel 2:24-27

PRAYER + FASTING COMMITMENT CARD

Going Deeper Discussion

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Matthew 6:16-18

In the above verse, Jesus assumes that we are going to fast and pray. So, he gives some parameters for us.
1. What exactly is Jesus saying we should not do when we fast? Why?
2. Why is doing this in secret something that God desires from us?
3. What do you think the "reward" is from the Father when we fast according to these guidelines?
4. When we fast from food for an intentional period of time, what does the hunger do for us? What does hunger for physical food remind us of in our relationship with God? How is that helpful to us when we begin eating again?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Make Room- Community Worship
You're All I Needed- Mitch Langley

WFC SpeedwayGreat Things- Phil Wickham
Lord Have Mercy- Brady Toops
Worthy- Elevation Worship
Holy Water- We The Kingdom

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Teaching NotesRahab

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

Hebrews 11:31

Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roofand said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Joshua 2:8-11

I am on the wrong team
Time to change teams

“Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”

Joshua 2:12-13

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse…

Matthew 1:5

Gideon

“Pardon me, my lord,”…“but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

Judges 6:15

I’m not good enough
Time to step it up

Abel

By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead…

Hebrews 11:4

After some time, Cain gathered some things he had grown. He brought them as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering. He brought the fattest parts of some animals from his flock. They were the first animals born to their mothers.

Genesis 4:3-4 NIRV

When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour.

Leviticus 2:1

I didn’t do all this
Time to give it up

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…

Deuteronomy 8:18

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

House of the Lord- Phil Wickham
Promises / Great is Thy Faithfulness- Maverick City Music / Hymn
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley

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Teaching NotesUNCHARTED QUESTIONS:

Where do I fit? (Belonging)
Who am I? (Identity)
What am I made for? (Calling)

UNCHARTED QUESTION #1: Where do I fit? (Belonging)

“She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.

Exodus 2:6

“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor...”

Exodus 2:11

Ruth Haley Barton: “He lived between two worlds and yet was not fully at home in either place.”

UNCHARTED QUESTION #2: Who am I? (Identity)

He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian…”

Exodus 2:11-15

V.11 - “One of his own people.”

“...and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”

Exodus 2:22

Moses’ Identity Statement:

He’s a foreigner in a foreign land
He’s a fugitive to his adopted people, the Egyptians
He’s a fraud to his bio people, the Hebrews

How Moses’ Uncharted Questions Get Answered:

One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.”

When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

“Here I am!” Moses replied.

“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

Exodus 3:1-6

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

V11: Moses asks God a great question: Who am I?

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

V.13 Then Moses asks of God an even better one: Who are you?

But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.

Exodus 3:13-15

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Moses, the fugitive, has encountered the forever:

A heavenly Father who is the father of all; from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:15)
God’s Forever Family: that, in Christ, we all belong to
- A heavenly Father who is the father of all; from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:15)

UNCHARTED QUESTION #3: What am I made for? (Purpose)

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Hebrews 11:24-29

Who Did God Call To Lead His People Wandering Through The Desert For 40 Years?

A fugitive.

Who Did God Entrust With The 10 Commandments?

A murderer.

Going Deeper Discussion1. We discussed the three “Uncharted Questions” that every person needs answered (as listed below). Which is the easiest to answer and which is the most difficult?

Where do I fit? (Belonging)
Who am I? (Identity)
What am I made for? (Calling)
What’s one way that you can identify with Moses’ personal journey?
What struck you the most about Jen Decker’s interview with the social workers?
What is the Lord stirring in you as a result of this service? Did He speak to you during the worship? The interview? The sermon? If so, what will you do about it?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
It Is So- Elevation Worship
King of Kings- Hillsong
Bigger Than I Thought-Passion City feat./Sean Curran

WFC SpeedwayThe Love of God- Sara Groves
Do It Again- Elevation
Come Again- Brandon Lake
Child of Love- We The Kingdom

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Teaching NotesQ: What uncharted journey are you on right now?

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.

Hebrews 11:11

SARAH WAS UPROOTED:

Abram took his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the people which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan;

Genesis 12:5

SARAH WAS ABANDONED:

“Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well for me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.”

Genesis 12:13

SARAH WAS HURT:

When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.” “Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.

Hebrews 16:4-6

SARAH COULD ONLY LAUGH

“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.

“There, in the tent,” he said.

Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”

But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Genesis 18:9-15

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.

Hebrews 11:11

EVEN SARAH...EVEN YOU

CONSIDER HIM FAITHFUL

Going Deeper Discussion1. What uncharted journey are you on right now? 2. How easy is it for you to slip into thinking that your journey will end in “total epic disaster?” 3. The pain of infertility is terribly difficult to discuss with others-- particularly those that have not experienced it. Therefore, please practice utmost sensitivity with one another as you ask this question: “What part of Sarah’s journey can you most identify with-- being uprooted, abandoned, hurt, infertility, or laughing as your only option left?” 4. What part of Becca’s story touched you most deeply? 5. What does it look like for you to “consider Him faithful” right now?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

See a Victory- Elevation Worship
Promises- Maverick City
You Say- Lauren Daigle
Believe for It- Cece Winans

WFC SpeedwayThe Love of God- MercyMe
Do It Again- Elevation Worship
Come Again- Elevation Worship and Maverick City
Child of Love- We the Kingdom

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Teaching Notes

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Hope is confidence in how our story ends.

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

Faith in confidence in the one making the promises.

Abraham’s Story

Story #1 – Leaving Home

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods.

Joshua 24:2

Story #2 – Sacrificing Isaac

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”

Hebrews 11:17-18

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

Hebrews 11:19

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

Genesis 22:2

Then Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah…

2 Chronicles 3:1

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.

John 3:16

Abraham lived out an Uncharted Faith

Application

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…

Hebrews 12:1

God is calling us into Uncharted Territory because we are living in Uncharted Times.

Faith: We are kingdom risk-takers

What Uncharted Territory is God calling you into?

What Uncharted Territory is God calling our church into?

Prayer: We don’t move without prayer.

Going Deeper Discussion

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

The author writes this directly on the heels of Hebrews chapter 11 the great "Hall of Faith." He gives example after example of people who have come before us who walked in faith even though they had not yet received the promise of their faith.

In the above verses what do you think the word "therefore" is there for? How is it a transition from Chapter 11 to chapter 12?
What are some of the things in life that hinder us and entangle us keeping us from whole-heartedly "running the race" before us? In other words, what erodes our faith in living the abundant Christian life?
How is "fixing our eyes" on Jesus helpful in this? How does his example energize and encourage us?
What do you think "the joy set before him" means? What did Jesus set his heart on that he would endure the scorn and shame of the cross?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Feat./Brandon Lake
O Praise the Name- Hillsong
Promises- Maverick City
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
WFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Make Room- Community Worship
Worthy- Elevation
This is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham

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Teaching NotesFour Discoveries about our Future:

Discovery #1: We are going to receive new bodies

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Discovery #2: The final destination for believers is not up there but down here

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…

Revelation 21:1

Discovery #3: God is not staying up there, but he is coming down here

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

Discovery #4: God will form a grand new city beyond our imaginations where we will live with Him on the new earth

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Revelation 21:2

The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick.

Revelation 21:15-17

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 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 22:1-5

New Testament Challenge:

New: Jesus is going to create a New Heaven and New Earth
Testament: All who believe in Jesus in this life, will live eternally with God in the next
Challenge: Have you made your reservation?

Going Deeper Discussion

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.No longer will there be any curse.The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.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 22:1-5

According to Revelation, is the final state of things an escape or a reunion? What makes you think that?
How do the above verses help you see your current place in life? How does that make you feel?
21:4 says "the old order of things has passed away." How would you contrast the "old order" with the "new order" described in these last two chapters of Revelation?
How does all of this impact the way you live today?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGreat Things- Phil Wickham
Mercy- Elevation worship and Maverick City
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Hallelujah Rising- Mitch Langley

WFC SpeedwayUnstoppable God- Elevation Worship
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Available- Elevation Worship

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Teaching NotesDoubt Created (3:1-4)

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 

2 Peter 3:1-4

Rebuttal (3:5-9)

Everything has not stayed the same. (3:5-6)

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 

2 Peter 3:5-6

Everything will not stay the same (3:7)

By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

2 Peter 3:7

God works off a different timetable (3:8)

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

2 Peter 3:8

God’s “delay” offers time for more people to believe (3:9,15)

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

New Testament Challenge:

New: The Day of the Lord is coming (3:10-13)

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

2 Peter 3:10

Testament: We declare and believe Jesus will keep his promise

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.

John 14:1-3

Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 22)

Challenge: Live godly lives as we look forward to Jesus’ coming

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

2 Peter 3:11-13

Going Deeper Discussion

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."

2 Peter3:11-13

"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."

John 14:1-3

Do the above verses sound hopeful to you? Why or why not?
Both Peter and John are speaking about the End Times here. After hearing Randy's teaching on the subject how has your understanding changed?
How does looking towards the Christian hope of Jesus's return effect the way you live now?
How should this hope create an urgency in Christ followers today?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Jesus Be The Center- Israel Houghton
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle
Tremble- Mosaic MSC

WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The Kingdom

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Teaching Notes

“No foreigner may enter within the balustrade around the sanctuary and the enclosure. Whoever is caught, on himself shall he put blame for the death which will ensue.”

NEW: Jesus Is A Horrible Bouncer

“...Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Hebrews 3:6

TESTAMENT: Jesus Wants Everyone In

“{God} is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

Jesus’ Password: “WHOEVER…”

CHALLENGE #1: Whoever Listens Well.

Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

-Jesus, Mark 4:9

Jesus is calling us into a paradox of listening:

We must open our hearts to hear God’s Truth
We cannot open our hearts unless God opens it first

Pray “God, open my ears. I want to hear you.”

CHALLENGE #2: Whoever Does Cool Stuff

“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

-Jesus, Mark 3:35

To be a part of a family, we need:

Relationship - where you are fully known
Responsibility - where you are fully needed
If you have a close relationship but no responsibility, you are a guest
If you have a lot of responsibility but no relationship, you are an employee
If you have neither, then you’re a stranger
If you have both:family

Q: What is one way you can be known or needed at this party?

CHALLENGE #3: Whoever Loves Widely

“...for whoever is not against us is for us.”

-Jesus, Mark 9:40

“...he was not one of us.”

Mark 9:38

CHALLENGE #4: Whoever Believes Boldly

Jesus says: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)

Going Deeper Discussion 1. Have you ever been kept from getting into a club (or event, concert, party, etc)? Tell the story and share how it felt. 2. How do we reconcile Matthew 7:13 and 2 Peter 3:9? 3. Which of the “Whoevers” most connects with you right now:

* CHALLENGE #1: Whoever Listens Well.   
Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (- Jesus, Mark 4:9)
* CHALLENGE #2: Whoever Does Cool Stuff   
“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (-Jesus, Mark 3:35)
* CHALLENGE #3: *Whoever Loves* *Widely*   
“...for whoever is not against us is for us.” (- Jesus, Mark 9:40)
* CHALLENGE #4: *Whoever Believes* *Boldly*   
Jesus says: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)

What are ways that you feel convicted for being the “Bouncer” in your spirit towards others?
Is there more of a role you need to play at the party? Do you either need to be known or needed more? If so, what’s your next step?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse Of The Lord- Phil Wickham
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
King of Kings- Hillsong
Jesus At The Center- Israel Houghton

WFC SpeedwaySee A Victory- Elevation Worship
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Available- Elevation Worship
Egypt- Cory Asbury

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Teaching NotesThe Genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17)

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)

Abraham is the father of Isaac, Isaac was the father of Jacob, Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers… (Matthew 1:2)

Outcast Author (Matthew 9:1-13)

“Follow me” (Matthew 9:9)

Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? (Matthew 9:11)

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)

Outcast Women

Tamar

Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar…

Matthew 1:3

Rahab

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse…

Matthew 1:5

Ruth

Bathsheba

…and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.

Matthew 1:6

Mary

…and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

Matthew 1:16

New: Jesus is the true Messiah; we should listen to him

Testament: We declare God loves us, sees us and speaks our language

Challenge: Let Jesus save you

Going Deeper Discussion The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter 1 contains a number of people who would've been questionable by the standard of Jesus' day.
The author, Matthew, would have been considered a traitor to his people as a tax collector. There are several gentile women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba) in there which would've really raise the eyebrows of orthodox Jews. And you even have King David who was a murderer and an adulterer on top of being a pretty lousy father. All of these people were part of the plan that God had to bring us the Messiah!

What does that tell you about the kind of people God can use?
Have you ever felt as if someone you know was too far gone for God to redeem? Have you ever felt that way about yourself?
Do you have any specific examples?
What do you think God is saying about you and your family after hearing this message?
What do you think I was asking you to do in light of this? Is there someone you need to encourage? Someone you need to forgive? Do you need to give yourself some grace?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereEvery Beat- North Point Worship
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
Revelation Song- Kari Jobe
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters

WFC SpeedwayJireh- Maverick City/Elevation Worship
Sparrow- Cory Asbury
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Child of Love- We The Kingdom

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Teaching Notes

“...Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.”

Romans 3:9

What is sin?

Sin: ἁμαρτία [ham·ar·tee·ah]

to be without a share in.
to miss the mark.
to err, be mistaken.
to miss or wander from the path

What is the mark that I am missing?

“...Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one;...”

Romans 3:9-10

What is righteousness?

Hebrew: tzadeqah, right relationship, being made right with.

Greek: Dikaios - pertaining to being in a right relationship with someone”

“(Those) right with God and therefore committed to putting right all other relationships in life.”

Alec Motyer

“This means, then, that Biblical righteousness is inevitably ‘social,’ because it is about relationships. When most modern people see the word ‘righteousness’ in the Bible, they tend to think of it in terms of private morality, such as sexual chastity or diligence in prayer and Bible study. But in the Bible tzadeqah refers to day-to-day living in which a person conducts all relationships in family and society with fairness, generosity, and equity.”

Timothy Keller, Generous Justice

“The living God is not a solitary God. The living God is not an isolated God. From all eternity the living God has lived in relationship-- indeed, has lived as relationship. At the center of the universe is relationship. From all eternity the living God has been community, family. From all eternity the living God has been infinitely pleased as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Darrell W. Johnson, Experiencing the Trinity

NEW: SIN IS MISSING THE MARK OF RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:29-32

The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.

Isaiah 59:15-16

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

1 Timothy 1:15

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Romans 3:22

TESTAMENT: SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AN OXYMORON

CHALLENGE: PLEASE DON’T MISS, RIGHT-US-NESS

You Are… (From Ephesians)

Saints (1:1)
Faithful (1:1)
Holy (1:4)
Blameless (1:4)
adopted as children (1:5)
Chosen (1:11)
praise of His glory (1:12)
marked in Jesus with a seal (1:13)
His possession (1:14)
alive with Him (2:5)
His handiwork (2:10)
created in Him (2:10)
one new humanity (2:15)
no longer foreigners (2:19)
fellow citizens (2:19)
members of His household (2:19)
a dwelling in which He lives (2:22)
heirs together (3:6)
members together (3:6)
rooted and established in love (3:17)
Called (4:4)
His “graced ones” (4:7)
Infants (4:14)
made new (4:22)
new self (4:22)
created to be like Jesus (4:22)
sealed...for redemption (4:30)
dearly loved children (5:1)
now you are light (5:8)
members of His body (5:30)
the church (5:30)

Going Deeper Discussion Read John 17 and find the words that imply relationship.

What are the ways that people miss relationship with God?
What are the ways that people in society miss each other?

Read Philemon and discuss in verses 8-9 how Paul creates right-us-ness.

Share the relationship that you struggle most and pray for each other that Jesus will give guidance on creating right-us-ness.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
King of Kings- Hillsong
You Say- Lauren Daigle
Jesus Is Our King-The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayHoly Water- We The Kingdom

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Teaching NotesSymphony: pleasing or sweet sound

Cacophony: a harsh discordant mixture of sounds.

Sounds of Cacophony

“If everyone is entitled to their own facts, to their own truths, then there’s really no need to come together.”

-The Social Dilemma

ONE COMPOSER

ONE SCORE

ONE ORCHESTRA...called the Church.

Corinthians

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1

Galatians

“The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.”

Galatians 5:10

Romans

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was…Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ send greetings.

Romans 16:1-7:16

Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

Romans 16:21-23

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:28

NEW: SYMPHONY HAPPENS THROUGH UNITY

SYMPHONY happened through relationship.

TESTAMENT: SYMPHONY ONLY HAPPENS UNDER ONE MAESTRO

Paul says four times that they are “in Christ” and five times they are “in the Lord.”

CHALLENGE: WE EACH HAVE A PART TO PLAY!

...saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,“ Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Revelation 7:10-12

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

-Jesus, Matthew 6:10

What is your role to play?

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

1 Corinthians 1:10

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:3-6

Going Deeper Discussion

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

1 Cor. 1:10

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:3-6

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:20-21

What is it that unites us all as Christ followers?
What are some of the things that can divide us?
What are some ways that we can overcome these divisions? In other words, how can we major on the majors and minor on the minors?
In the passage above from John 17, what did Jesus say about unity amongst believers?
What are some practical steps we can take to walk in greater with other Christ followers?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
King of Kings- Hillsong
You Say- Lauren Daigle
Jesus is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC SpeedwayJireh- Maverick City

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Teaching NotesNew: The Church is birthed and spreading like a wildfire

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

Testament: The Church changed the very fabric of every city they entered

These are the men who have turned the world upside down and have now come here.

Acts 17:6 Phillips

Challenge: Make a clean break from your old life, and step into your new life

3 Marks of a True Conversion (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Turning from idols (v.9)
Serving God (v.9)
Waiting for Christ’s Return (v.10)

4 Habits of the New Life (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)

Control your own body (v.4)
Don’t wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister (v.6)
Mind your own business (v.11)
Work with your hands (v.11)

Going Deeper Discussion

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

These are the men who have turned the world upside down and have now come here.

Acts 17:6

God has given us his Spirit to turn the world upside down by displaying his love. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth represent expanding geographic areas of influence.

What would you consider to be your Jerusalem? This could be as simple as your neighborhood, gym or workplace. What do you think?
What is your Judea? This would be someplace that is more of a stretch for you to reach outside your immediate life rhythms.
What is your Samaria? This is that group of people who are different from you and with whom you disagree or dislike.
What is your "ends of the earth?" Have you thought about how you could be a blessing in someway outside of your borders? Is there a people group that you have a burden for?
Share some ways that you have shared love of Christ in one or more of these areas of influence.
Are there any areas in your life that you feel are an obstacle for you and blessing people in this way? If you're comfortable with it, share that with your group. How would you overcome that? How can you help someone else overcome their obstacles?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereOpen The Gates- Vertical Worship
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co. Feat/ Lauren Daigle
Way Maker - Tasha Cobbs Leonard

WFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah-Bethel Music
The Blessing- Kari Jobe
Surrounded (Fight My Battles)- Upper Room

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Teaching NotesA GREAT PLOT TWIST...

Begins with mystery.
Has a BIGGER STORY holding all the plot lines together.
Starts with the end in mind.
Reveals airtight logic.
Is life altering.

Cleopas’ experienced a huge plot twist.

Possible Storylines:

Jesus was dead.
Jesus was missing.
Jesus was alive.

Q: What storyline are you believing right now?

Cleopas personal storyline: FAILURE.

Their failed Rabbi...
Their failed investment…
They failed to stop it…

He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:25-27

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luke 24:31

It is true! The Lord has risen.

Luke 24:34

“This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Luke 24:44-45

Everything must be fulfilled. (Luke 24:44)
“fulfilled” - πληρόομαι (greek: plēroomai): come to an end, complete
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us. (Luke 1:1)
Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. (Luke 4:21)

“Of all the Evangelists, Luke is the most intentional and the most skillful, in narrating the story of Jesus in a way that joins it seamlessly to Israel’s story.”

Richard Hays, Echoes of Scripture in the Gospels

Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. (Luke 24:44)
In the Bible, we have one book and not two.
Then he opened their minds. (Luke 24:45)

NEW: JESUS IS THE ULTIMATE PLOT TWIST TO OUR STORY!

TESTAMENT: JESUS IS STILL WORKING OUT THE BIG STORY!

That, In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

CHALLENGE: JESUS HAS A GREAT PLOT TWIST FOR YOUR STORY TOO.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Luke 24:45

We’re going to read the entire New Testament in 8 weeks together.

Here’s how:

Individually read the Bible every week.
Follow along with the video series.
Join your small group in the discussions.
Come back each week for a wrap on what you’ve just read where I’ll/we’ll be preaching from a section that you’ve read together.

Going Deeper Discussion1. What’s your favorite cinematic plot twist and why? 2. In your spiritual journey, what basic plot lines have you believed about Jesus throughout the years? (i.e. that he was a failed rabbi? That he never even lived? That his body was stolen or missing? Etc). What do you now believe? 3. Put yourself on the road to Emmaus where the risen Jesus appears. What are you experiencing, thinking, or feeling? 4. What’s a failure in your life and how have you interpreted it? How does that compare/contrast with how God views it? 5. From this New Testament Challenge, what’s your personal challenge right now?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereGlorious Day- Passion Music
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Thank you Jesus for the Blood- Charity Gayle
King of Kings- Hillsong

WFC SpeedwayBattle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Here Again- Elevation Worship
Even Now- Orphan No More Co.
Egypt- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesPAUSE

REJOICE

ASK

YIELD

The hearts of the people

cry out to the Lord.

You walls of Daughter Zion,

let your tears flow like a river

day and night;

give yourself no relief,

your eyes no rest.

Lamentations 2:18

Our English word prayer derives from the Latin precarious. We pray because life is precarious. We pray because life is marvelous. We pray because we find ourselves at a loss for many things, but not for the simplest words like “please,” “thank you,” “wow,” and “help.” I prayed when I held our babies for the first time. I prayed when work overwhelmed me, and I knew I couldn't cope. I prayed when my wife was wheeled away down the hospital corridor unconscious. I prayed the night I saw the northern lights. (Pete Greig, How To Pray pg 4)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)
“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46/Psalm 22:1)
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21)
“O that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!” (Jeremiah 9:1)
There’s a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,… (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
Better is a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting… (Ecclesiastes 7:2)
A sad face is good for the heart (Ecclesiastes 7:3)

Why do you always forget us?

Why do you forsake us so long?

Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;

renew our days as of old

unless you have utterly rejected us

and are angry with us beyond measure.

Lamentations 5:20-22

Lament takes incredible faith.

“The ability to express dark thoughts and emotions can be a sign that a relationship is strong and that we aren’t afraid our feelings, heavy as they may be, will sink that relationship.”

Justin McRoberts, Prayer - Forty Days of Practice

Lament begins our path to healing

Three Options:

Dwell our pain
Deny our pain
Pour out our pain

Lament makes space for the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit Intervenes In Our Weakness:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26)

The Holy Spirit Identifies With Our Pain:

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26

The Holy Spirit Intercedes For Our Groans

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:27

“Christ is (our) intercession in the court of heaven…the Holy Spirit is (our) intercession in the theatre of (our) own hearts.”

John Murray

Book Resource: How To Pray : A Simple Guide For Normal People by Pete Greig

Going Deeper Discussion1. How are your prayer practices being shaped throughout this series? Any “Aha’s” or little breakthroughs you can share? 2. What is your natural tendency when you are in pain: DWELL or DENY? 3. What do you think? Is it possible to cross a line with God in your prayerful laments? 4. If you’re comfortable sharing, what’s a time in your life when all you had were prayerful groans? Did you experience the Holy Spirit’s presence through it? 5. Let’s think about our church family for a moment: do you sense God is doing something new among us (perhaps particularly related to prayer)?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereForever Free- Mitch Langley
The Blessing- Elevation Worship feat./Kari Jobe

WFC SpeedwayAmazing Grace - Chris Tomlin
The Blessing- Elevation Worship feat/Kari Jobe

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People

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Teaching NotesPAUSE

REJOICE

ASK

YIELD

There is no greater love.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

“Life” - Greek: ψυχή (psychē): inner self, heart, mind; a psychological faculty

PRAYER KILLER: Self -Absorption

Contending is a struggle

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Colossians 4:12

“Wrestling” - Greek: ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai): compete, fight, struggle, with intensity and effort

Contending is exhausting

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

2 Thessalonians 3:5

“Perseverance” - Greek: ὑπομονή (hypomonē), endurance, steadfast, patience

It’s Jesus’ perseverance, not your own

Contending is a contact sport

“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

“Prayed” - δέομαι (deomai): plead, ask, beg, implore

PRAYER HACKS:

Pray their name out loud.
Create a short “Rally Cry”
Pro-Tip: “Pin” Them On Your Phone

THIS WEEK: Who are you contending for?

COMMUNION:

Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. (Hebrews 22:26-27)

Book Resource: How To Pray : A Simple Guide For Normal People by Pete Greig

Going Deeper Discussion1. Has someone contended for you in prayer before? If so, share more if you’re willing. 2. What was your experience like praying all together at the same time? 3. Could you relate with the “Prayer Killer” this week: self-absorption? 4. Who are you contending for right now? 5. Do you believe that Jesus is contending for you right now?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereThe Lion and The Lamb- Bethel/feat. Leeland
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley

WFC SpeedwayGraves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship Feat./Brandon Lake
Available- Elevation Worship
This I Believe- Hillsong
Glorious Day- Passion City Feat./Kristian Stanfill

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesPAUSE

REJOICE

ASK

YIELD

Book Resource: How To Pray : A Simple Guide For Normal People by Pete Greig

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Mark 9:28-29

The Disciples’ Two Reactions:

Doh! We Forgot To Pray Didn’t We?
- They were trying to engage in the supernatural with only the natural.
- “I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (Mark 9:18)
- We Don’t Move Without Prayer, except for when we do
- Wait! When Did We See Jesus Praying?
- They didn’t but clearly He was
- Jesus Never Moved Without Prayer, even while on the move

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Ephesians 6:18

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:27

Pray Continually,... (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Jesus prayed His whole way through the gospels:

With Zacchaeus in Jericho (Luke 19:1-9)
With the Samaritan Woman (John 4)
At the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12)
With the women caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)
Boating to the demon possessed man (Mark 4:35-5:20)

Prayer Killer: Compartmentalization

There’s only certain places I pray
There’s only certain times I pray
There’s only certain ways I pray

We don’t move without prayer, even while on the move.

PrayMow
PrayDrive
PrayWork
PrayClean
PrayWeed
PrayWater
PrayWalk
PrayRun
PrayHike
PrayBike
PrayWiffle
PrayCoffee
PrayMeet
PrayPump
PrayText: 855.674.0709

Q: What’s working for you right now?

On The Move: Prayer Hacks

Prayer Prompters
Prayer Starters
- P.R.A.Y.
- “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
- “Come Holy Spirit, Come.”
- “What are you up to, Lord?”
- Prayer Disrupters

THIS WEEK: P.R.A.Y. ON THE MOVE for 5 minutes each day, starting today—individually, with your A2 Community, and/or with your family and friends.

Going Deeper Discussion1. Maybe we’ve never had to pray with Miss Watson in her closet, but we’ve all had uncomfortable or awkward prayer experiences. If you have a fun story, offer it up! 2. Prayer Killer: How do you get compartmentalized in prayer, thinking it can only happen in a certain place, time, or way? 3. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus prayed before, during, and after each moment in the gospels? How does that change your view of Jesus? How does it impact how you pray? 4. What are some “On The Move Prayer Hacks” that have been working for you lately? 5. Have you been trying the P.R.A.Y. structure? How’s it going?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of the Lord- Phil Wickham
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co./Lauren Daigle
Thank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity Gayle
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

WFC SpeedwayHere Again- Elevation Worship
Jireh- Maverick City/Elevation Worship
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Surrounded (Fight My Battles)- Upper Room

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Teaching NotesCore Value: WE DON’T MOVE WITHOUT PRAYER

What are your prayer killers?We Make Prayer Too Complex.

Hypocrites: we think praying is for public speakers

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.”

Matthew 6:5

Hoops: we think we have to jump through hoops to get God’s attention

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.

Matthew 6:6

Heresy: we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.

Matthew 6:6

Hours: we think prayer must take forever

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

Matthew 6:7-8

Hierarchy: we think we’re not qualified

“THE MRP” = The Most Religious Person

“The LQP” = Least Qualified People

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. (Luke 11:1)

When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)

He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

‘Father, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.’”

Jesus Made Prayer So Simple:

Short: 34 words, shorter than a tweet. (tweet: 280)
Sacred: we converse with the Living, Almighty God
Sweet: God describes Himself as Father and Friend

Let’s Practice!

Just 5 minutes
Write out your prayers in the journal

PAUSE:

REJOICE:

ASK:

Text: 855.674.0709
YIELD:

Prayer Structure Book Resource: How To Pray : A Simple Guide For Normal People by Pete Greig

THIS WEEK: P.R.A.Y. for 5 minutes each day, starting today—individually, with your A2 Community, and/or with your family and friends.

Going Deeper Discussion1. What works for you regarding prayer? Got any prayer hacks that you could share? 2. What’s the biggest “prayer killer” for you right now? 3. What strikes you the most about Jesus’ approach to prayer in Matthew 6:5-8 and Luke 11:1-13? 4. How do you react to the statement that “God rejoices to be with you”? 5. How’s the new P.R.A.Y. structure going for you thus far?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereWe Praise You- Brandon Lake
Reign Above It All- Bethel Music
Believe For It- Cece Winans
Egypt- Cory Asbury

WFC SpeedwayJireh- Maverick City
Here Again- Elevation Worship
Worthy- Elevation worship
O Praise The Name- Hillsong

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

John 2:4

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

John 2:5

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.”

When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

John 2:6-11

God is faithful not just while we wait, but while we work.

Keep working while you are waiting.

Going Deeper Discussion1. What is it you are asking God to do in your life? Turn that into a prayer…“God, I’d really like you to… but until then I’ll keep...” 2. What are your answers?

* What is it you are asking God to do in your life?
* Turn that into a prayer.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

House of the Lord- Phil Wickham
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
Peace Be Still- Belonging Co. feat./ Lauren Daigle
It Is Well- Bethel Music

WFC Speedway

Worthy- Elevation Worship
Make Room- Community Music
The Lion and The Lamb- Leeland
This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

Train up a childin the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

A Proverb vs. A Promise

Customized Parenting vs. One Size Fits All

Unique Personality

Strength Weakness

Sales Exaggerator/Lying

Leader Controlling/Demanding

Rule Follower Legalistic/Perfectionist

Counselor Pleaser/Depression

Four Seasons

Directing Early Childhood “Do what I say”
Coaching Elementary “I’ll do it, you watch me”
Supporting Teen “You do it, I’ll watch you.”
Delegating Adult “You do it.”

Action Required:

Circle the unique personality of each of your children and put their name next to it. Get on same page with your mate. Children circle the one you think best represents you. Have a conversation about this.
Circle the season of parenting you are in and have a conversation about a unified approach. Seek counsel from those ahead of you that you admire.

Going Deeper Discussion

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."

Exodus 20:12

In this week’s message we talked about parenting throughout a persons development into adulthood.

Exodus 20:12 is directly from the 10 Commandments. It is the only one of the 10 with a promise. It contains a "so that." Why does God connect honoring your father and mother with prosperity and length of life?
What are the various aspects of "honoring your father and mother?" What does that look like as a child? What does that look like as an adult?
Does honoring equate to obedience all the time?
As an adult, if your parent Is advocating that you do something contrary to God's best for you, how do you continue to honor them?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Mercy- Elevation Worship
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong

WFC Speedway

Great Things- Phil Wickham
Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Surrounded (Fight My Battles)- Upper Room
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes

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Teaching NotesMarriage is like a Dance

The Bible never talks about marriage in the form of a right but as a responsibility.

Core Passage:

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

The Husband leads with love

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.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—for we are members of his body.“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:22-32

Recommendations for men:

Leadership is not Lordship – don’t use your authority to get your way.
Make decisions that will benefit her not you
Ask “What does she need?”
Affection
Conversation
Honesty & Openness
Financial Support
Family Commitment
Where are you taking her?

The Wife’s follows with respect

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

Recommendations for women:

Admiration
Respect him for the progress he is making.
You keep up with your part of the dance.

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

1 Peter 3:1-6

Action Required: Signatures

“I will lead with Love”

“I will follow with Respect”

Going Deeper Discussion

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for herto make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 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—for we are members of his body.“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:21-32

Paul transitions from talking about the church in general to marriage specifically then back to The Church.. i.e. the body of Christ, with the idea of mutual submission in verse 21.

In verse 25 Husbands or encouraged to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. What did that look like? How can a husband follow that example in his marriage?
Read John chapter 13. How does Jesus model leadership for his disciples? What would you call that?
If a husband were to exemplify Christ-like servant leadership with his wife, what would submission to that look like? Would that still be a difficult thing to do? How does it relate to first 21?
Why do you think Paul comes back in verse 31 and 32 to connect this picture of marriage with Christ and the church?
How is this picture of marriage also a reflection of the gospel of grace for our salvation?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Who My God Is- Mitch Langley
Peace Be Still- The Belong Co. Feat/Lauren Daigle
Mercy- Elevation Worship/Maverick City

WFC Speedway

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Jireh- Maverick City
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe Biblical Definition of Marriage:Marriage is a covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life.

“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:23-24

The Guiding Principle in Finding the Right Person:
“I will only date and marry a strong, proven, committed follower of Jesus.”

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14a

New Principle

Once you say, “I do” your key question shifts from “how do I find the right person?” to “how do I become the right person?”

Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 

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 2:1-5

Two Marriage Killers:

Selfish Ambition – always needing to get my way
Vain Conceit – always thinking I am right when in fact I’m not

Two Resolutions:

Humility – Put those two things down for the sake of your mate.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:1-5)

My mission is to become like Jesus for the sake of my mate.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Galatians 5:13-15

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Going Deeper Discussion

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Galatians 5:13-15

Thinking of these verses in the context of marriage, what is Paul saying about freedom and service?
In a committed marriage, what small freedoms are given up for the sake of some greater freedoms? Give some examples.
To "love your neighbor as yourself" is the fulfillment of the old covenant law according to Jesus. Does this quote from Tim Keller align with that truth in regards to marriage? How so? What if only one partner is willing to behave this way?
What is Christ ,through Paul, calling Christian marriages to that is different than what we typically see in the current cultural view of marriage? How do we pursue that?

“If two spouses each say, ‘I’m going to treat my self-centeredness as the main problem in the marriage,’ you have the prospect of a truly great marriage.”

Tim Keller

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Egypt- Cory Asbury
What a Beautiful Name- Hillsong
Believe For It- CeCe Winans
Because He Lives- Tasha Cobbs

WFC Speedway

Unstoppable God- Elevation worship
There is a King- Elevation worship
This is How I Fight My Battles- Upper Room
It Is So- Elevation worship

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Standing up for Children | 9:30a

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Unity | 11a

Going Deeper Discussion

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:22-27

Jesus' brother James makes a point of connecting your internal belief with your external actions. In James 2 he writes "But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless..." ("Dead" in some translations)

Focusing on Verse 27:

Why did he need to talk about widows and orphans?
Calvin says, “[James] does not define generally what religion is, but reminds us that religion without the things he mentions is nothing.” Does this agree with James' bigger idea in these 2 chapters? Why or why not?
With that in mind, what does "being polluted by the world" have to do with orphans and widows?
What danger is there for those who claim faith in Christ? What is James cautioning us against?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Great Things- Phil Wickham
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC Speedway

Echo- Tauren Wells
See A Victory- Elevation worship
This Is How I Fight My Battles- Upper Room
Egypt- Cory Asbury

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesSix Principles to Finding the Right Person:

Pray
Personality
Interests
Chemistry
Attraction
God’s Big Deal

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? 

2 Corinthians 6:14-16a

Belial = Satan = Troublemaker

Application

I will only date and marry a strong, proven, committed, follower of Jesus.

Action Required

Single:

Make your commitment now to guide who you give your heart to

“I will only date and marry a strong, proven, committed, follower of Jesus.”

Parents:

Monitor your children’s community as the hormones start to fly

“I will Pray for your children’s spouses now.”

Going Deeper Discussion

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?"

2 Corinthians 6:14-16a

Looking at these verses through the lens of marriage:

Paul is making an extremely strong contrast between the Christ follower and the unbeliever.
"Yoked together" can mean either journeying tightly/bonded together or taking in a particular set of beliefs which could be described as a "yoke" of teaching.

Jesus says "I am the light of the world." Colossians 1:13-14 says, "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." and 2 Cor. 11:14 "for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

In verse 15 Satan is referenced as "Belial' meaning "lawless, or worthess one" personified.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18 Paul writes "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (unbelieving,) but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

What are some obvious problems this presents in marriage between an unbeliever and believer?
What kind of conflict could this present towards raising children?
If intimacy at every level is a major component of marriage, what areas would be inaccessible between a believer and a nonbeliever?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Hindsight- Hillsong
Available- Elevation
Control- Mitch Langley
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co.

WFC Speedway

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Nothing Else-Cody Carnes
Do It Again- Elevation

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Teaching Notes

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

Joshua 24:15

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.

1 Corinthians 7:17

A Christian single should live as a believer.

Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. (vs. 25)

Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

1 Corinthians 7:26-28

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; (vs. 29)

…those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (v.s 30-31)

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (vs. 32-35)

A Christian single can be fully devoted to kingdomcauses

If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. (vs. 36-38)

Christian singles are called to live sexuallypure lives.

The majority of studies now conclude that premarital cohabitation is associated with

increased risk of divorce
a lower quality of marriage
poorer marital communication
and higher levels of domestic violence

Going Deeper Discussion

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.

1 Corinthians 7:17

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
v.s 29-31

Here Paul is encouraging both singles and married people to act like believers within those relational contexts.

What are a few misconceptions about singleness in culture that are challenging for an unmarried Christ follower?
What are a few misconceptions about marriage and culture that are challenging for married Christ followers?
In verses 29 through 31 Paul is essentially telling us that life is short so prioritize the kingdom of God above everything else. In the context of your most important relationships what does it look like to keep God's kingdom priorities in front while at the same time honoring him in those relationships? Will it make those relationships better or worse? How so?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Once For All- Mitch Langley
Mercy- Elevation Worship

WFC Speedway

Egypt- Cory Asbury
Jireh- Maverick City
There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

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Teaching Notes

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

Train up

Lead out on Church
Keep Growing
Love your Wife
Have Dinners with Your Family

Shut up

Rider
Breaker
Avoider

Going Deeper Discussion1. Read Ephesians 6:4 out loud. What was your experience growing up as a child as it relates to this verse?

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

One of the keys to training up a child is to keep growing yourself. Of the ten biblical virtues below circle the one you feel is a strength for you and put a box around the one you struggle with the most. Do your best to explain why this is the case. Give examples.
Love Joy Peace Patience Faithfulness Gentleness Kindness Integrity Self-Control Hope Humility
Of the three ways people exasperate others, which one best describes your tendency?

a. Rider – Rides people too hard
b. Breaker – Overcommits, Breaks promises, weak on follow through
c. Avoider – Avoids conflict and taking care of things in a timely manner

Pastor Randy shared that good parenting deposits ten positive messages to one challenging message. What do you think of this ratio? What has been your experience?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Graves Into Gardens- Brandon Lake
Good Good Father- Chris Tomlin
Mercy- Elevation worship/Maverick City

WFC Speedway

The Lion and The Lamb- Leeland
Reckless Love- Cory Asbury
Goodness of God- Bethel Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesReview our two strategies:

Get fit to fight by knowing and committing to God’s plan
Get fit to fight by getting a game plan (for your life/marriage)
Couples take the Better Love Assessment
Singles take the Yada Assessment

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

What is Marriage?

Two conflicting views on what Marriage is

View #1 – Marriage is about me.
View #2 – Marriage is about something bigger than me

Common Sense:

Baby
Balance
Bond

God’s Word

Suitable Helper Options

Animal
Another Man

So the Lord God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. While the man was sleeping, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs. Then the Lord God closed the opening in the man’s side.

Genesis 2:21

The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
    for she was taken out of man.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:23-24

Woman

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, …So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
 male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Genesis 1:28

Definition of biblical marriage –

The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life.

Going Deeper Discussion

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,...So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:26-27

God blessed them and said to them,“Be fruitful and increase in number;fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28

The man said,“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called‘woman,’for she was taken out of man.”That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:23-24

Definition of biblical marriage –The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life.
1. In Matthew chapter 19 Jesus is asked if divorce is permissible. He immediately refers to Genesis 1 and 2. What is Jesus saying about God's original intent for marriage?

How is the "oneness" of man and woman in marriage a reflection of the image of God in Genesis 1:26-27?
What is the difference between a consumer relationship and a covenant relationship in regards to marriage?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Believe For It- Cece Winans
Once For All- Mitch Langley
Reign Above It All- Bethel music

WFC Speedway

This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
The Blessing- Kari Jobe
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Egypt- Cory Asbury

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Teaching NotesIsrael’s Challenge

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:14-15

Application: get fit to fight.

Strategy #1 -

Get fit to fight by knowing & committing to God’s plan.

Strategy #2

Get fit to fight by getting a game plan.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Our Challenge

If you are a married couple, engaged couple or cohabitating, we want you to:

Complete the Better Love Assessment
Complete 4 Guided Date Nights
Attend 4 Better Love Classes

If you are single, 16 years and up, we want you to…

Complete the Yada Assessment.
Attend 4 YADA Classes

Going Deeper Discussion

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:14-15

What kind of fear is Joshua talking about when he says "fear the Lord..." in verse 14? How does that translate to you and your family?
What does it look like for your family to "serve the Lord with al faithfulness?" Give some examples.
In verse 15 the writer is talking literally about pagan gods such as Baal and Molek. In this culture these gods would've represented a certain kind of perversion and minimizing of human life in practice. For us today, give a few examples of the kind of "gods” in our present situation we are tempted to serve i.e. Cultural, political, social etc.
How does a family that is committed to serving the God of the Bible look different in today's culture?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Make Room- Community Music

WFC Speedway

Egypt- Cory Asbury
The Blessing- Kari Jobe
Hallelujah Here Below- Elevation Worship
Graves Into Gardens- Brandon Lake

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThat, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:20-25)

We can detect the lies in others but rarely detect the lies within _________

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)

Falsehood: greek: ψεῦδος pseudos lie; falsehood, from which we get pseudo, which means not genuine or sham.

THE SEVEN TYPES OF PSEUDO LIES

THE ____________ - we are guilty of always “rounding up”, prone to exaggeration, round out the edges, and have this propensity for spin - and often to make myself more presentable to others.
THE ____________ - as a harmonizer, you minimize the truth as protection from “stirring the pot” or creating greater conflict. Your favorite phrases might be “No big deal” or “It’s fine”. When you do share your true feelings, they can come out as passive aggressive behavior dealing with hard things directly is not your forte
THE ___________ – you’re selective with the truth. You offer just enough for the appearance of truth and authenticity but, in actuality, you keep people at a distance and often will withhold to your advantage or protection.
THE _____________ – you keep the truth in different buckets. Consequently, the truth about you is not fully integrated throughout your entire life. What’s true about you at home, is not always true about you at work. What’s true about you in your Westside relationships may not be true when you’re with your old college friends. What’s true about you in person is not true about you digitally.
THE ___________ – you mean well and you want something to be true. You’re aspirational with the truth. Although you haven’t started that project, for example, when asked you might say “I’m on it.” Or you may text that you’re almost there when you’re still 20 minutes away but you really want to be almost there.
THE ________ – your favorite phrase is “that’s because…” because we have an explanation for everything. Sometimes we blame someone else or other things and have difficulty taking ownership for things.
THE __________________ - this is where we tiptoe around the Truth a bit. Throw out a little smoke and mirrors and will obfuscate the Truth in order to not be caught in an error or be seen at fault.

Why Do We Lie?

It all started with a _______

“…He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).

Lying is our unconscious ____________.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;...” (Ephesians 4:22).

Because it _________.

“What’s the harm in this anyhow?”

v.25: “speak truthfully to your neighbor…”,
v.25: “...for we are all members of one body.”

Paul appeals to us on the basis of _______________!

v.24: “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
v.24: “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Greek: δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosynē: pertaining to being in a _________ relationship with someone”
“This means, then, that Biblical righteousness is inevitably ‘social,’ because it is about relationships. When most modern people see the word ‘righteousness’ in the Bible, they tend to think of it in terms of private morality, such as sexual chastity or diligence in prayer and Bible study. But in the Bible tzadeqah (righteousness) refers to day-to-day living in which a person conducts all relationships in family and society with fairness, generosity, and equity.”7 (Timothy Keller; Generous Justice)
v21: “in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.”

God is Truth and ____________ Truth in Jesus.

RELATIONSHIP

RESULT

MYSELF

__________

OTHERS

__________

GOD

__________

COMMUNITY

__________

What happens when we do what Paul actually commands and we “speak truthfully to your neighbor?”

“But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace.” Zechariah 8:16

That word for peace is a beautiful one: __________. A comprehensive, multi-faceted, multi-layered harmony among all relationships – with God, within ourselves, with one another, in society, and throughout all creation.

A more literal translation: “for peace in your _________.” (Zechariah 8:16, NASB)

Question: How can honesty bring peace within your gates?

Instead, let the _____________ renew your thoughts and attitudes. (Ephesians 4:23)

Going Deeper QuestionsDo you feel comfortable sharing what your “lie score” was initially and then what it became after the talk? Any shift in your score?

Given the 7 Ways that we tell “PSEUDO LIES”, which one convicts you the most?
Does it help to see the importance of truth telling by shifting our understanding from an ethical lens to a relational one? How so?
Would you feel comfortable sharing about a time that you experienced the pain of being lied to? What happened in you and in your relationship?
Conversely, describe a time when someone practiced simple, loving, and candid truth telling? What happened in you and in your relationship?
How can you personally bring honesty “within your gates”?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Great Things- Phil Wickham
Reign Above It All- Bethel Music
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co.
Egypt- Cory Asbury

WFC Speedway

It Is Well- Tory Kelly
Hallelujah Here Below- Elevation Worship
The Love of God- The Worship Initiative
There Is A King- Elevation worship

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Teaching Notes

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 (NIV)

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

Steps to break the habit of anger:1. Identify the source of your anger.

Learn to calm down before you react.

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

James 1:19 (NLT)

Get some exercise.
Let go of your anger correctly.
Practice forgiveness.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Give your anger an expiration date.
Rely on God’s control.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Egypt- Cory Asbury
Ever Be- Bethel Music feat./Kalley
Reign Above It All- Bethel Music
O Praise The Name- Hillsong

WFC Speedway

This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
It Is Well- Bethel Music
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music

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Teaching Notes

“Remember the Day of Rest, to keep it holy. Six days you will do all your work. But the seventh day is a Day of Rest to the Lord your God. You, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, your cattle, or the traveler who stays with you, must not do any work on this day. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea and all that is in them. And He rested on the seventh day. So the Lord gave honor to the Day of Rest and made it holy.

Exodus 20:8-11

Workaholic Assessment Questions:

Do you check your email before you eat in the morning, at stoplights, and in the bathroom?
Do you create checklists that are almost impossible to complete?
Have you put off seeing your doctor for health concerns because it will interfere with your work?
Do you have a time set aside each week when you refuse to work?
Do your loved ones often ask you to stop working?
Do you have a hard time shutting off “work thoughts” at night?
Do you tell a significant other that you’re “packing up” to come home from work even though you’re not actually packing up?
Do you “sneak work” at important events such as wedding receptions, kid activities, or...church?
Do you feel guilty for not working even when it’s not expected of you?
Do you feel less excitement when you complete a project than you thought you would?

“...no one wants to be known as an addict. But workaholism is different. It seems to be the most respectable sin in the Christian community.”

Steve Poe, Creatures of Habit

“...those with workaholic tendencies report health complaints and had increased risk for metabolic syndrome; they also reported a higher need for recovery, more sleep problems, more cynicism, more emotional exhaustion, and more depressive feelings than employees who merely worked long hours but did not have workaholic tendencies.”

Harvard Business Review, March 2018

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”

Genesis 2:2

OUR “WORKFLOW PROCESS”

God: WORK - FINISH - REST

Us: REST - WORK - ????

Three Foundational Truths:

1. Rest is given, not earned

2. God is the only true finisher

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.”

Ecclesiastes 2:22-23

3. When we refuse to rest, we are trying to become our own god.

Here’s the challenge:

Take a Day!

No Work
No Tech
No Shopping

Where you arrive into your 7th day feeling so unaccomplished, so unfinished, so undone, so unproductive, so disappointed with all you didn’t knock out, so frustrated and irritated with others, so fried, and haggard in your spirit and you say:

You need a day. Guard it with your life. Don’t let anyone have that day. Make it a non-negotiable, completely off limits day from your work.

God, you are the only finisher.

So all that is unfinished today is yours.

I rest not b/c I’m done

I rest because I am yours.

In my house, this day is Sunday and I call it FREEDOM DAY. Freedom from the tyranny and shackles of everything that binds and separates us. And what do I do?

Sleep
Nap
Pray & read the Bible
Garden
Cook bacon
Make a great meal
Garden
Read a good book or newspaper
Play an instrument or boardgame
Go on a walk, enjoy nature
Be silent, spend time alone with God
Play a sport
Grill
Invite over the neighbors
Join your A2 Community
Call a loved one
Go to bed early

What you’ll experience:

Healthy Distance: Urgent things will become less urgent, some things even just go away
Clarity/Vision: Confusing things will become more clear
Emotional Health: you’ll be less irritable, less rest-less, more present, more grounded.
Connection: You’ll be a ready “Yes” to those you love
Energy: you’ll be refreshed and ready to go come Monday
Success: maybe KC Joes and Chic Filet and the Amish are onto something, huh?
God: God wants this for you. But He also wants this with you.

But the seventh day is a Day of Rest to the Lord your God.

Exodus 20:10

Because that’s His end game.

He wants this for you.

He wants this with you.

Going Deeper Discussion1. What did you score in the assessment? 2. Did any of the questions stop you in your tracks? (Note: see below for reference) 3. Have you ever considered that your refusal to not rest is actually rooted in idolatry? What do you think about that? 4. Will you take the challenge? Yes or no-- and why? 5. What’s your sabbath plan and what do you think will be your greatest challenge in sticking to it? What do you think will be your greatest joy?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

We Praise You- Brandon Lake
Reckless Love- Passion feat./Melonie Malone
Way Maker- Leeland

WFC Speedway

Forever Reign- Hillsong Worship
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all .

Psalm 33:13-15a ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 23

Perfect love casts out fear: 1 John 4:18 ESV

Going Deeper DiscussionWhat memories or emotions come to mind when you think about Mother’s Day?

What worry did you bring here that’s obvious to you? Think of one that is easy to name, one you’ve already identified or that kept you up last night or this week. Now, let’s sit a little longer: what might be a more buried worry? One that you’ve lived with for longer – one that only rears its head occasionally, one that’s had a longer run?
Traditionally, how have you responded to your anxiety … to your worry?
What would be your hesitation to name your worry as such and to sit with God in it, with the intent that He might meet you and change you, right there?
Over 2020-2021, when have you experienced realizing that there are sides of Him you barely know – when have you, yourself, said “I barely know you this way God”? What might it look like to scoot up closer to Him in these places where He feels like a familiar stranger?
Take a verse or passage of the Bible that directly combats one of the worries that has been surfacing in your heart. Can you reach to name the worry in this place and bring your honest heart before God and acknowledge the gap between where you are and the truth of His Word and ask Him to come meet you in this place?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Goodness of God- Bethel Music/feat. Jenn Johnson
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

WFC Speedway

Reckless Love- Passion/feat. Melonie Malone
Goodness of God- Bethel Music/feat. Jenn Johnson
There Is A King- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1:18-20

Review

Step 1: We must empty ourselves of the illusion of control

Step 2: We must align our entire life to the will of the Father

Empowered

You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Acts 10:37-38

Power = Dunamis = Dynamite

What must we do to ignite or detonate this power within us?

Step 3: We must not try harder in our own strength but yield harder to the Holy Spirit

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.” 

Zechariah 4:6-7

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Alive- Hillsong Young and Free
Hallelujah Rising- Mitch Langley
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Revelation Song- Passion City

WFC Speedway

Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Move Your Heart- Maverick City
There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do- Passion City
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music

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Teaching NotesReview

Jesus left behind his –

Omnipresence– He could only be in one place at a time
Omniscience – He didn’t know everything
Omnipotence – he didn’t have access to his divine power

We must empty ourselves of the illusion of control

Aligned

Jesus aligned his entire life to the will of the Father

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.”

John 5:19-20

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

John 6:38

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.”

John 8:28

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

Matthew 26:39 NLT

Jesus was not given to disobeying the father. He didn’t cut down cherry trees unless the Father told him to do so. He didn’t topple outhouses into the creek unless the Father told him to do so.
There is an utter submission to what the Father wanted.

Why was Jesus so obsessed with aligning his life to the will of the Father?

He didn’t know the full plan.
He wanted to show us the way through his teaching and his life.
The power of God is reserved for the will of the God.

Challenge

What is the will of God for our lives right now as a church?

What is the will of God for your life personally?

How do we know God’s will?

The Word
The Spirit
Circumstances
Counsel

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere

Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
O the Blood- Mitch Langley
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Make Room- Community Music

WFC Speedway

King Of My Heart- Bethel Music
Available- Elevation Worship
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship
The Lion and The Lamb- Bethel Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesEmptying

Jesus left behind his:
- Omnipresence – He could only be in one place at a time
- Omniscience – He didn’t know everything
- Omnipotence – he didn’t have access to his divine power
- Jesus emptied himself of control
- We must empty ourselves of the illusion of control

Fear Not

How many times does the Bible challenge us to “fear not”? 365

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.

1 Samuel 16:13

…while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.

1 Samuel 21:13

David’s Prayer of Lament (Psalm 56)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

We can empty ourselves of the illusion of control when we trust that God is bigger than our fears.

Jesus invites his followers to give up the illusion that we have control over what happens to us and then entrust our life to the only one who is actually stronger than the storms we face.

God grant me the serenity…

…to accept the things I cannot change

…the courage to change the things I can change

…and the wisdom to know the difference

Sunday Set List
Grace Wins- Matthew West
Hello My Name Is- Matthew West
The God Who Stays- Matthew West
This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
Lord I Need You- Matt Maher
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesThe What of the Resurrection

The What – Jesus died and rose again on the third day

The Why of the Resurrection

The Why – Jesus’ resurrection conquered death once and for all

The How of the Resurrection

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

The How – The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead.

Jesus Emptied Himself

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:6-7

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:1-2

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.

Hebrews 4:15

Omnipresence (unlimited presence)
Omniscience (unlimited knowledge)
Omnipotence (unlimited power)

When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!

Philippians 2:7 MSG, emphasis added

Limited Knowledge

“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature.”

Luke 2:52

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Mark 13:32

Limited Power

If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?...But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Matthew 12:26, 28

Same Power

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…

Ephesians 1:18-20

THE SAME POWER THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD LIVES IN YOU!

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:11

The pathway to the same power begins at your baptism.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
The Lion and The Lamb- Leeland
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC Speedway
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship/feat. Brandon Lake
Available- Elevation Worship
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong United

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesI love how this reading ends like a cliffhanger, adrenaline surging but with jolted finish. There’s a revelation –Jesus is alive! And yet, so many questions remain, dots still left to connect. Gasping for air, lost for words, the three women fled because they were “Trembling, bewildered, and afraid.”

Q: Could you imagine?

Q: What are you most afraid of right now?

Q: How do we cope with these fears?

Dave Barry the old humorist once said, “All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears – of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, of speaking before a Rotary Club, and of the words ‘Some Assembly Required.’”

And of course, there are “clinical” ways to face our fears and I can personally tell you that Christ-centered therapy has been a game changer.

But as a pastor I want to approach this question theologically and say…

“How do we not allow our fears to rule our lives?
How can we have peace in our lives?”
Well, here’s the answer:

Choose a better fear.

Tremble at something bigger.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him.”

Luke 12:4-5

What Jesus is getting at is this:

Your God is too small.
Your fear is too small.
When we lose our fear in God, we will fear everything else, and that will take us down a vicious and repeatable cycle.

Q: Can you see that progression in you?

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7

That’s why the empty grave is so important.

The empty grave confirms that, with God, there is no rival or equal.
He is the most powerful.
He conquers death (note: see 1 Corinthians 15:12-28).
The empty grave reminds us that we stand before the Living God, awesome in power and mighty in strength.
He has overcome death itself.
Not only is his power confirmed, so too is his love.
And because of an empty grave, we join Paul in saying:

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

William D. Eisenhower explains the relationship with rightly fearing God this way: “Unfortunately, many of us presume that the world is the ultimate threat and that God's function is to offset it. How different this is from the biblical position that God is far scarier than the world…When we assume that the world is the ultimate threat, we give it unwarranted power, for in truth, the world's threats are temporary. When we expect God to balance the stress of the world, we reduce him to the world's equal…As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but love from the Lord is its completion.”

So, in the midst of our ailment, suffering or pain…In the midst of our anxiety or fears, in the midst of our very real-world anguish and pain, we can say:

Cheer Up! On Your Feet. The Risen One is calling you.

And He is…All Powerful. All Good. Complete Love.

And that’s the difference. The women at the empty grave chose a better fear! The one who is “far scarier.”

They were trembling, bewildered and afraid before an empty grave, not an empty life.
The grave was empty, but their hearts were full.

THEY TREMBLED AT AN EMPTY GRAVE.

At nothing else and no one else.

Q: Do you long to tremble like that?

WE TREMBLE AT AN EMPTY GRAVE.

At nothing else and no one else.

So I call you to courage:

We don’t tremble over national elections. We tremble at the one who has the power of heaven.
We don’t tremble over outbreaks and pull backs. We tremble at the one who pulled back the veil of heaven.
We don’t tremble or wait for the next shoe to drop, because we tremble at the one who’s sandal we cannot untie.
We don’t tremble at newsfeeds or breaking news, we tremble at the one who was broken for our sins; who was crucified, rose, ascended, and today sits on the throne as Lord over all creation.
We don’t tremble at doomsayer’s predictions; we tremble at the one who promises to return and make all things new.

WE TREMBLE AT AN EMPTY GRAVE.

At nothing else and no one else.

Because Jesus says:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Rattle- Elevation Worship
Tremble- Mosaic MSM
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Because He Lives- People & Songs

WFC Speedway
Rattle- Elevation Worship
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship Feat./Brandon Lake
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching NotesIn one short week we move from the crowd shouting

“Hosanna”
“Crucify Him”

The Last Week of Jesus’ life on Earth

Sunday The Triumphal Entry

“Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

Mark 11:2-3

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Jesus fulfilled 351 prophecies.

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Mark 11:8-10

The word “Hosanna” means “to save, to rescue”. They saw Jesus as the one who would save Israel from the Roman rule and restore them to dignity and political as a people.
But Jesus came to save them for something bigger, way bigger. He wants to give them eternal life. He wants to remove the death penalty that hangs over every human. How is he going to do it? By dying for them…even though they don’t know this yet.

Monday Jesus clears the temple of money changers

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

Mark 11:15-17

The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

Mark 11:18

TuesdayJesus’ authority questioned

Jesus told a parable that exposed the Pharisees

Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Mark 12:12

Jesus is challenged on paying taxes to Caesar

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

Mark 12:13-14

Jesus is challenged on the resurrection and marriage

Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Mark 12:24-25

And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:34

Wednesday Judas’ decision to betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Mark 14:10-11

ApplicationCan you handle the truth?

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Forever Free- Westside Worship
What A Beautiful Name- Hillsong Worship
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
It is Well- Bethel Music

WFC Speedway
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
Move Your Heart- Maverick City
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Going Deeper Discussion1. Assuming that you care about March Madness, how do you pick your brackets?

Based on strength of schedule?
Based on tournament ranking?
Based on uniform color?
Based on personal affiliation?
Based on the team mascot?
Other?
How are you tempted to live from the wrong scorecard?
What’s one characteristic from Jesus’ Scorecard that you’d like more of in your life?
Have you ever officially switched from the world’s scorecard to Jesus’ scorecard? Share about that journey and/or moment in your life.

Teaching NotesQ: What scorecard am I using in my life?

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:33-35

World’s Scorecard: winners finish first

Jesus’ Scorecard: winners finish last

And Jesus says, “...for whoever is not against us is for us.”

Mark 9:40

World’s Scorecard: winning comes through competition

Jesus’ Scorecard: winning comes through commonality

“...at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’”

Mark 10:6

World’s Scorecard: marriage can end in dismissal

Jesus’ Scorecard: marriage begins in dignity

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:14

World’s Scorecard: status and access comes through hierarchy

Jesus’ Scorecard: status and access comes through humility

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go sell everything you have and give to the poor…”

Mark 10:21

World’s Scorecard: the goal is not prosperity

Jesus’ Scorecard: the goal is now generosity

“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 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 10:42-45

World’s Scorecard: we lead positionally

Jesus’ Scorecard: we lead sacrificially

“Jesus of Nazareth, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:48

World’s Scorecard: some people are expendable

Jesus’ Scorecard: everyone is essential

The Quaker author Richard Foster writes, “Power can destroy or create. The power that destroys demands ascendency; it demands total control. It destroys relationships; it destroys trust; it destroys dialogue; it destroys integrity. And this is true whether we look through the macrocosm of human history or the microcosm of our own personal histories.” The Disciplined Life - Reflections on Money, Sex, & Power, pg. 176

Q: Where have you been living from the wrong scorecard?

Q: What’s one characteristic from Jesus’ Scorecard that you’d like more of?

Q: What if you’ve never lived by Jesus’ scorecard?

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE TEAMS.

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
The Blessing- Kari Jobe
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Broken Vessels- Hillsong United

WFC Speedway
Unstoppable God- Elevation Worship
Available- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching NotesWhat image do you have of Jesus?

There are some incredible pictures of Jesus on Mark’s canvas in this section that covers 6:30-9:29:

Jesus as One who walks on water
Jesus as the liberator from false religion
Jesus as the healer of the demon possessed
Jesus as giver of sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf
Jesus as the challenger of religious hypocrisy
Jesus as the ultimate prophet

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”

Mark 8:2-3

The word Mark uses here, translated “compassion” is the Greek word, splagnitsomai. It means “to be moved on the inside” – to feel something in the deepest place of human emotion – our gut. And his emotion moves him to action.

A side point - The only time splagnitsomai is used in the NT other than describing Jesus is in the story of the Good Samaritan

“But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”

Mark 8:4

“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied.

Mark 8:5

Jesus essentially says, “Cheer up! There’s plenty of food for everyone!”

“Do you have eyes but fail to see?”

Mark 8:18

You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who you are

“Who do people say I am?”

Mark 8:27

“Who do you say I am?”

“You are the Messiah.”

Mark 8:29

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

Mark 8:31

“Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Mark 8:33

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
We Praise You- Brandon Lake
There Is A King- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

WFC Speedway
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Move Your Heart- Maverick City
Forever Reign- Hillsong Worship
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching NotesJesus chooses the disciples to be in his family (3:13-19)

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. (Mark 3:13)

Jesus’ own family rejects him (3:20-21)

When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21)

For even his own brothers did not believe in him. (John 7:5)

“…A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” (Mark 6:4)

Jesus chooses us to be in his family (3:35)

Just a few minutes later Jesus declared, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35)

“Daughter, daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

Cheer up, I choose you

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11)

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong United
Anchor- Mitch Langley
It Is So- Elevation Worship

WFC Speedway
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong United
This I Believe- Hillsong United
It Is Well- Bethel Music

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching Notes

“Scientists believe that fast radio bursts could ultimately help us learn what's in between galaxies, after all, and that they could give us a more complete picture of our universe.” (Source)

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Hebrews 1:3

Greek: Ἀπαύγασμα (apaugasma)
Definition: radiance, effulgence, brilliance

Is this how you experience Jesus?

Like a cosmic burst or a flannel graph?

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Mark 1:15

Bursting with presence,

At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:18

Bursting with authority,

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Mark 1:22

Bursting with power,

The whole town gathered at the door…

Mark 1:33

Bursting with intimacy,

Everyone is looking for you!

Mark 1:37

Bursting with compassion

Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Mark 1:45

Bursting through a roof,

...walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:12

Bursting through all protocol

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Mark 2:17

Bursting with anger,

Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Mark 3:6

Bursting through to get to Him

For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.

Mark 3:10

1. Jesus is bursting with cosmic energy today.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Q: What might Jesus’ power mean for you today?

2. Jesus is bursting paradigms today.

“... God scatters those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”

Luke 1:51-52

3. In Jesus, we can burst with joy today.

...no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will BURST the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.

Mark 2:22

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
This Is Amazing Grace- Phil Wickham
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
King of My Heart- Bethel Music
It Is Well- Bethel Music

WFC Speedway
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters
King Of My Heart- Bethel Music
Glorious Day- Passion feat/Kristian Stanfill

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching Notes

Hope deferred makes a heart sick.

Proverbs 13:12a

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the Lord Almighty.”

Malachi 3:1

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Mark 1:1

…as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Mark 1:2-3

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Mark 1:4-5

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

Mark 1:6

And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:7-8

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Mark 1:12-13

Preparation: What is John’s baptism about?

The What: John’s baptism with water looked forward to Jesus, who by his death would make possible the forgiveness of sins.
- “told the people to believe in the one coming after him.” (Acts 19:5)
- The So What: We all need to acknowledge our need for Jesus.

Inauguration: Why did Jesus get baptized?

The What: Jesus’ baptism initiated his public ministry with the Father confirming his identity and the Holy Spirit coming upon him to empower his work.
The So What: We need to acknowledge that Jesus is the one we’ve been waiting for.

Confirmation: Why did the Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness?

The What: Jesus’ time in the wilderness is a “do-over” of Adam’s temptation in the garden.
The So What: Jesus offers us the chance to have a “do-over”

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

1 Peter 1:18-20

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Open The Gates- Vertical Worship
No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music
Tremble - Mosaic MSM
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

WFC Speedway
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.

What stood out to you from today’s viewing?
How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?
What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?
What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?
What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?

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Teaching Notes

“At fifty everyone has the face he deserves.”

George Orwell

A recent study on depression reveals these facts –

Affects over 18 million adults (one in ten) in any given year
Is the leading cause of disability for ages 15-44.
Is the primary reason why someone dies of suicide about every 12 minutes – over 41,000.
In comparison: homicide claims less that 16,000 lives each year.

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:46-47

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

Mark 10:49b

Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Mark 10:50

“What do you want me to do for you?”

Mark 10:51a

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

Mark 10:51b

“Go,” … your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Mark 10:52

CHEER UP

ON YOUR FEET!

HE’S CALLING YOU

“What do you want me to do for you?”
“ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” James 4:3

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me

Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, "O sinner come home"

This is what the ONE campaign is all about. To let people know all over our city to:

Cheer Up
Stand to your Feet
Jesus is calling you

300 Churches united to teach through the Gospel of Mark (6 weeks)

3000 Watching Groups united around the Gospel of Mark (6 weeks)

Start a Group
Join a Group

300,000 individuals listening to Matthew, Luke & John (40 days)

At fifty, everyone has the face he deserves.

Learn more about the ONE campaign and ways you can be involved here.

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online
Glorious Day- Passion/feat. Kristian Stanfill
Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KC
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation/feat. Brandon Lake
Your Spirit- Tasha Cobbs Leonard

WFC Speedway
The Lion and The Lamb- Bethel/feat. Leeland
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation/feat. Brandon Lake
Goodness of God- Bethel/feat. Jen Johnson
What A Beautiful Name- Hillsong Worship

Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper1. Discuss in your group how Jesus has shown up in your life and the change it made for you.

In your group open the prayer guide and select what Jesus directs you to pray for.
Read Luke 4:17-21 and discuss what Jesus lists as being fulfilled in that passage. How can we express the fulfillment of that passage as we strive to become like Jesus today?
Read Matthew 28:18-19 as a group. What was Jesus expectation of the disciples? How does that differ from what happens today in Christianity?
Explore as a group what cross cultural ministry might entail (pooling resources for a mission trip, finding local cross-cultural opportunities, etc.).

Teaching Notes

“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 28:18-19

When Jesus shows up, everything changes

…and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4:17-21

How can I join Jesus and be a world changer?

Unite
Sponsor
Explore
Pray

GET INVOLVED WITH GLOBAL IMPACT

Sunday Set List WFC Online/WFC LenexaThe Lion and The Lamb- Bethel feat. Leeland
There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do- Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill
Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel feat. Jonathan and Melissa Helser
WFC Speedway
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake
There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do- Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill
Make Room- Community Music
Forever Reign- Hillsong United

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Jonah 4:1-3

In the above passage Jonah is upset because is ending h to the Ninevites. Jonah as many good reasons for not wanting to go and serve these people he finds deplorable. Is there a group of people that, if God asked you to serve them, you would genuinely hesitate? It could be a political or cultural group. It cold be a competing business. It could even be members of your family. Who are your Ninevites?
What would it take for you to give up your comfortable perspective? Has God ever put you in an uncomfortable situation in order to reach or serve someone you didn't like? What was the outcome? What did you learn.
Isaiah 59:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” - How did you know God was asking this of you? Did it require you to trust Him?
If you were to relay your "Nineveh" story to a teenager, how would you frame it? What would you say? How should they pray?

Teaching Notes

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Jonah 4:1-3

Why is Jonah so upset?

Jonah is selfish
Jonah is prejudice
Jonah is filled with pride

Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.

Jonah 4:6

Jonah wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

Jonah 4:8

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Jonah 4:10-11

Application

When God doesn’t make sense to you…trust that our linear perspective from the Lower Story doesn’t tell the whole story.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Isaiah 59:9

When God doesn’t make sense to you…trust that God will make things right in his time.

When God doesn’t make sense…trust his grace and love is great and applies to all people, including us.

Be a Jonah by:

Inviting someone Sunday
Inviting someone into a Watching Group
Inviting someone to the Listening Plan

Sunday Set List WFC Online/WFC LenexaGreat Things- Phil Wickham
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
O Praise The Name- Hillsong United
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co./Feat. Lauren Daigle

WFC Speedway
Great Things- Phil Wickham
O The Blood- Mitch Langley
O Come To The Altar- Hillsong United
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship/Feat. Brandon Lake

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper1. Do you have a “Call Hierarchy” with your friends and family? Any fun tips or stories?

Blocked Caller
Unidentified Caller
Convenient Caller
Double Call
Single Call
Using your same “Call Hierarchy”, where does God fit?
Can you identify with “The Jonah Journey” in your own life? Please describe.
What’s a time that you said “Okay” to God and experienced the “warmth and weight of heaven?”
Who is God calling you to right now--either to invite them to join you for the One Campaign’s “40-Days of Listening—or to something else entirely?
Have you heard the joy-filled “Yeeeaahhh!” from your Father in heaven over you?

Teaching NotesAnd the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” (Jonah 2:10-3:2)

Where does God fit for you?

Blocked Caller?
Unidentified Caller?
Convenient Caller?
Double Call?
Single Call?

“The Jonah Journey” (Chapters 1-3)

NORMALCY
INTERRUPTION
ESCAPE
CRISIS
DARKNESS
AWAKENING
RELEASE

Three Key Questions:

“Will I receive God’s call as an interruption or opportunity?”
“In darkness, will I let my heart harden or awaken?”
Through it all, do I believe that God loves me no matter what?

Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. (Jonah 3:3)

Obeying is simply saying to God: “OKAY.”
Okay is the sound of surrender.

In release, you will experience the warmth and weight of heaven

Warmth
The affection of the Father
The release of all your striving
Lightness, freedom
Weight
Gravitas
Conviction
A new determination
A new authority

Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah 3:3-10

Prevenience: “the priority of grace.”

“We are always coming in on something that is already going on.” -Eugene Peterson, Under The Unpredictable Plant

When God calls you to someone, trust that He’s calling them too.

Who is He calling you to?

One Campaign: 40 Days Bible Listening

When we say to God “Okay”

God says… “YEAAAAH!”

“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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’”

Romans 10:9-11

Sunday Set List WFC Online/WFC Lenexa

There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do- Passion feat./Kristian Stanfill
Way Maker- Bethel Music feat./Leeland Mooring
It Is Well- Bethel Music feat./Kristine DiMarco
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship feat./Brandon Lake

WFC Speedway
Raise A Hallelujah- Bethel Music
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Oceans- Hillsong United
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship feat./Brandon Lake

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going DeeperRead: Jonah 2:1-10

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,

and you listened to my cry.

3 You hurled me into the depths,

into the very heart of the seas,

and the currents swirled about me;

all your waves and breakers

swept over me.

4 I said, ‘I have been banished

from your sight;

yet I will look again

toward your holy temple.’

5 The engulfing waters threatened me,

the deep surrounded me;

seaweed was wrapped around my head.

6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;

the earth beneath barred me in forever.

But you, Lord my God,

brought my life up from the pit.

7 “When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, Lord,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple.

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols

turn away from God’s love for them.

9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Have you ever been in "the belly of the fish?" What was the situation? Did you call out to God right away or did it take you some time?
Why do you think God at times allows you to be "engulfed in the waves?"
Verse 8 says, "those who cling to worthless idols turned away from God's love for them." What examples do you have for that in our present-day?
It appears that perhaps Jonah was able to proclaim, "salvation comes from the Lord" while still in the belly of the fish. What is the significance of that? How could that translate to your own life story?

Teaching NotesAre you one who think this is a big fish tale?

There are three species of fish that can take in a whole man – Sperm Shark, Whale Shark, and the White Shark (National Geographic)

How could Jonah survive after three days?

Natural Law – it has been well established that the phrase "three days and three nights" in ancient Hebrew usage was an idiomatic expression meaning simply “three days,” and was applicable even if the beginning and ending days of the period were only partial days.
Miracle – God is involved as the creator of the universe. He created it all and therefore can interrupt the natural laws he created to accomplish his purposes.
Resurrection – Jonah prays in the belly of the fish and then dies. When he is vomited back onto dry land he is resuscitated by divine CPR.

Jesus understand Jonah’s story as literal not allegorical.

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

Matthew 12:40

You can still dismiss Jonah’s experience and still possess eternal life, but you cannot dismiss Jesus’ resurrection.

“That 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

Are you in the belly of a fish right now?

Some of us learn at Yale University, some at Whale University

When you hit bottom, dial 911 and God will always pick up.

1From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
    and you listened to my cry.
3You hurled me into the depths,
    into the very heart of the seas,
    and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
    swept over me.
4I said, ‘I have been banished
    from your sight;
yet I will look again
    toward your holy temple.’
5The engulfing waters threatened me,
    the deep surrounded me;
    seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
    the earth beneath barred me in forever.

Jonah 2:1-6a

But you, Lord my God,
    brought my life up from the pit.

7“When my life was ebbing away,
    I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
    to your holy temple.

Jonah 2:6b-7

“Before you can get back on the ‘playing field’, you have to first get back on the ‘praying field’”.

Those who cling to worthless idols
    turn away from God’s love for them.

But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
    will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
    I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

Jonah 2:8-9

And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Jonah 2:10

Sunday Set List WFC Online/WFC Lenexa

We Praise You- Bethel Music feat./Brandon Lake
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co. feat./Lauren Daigle

WFC Speedway
Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship feat./Brandon Lake
Nothing Else- Cody Caries
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music feat./Jen Johnson

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper

3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Jonah 1:3

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

Psalm 139:7-8

Was there a time in your life when you were deliberately running from God? What was he asking of you?
How did God get your attention when you had run away? If you came back to Him, how did that happen?
If you saw a friend beginning to turn their back to run from God, what would you say to them? What would your advice be? How would you pray for them?

Teaching Notes

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

Jonah 1:1-2

But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Jonah 1:3

You can run, but you cannot hide.

Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.”

Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”

He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

Jonah 1:4-9

This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)  The sea was getting rougher and rougher….

Jonah 1:10-11

So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”

“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” (Jonah thinks he is going to die and I think this is still a better option to him than going to Nineveh)

Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the LORD, “Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased.” Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.

Jonah 1:12-16

Don’t put other people in your boat of disobedience

Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 1:17

What is your Nineveh?

A Person
A Place
A Thing

Learn more about ONE here!

Sunday Set ListOpen the Gates- Vertical Worship

It Is Well- Bethel Worship

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)- Matt Redman

Graves Into Gardens- Elevation Worship

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Once hailed as one of the 50 most powerful mob bosses in the United States by Fortune magazine, Michael Franzese spent nearly 10 years in federal prison for his crimes connected to the notorious Colombo crime family. Upon his release, he walked away from it all. Hear his powerful testimony of how Christ transformed his life and gave him a new purpose.

Sunday Set ListWe Praise You- Matt Redman

Graves into Gardens-Elevation Worship

Goodness of God- Bethel Music

It Is So- Elevation Worship

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching NotesReflections from 2020

We need to ponder what was positive

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

We need to examine what we experienced

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:9

We need to punt on the past

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
Philippians 3:13

Goodbye 2020!

What are three positive things from 2020?
What is the one lesson learned from 2020?
What is the one thing you are going to leave behind in 2020?

Pressing Forward into 2021

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

Philippians 3:13

Be aware of the enemies desire to bring you down.

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.

Ephesians 6:10-11

Five strategies to bring your down

Doubt

"Did God really say that you couldn't eat from all the trees in the garden?”

Genesis 3:1

Distortion

"When you eat from it…you will be like God."

Genesis 3:5

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27

Discouragement

Distraction

Division

“The woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

Genesis 3:12

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5

Hello 2021!

How have you seen the five “D’s” at work in your life in 2020?
Which of the five “D’s” do you struggle with the most?

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Teaching Notes

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.

If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11

Principle #1 – In generosity, God ask us for something and that is absurd.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Psalm 24:1

Principle #2 – Jesus rides into town on the generosity of ordinary people

Principle #3 – Our generosity writes us into the story of God

Principle #4 – You always get back more than you give

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/OnlineOpen The Gates- Vertical Worship
Thank You- Maverick City
It Is So- Elevation Worship
The Blessings- Kari Jobe

WFC Speedway
Glorious Day- Kristian Stanfill
Do It Again- Elevation Worship
So Will I (100 Billion Times)- Hillsong Worship
Mercy- Bethel Music

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

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.

Matthew 18:15

Fatal Error: You assume everyone is like you. That they are loving and responsible

When you keep telling somebody over and over and over, and it's not changing, that's nagging.

"Rebuke a fool and he will mock you. Correct a wise person and he will love you."

Proverbs 9:8

Search me O God and know my heart.

Psalm 139:23-24

Surely you desire truth in my inner most being.

Psalm 51:6

Let's believe the truth about life, and the truth about people.

Three Kinds of People:

A wise person is the kind of person that when truth shows up, they recognize the truth and they change themselves to match the truth.
The fool doesn’t adapt themselves to the truth, they try to adapt the truth to themselves.
Evil people are really trying to hurt you.

Is there a way that I could bring up something to you that you would listen to help?

“I can't keep you from being that way, but I can limit my exposure to it.”

Wise people listen and change, foolish people don't listen and they don't change.

With evil people you go into protection mode.

If somebody is listening, keep talking. If they're not listening, stop talking because you're just nagging.

Go to boundaries.me for more help.

Check out Doctor Henry Cloud’s Books here!

Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/Online

Echo- Elevation feat./Tauren Wells
See A Victory- Elevation Worship
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
What A Beautiful Name- Hillsong Worship

WFC Speedway
Holy Water- We The Kingdom
This I Believe- Hillsong
The Blessing- Kari Jobe

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper 1. What’s the most (comically) foolish thing you’ve done? 2. Why is it dangerous to assume that, as Christians, “God agrees with us?” Where can that kind of thinking lead? 3. Does the numerical decline of the North American church feel like good news or bad news? How does this reinforce Westside Family’s mission (“Loving Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, and Sharing Jesus”) and strategy (A2 Communities)? 4. How will you become more reliant upon the Holy Spirit during these times?

Teaching NotesTHE WISE ARE HARD TO FIND.

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 1:20

THE WISE WILL BE CALLED A FOOL

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,...

1 Corinthians 1:22-23

Dangers:

1: When we find ourselves saying, God agrees with me.

2: When we are simply being foolish

THE WISE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us….The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:12, 15

Church, you have The Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17)
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)
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)
...When you 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)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Eph 1:17)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:16)
...Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. (Luke 12:11-12)
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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28)
But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
...But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

What is the source of our folly?

The cross, the resurrection, the incarnation.

...but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Sunday Set ListForever Free- Westside Worship
It Is So- Elevation Worship
Control- Mitch Langley
Make Room- Community Music
Turn Your Eyes to Jesus- Lauren Daigle

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper 1. Who is the wisest person you know and what are they like? 2. Read Psalm 90 together. What observations, insights or questions do you have about this passage? 3. C.S. Lewis suggests in The Screwtape Letters that Satan wants us to live in two very different times. He wants us either stuck in the past or frightful (and even fantasizing) about our future. But notice that both chronos time and kairos time are about the present moment. What time zone do you find yourself living in most often? Brainstorm together ways that you can live within both time zones that God gifts us with (e.g. shut off notifications on your phone and…?). 4. What do you need for wisdom right now in your life?

Teaching Notes “...*I will give you a wise and discerning heart...” (1 Kings 3:12) * “Jesus grew in stature and wisdom...” (Luke 2:52). * “But wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19)

WisdomRx = Divine Insight

Where do you need the wisdom of God?

WisdomRx Benefit: You can live within two clocks.

Clock #1: Chronos Time

This is the greek word for time as seconds, minutes, hours, days.
Teach us to number our number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Clock #2: Kairos Time

This is the greek word to describe time as seasons, generations, epochs, and opportunities out of time.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. (Colossians 4:5)

The Psalmist Begins in Kairos:

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the whole world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust,

saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

A thousand years in your sight

are like a day that has just gone by,

or like a watch in the night.

Psalm 90:1-4

Kairos Time means that:

God is sovereign
I can live in freedom
And in peace

The Psalmist Then Switches to Chronos:

Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

for as many years as we have seen trouble.

Psalm 90:12-15

Chronos Time means that:

God is good
I can live simply
And with gratitude

Q: Which clock do you need to live more by?

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Sunday Set ListPeace Be Still- The Belonging Co

O Praise The Name (Anástasis)- Hillsong Worship

Death Was Arrested- North Point InsideOut

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Going Deeper 1. Experts tell us the principle sources of fear are darkness, loss of support, strange things, sudden noises and snakes. What is the thing that causes you the greatest amount of fear? 2. Here are some of the passages that talk about the benefits of “Fearing God”. Look up each passage and identify what that benefit is – Deuteronomy 6:24; Job 4:6; Psalms 31:19, 34:9, 33:18-19, 145:19; Proverbs 9:10, 10:27, 16:6. 3. We can find freedom from our fear by the presence of God and by God’s perfected love. What has worked the best for you to experience the healing power of these prescriptions?

Teaching NotesWhat does the Bible prescribe to help us overcome our fear?

Fear is your Foe

“Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life?”

Matthew 6:27

What the wicked dread will overtake them.

Proverbs 10:24

Fear of man will prove to be a snare.

Proverbs 29:25

Fear is your Friend

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10

Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

Proverbs 16:6

Freedom from Fear

…by the Presence of God

Even though I walk  through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me

Psalm 23:4

…by Perfected Love

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

Sunday Set ListThe Lion And The Lamb- Big Daddy Weave

King of My Heart- Bethel Music

Great Are You Lord- All Sons & Daughters

There’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do- Passion Music

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Teaching Notes

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained...”

Proverbs 29:18

YOU ARE THE CHURCH.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.

Acts 16:6-11

“When they came to the border...After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once…”

Acts 16:7, 10

WHEN “THEIR STORY” BECOMES YOUR STORY, you shift from OBSERVATION TO OWNERSHIP.

From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatiranamed Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Acts 16:12-15

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. (Acts 16:14)

WHEN “THEIR STORY” BECOMES YOUR STORY, you shift from INFORMATION TO INTIMACY.

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. 19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 16:16-24

WHEN “THEIR STORY” BECOMES YOUR STORY, you shift from ACTIVITY TO ADVENTURE.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Acts 16:25-34

WHEN “THEIR STORY” BECOMES YOUR STORY, you shift from FOREIGNERS to FAMILY.

A2 Communities - join the revolution!

If you’ve gone through the training - activate
If not, then get into the training!

Going Deeper1. In your life, describe the moment where “their faith” (e.g. your parent’s, your spouse, etc) became your faith? If you’re not sure, simply share who’s faith you most admire.

Whose story in Acts 16 do you most connect to?
Luke’s shift from Observation to Ownership?
Lydia’s shift from Information to Intimacy?
Everyone’s shift from Activity to Adventure?
The Jailor’s shift from Foreign to Family?
How connected do you feel right now to the A2 Revolution and/or Westside’s A2 Community initiative? What description below best fits you and why?
Ecstatic
Enthusiastic
Curious
Resistant
Confused
What do you need to help you take your next step?

Sunday Set ListThere’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do- Passion Music

Control- Mitch Langley

Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co

The Blessing- Elevation Worship

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Teaching NotesWhen Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 

The church is spreading like a virus. (Acts 17:1)

As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

A2 people know what they believe and why it matters (17:2-4)

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

A2 communities change the fabric of their cities (17:5-9)

This is the vision God has for his church—this is the vision God has for Westside Family Church:

We are God’s Family, loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, sharing Jesus to raise up Christ-centered families in our city and beyond by wrapping God’s family around your family.

Sunday Set ListWe Praise You- Matt Redman

Revelation Song- Kari Jobe

Way Maker- Leeland

Anchor- Mitch Langley

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper 1. Read Revelation 7:9 – What marks of diversity does Jesus bring into unity? 2. If a close family member needed you, what would be the limit of your help? How about a brother in Christ? 3. What contribution do you uniquely bring to the family of God? Make a list. How can you use it to bless others in the family? Is there anything that would be difficult to share? Why? 4. Who do you need to team up with in your A2 Community that’s different than you? How long are you willing to work at it?

Teaching NotesHow big is God’s family?

Acts 1:8
Revelation 7:9
John 3:16

How far are we willing to go?

You can’t do family alone

How much are we willing to share?

You can’t be selfish and be family

Sunday Set ListForever Free- Mitch Langley

Raise a Hallelujah- Bethel Music

Make Room- Community Music

It is So- Elevation Worship

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper 1. Have you ever felt “overlooked” in a way that you didn’t feel seen by someone else? 2. What impresses you most about the leadership of the Early Church in Acts 6:1-7? 3. If they did not respond to this complaint it would’ve crippled the church’s ability to grow—agree or disagree? 4. Where do you have power and for whom will you leverage it?

Teaching NotesIn those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. (Acts 6:1)

Hebraic Jews - they were the ones who lived in Jerusalem, their heritage was from there, and they looked down on Jews were from other places
Hellensitic Jews - which means, Greek Jews who were, now Jewish converts to Jesus but those deep-seeded rivalries were still in play.

INTERNAL THREAT will take you down. Every time.

The 5 Stages of How The Mighty Fall by Jim Collins

Stage #1: Hubris
Stage #2: More
Stage #3: Denial
Stage #4: Grasping
Stage #5: Capitulation

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 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 6:2-7

Big Idea:

Nothing is more powerful

Than when those with power

Leverage that power

For the powerless.

Q: So where do you have power?

The 5 Stages of How The Mighty _______

#1 They Listened.

In these moments, we listen for a person’s pain.

Ruby Sales, civil rights leader: “Where does it hurt?”

# 2 They Saw.

...because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Acts 6:1

“Overlook”
Greek: paratheōreō
theōreō - to see
para - through

This is the question everyone is asking: ‘“Do you see me?”

# 3 They Did Something About It

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom…

Acts 6:3

They re-structured
They set clear guidelines
They communicated
Established a feedback loop

#4 They Empowered.

We will turn this responsibility over to them…

Acts 6:3

This proposal pleased the whole group. (Acts 6:5)

Who did they choose?

Hebraic Jews?

Hellenistic Jews?

#5 They Celebrated

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6)

Challenge: Where do you have power and how will you leverage it?

Sunday Set ListWho You Say I Am- Hillsong Worship

It Is So- Elevation Worship

This I Believe- Hillsong Worship

Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)- Casting Crowns

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Going Deeper 1. What is the primary message Peter and John were proclaiming to the religious leadership in this chapter? 2. With the 40 year old man having been healed and present in the gathering, why do you think the Jewish leaders were undecisive as to how this message could be stopped? 3. This early A2 community was marked by unity, prayer and generosity. What could/should that look like in your life group? In our church? How do you plan to move in that direction?

Teaching NotesWhen God makes a wave, it is unstoppable.

Acts 4:1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11Jesus is

“ ‘the stone you builders rejected,

which has become the cornerstone.’

12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

23On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. …

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Three ways we ride God’s unstoppable wave:

1. Prayer - We don’t move without prayer

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God…

Acts 4:24

2. Unity - We are better together.

All the believers were one in heart and mind.

Acts 4:32

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:22-23

3. Generosity - God is generous and so are we.

…they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.

Acts 4:32-34

God loves to use people just like you.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13

Sunday Set ListEvery Beat- North Point InsideOut

O the Blood- Mitch Langley

Peace Be Still- The Belonging Co

Great Are You Lord- All Sons & Daughters

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper 1. Why do you think Jesus decided to choose such ordinary men for his “Dream Team”? 2. Which of the three “Slam Dunks” is our greatest strength? Which is our greatest challenge? 3. In what ways do you think our current pandemic hurts Jesus’ cause? In what ways do you think it helps Jesus’ cause?

Teaching NotesThe Igniting of Acts 2 Revolution

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.”

Acts 1:4-5

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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 1:7-8

This quite ludicrous at first glance.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

The Outline of the Book of Acts

Jerusalem 1:1-6:7 -

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

Judea & Samaria 6:8-9:31 -

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Acts 9:31

Coastlands & Syria 9:32-12:24 -

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

Acts 12:24

Cyprus & Galatia 12:25-16:5 -

So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 16:5

Macedonia, Achaia, Asia 16:6-19:20 -

In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Acts 19:20

Rome 19:21-28:31 –

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 28:31

Slam Dunks

They were empowered by the Holy Spirit
They united in small communities around a common identity, mission, vision, strategy & values

And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.
Matthew 18:20 MSG

They believed

Sunday Set ListForever Free- Mitch Langley

It Is So- Elevation Worship

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace- Hillsong Worship

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)- Chris Tomlin

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Going Deeper1. Write down what you think your top four values are for your personal life.

If a consultant followed you around for two weeks, which of these four values do you think they would say are true of your life and which ones are aspirational?
Of Westside’s seven values, which one gets you the most excited?
Which one do you think will be the most challenging?

Teaching NotesOur values drive the decisions we make

How we get there matters.

Values are like Guardrails - they are boundaries that keep us on track.

Our 7 Values:Jesus – It’s all about Jesus

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

Philippians 3:8

Unity – We are better together

“…that they may be one as we are one.”

John 17:22

Prayer – We won’t move without prayer

“When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.”

John 8:28

God’s Word – We live and die by it

“Jesus answered Satan when Satan was tempting him in the garden, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4

Faith – We are Kingdom risk-takers

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name…Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching…”

Acts 5:28

“We must obey God rather than human beings!”

Acts 5:29

Their value is driving their decisions and actions.

“They ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”

Acts 5:40

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 5:41-42

The Lost, The Last, The Least – This is who we pursue

“Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, whenever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14:12-14

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”

James 1:27

Generosity – God is generous, so are we

“…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 3:5-7

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25

Sunday Set ListWe Praise You- Bethel Music

What a Beautiful Name- Hillsong Worship

No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music

Holy Holy Holy (Nicaea)- John Bacchus Dykes

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Going Deeper1. In Acts 2:42-47 we are told the first church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Why do you think they focused on these four? 2. In Acts 2:42-47 the first church never devoted themselves to evangelism and yet people were coming to faith in Jesus every day in Jerusalem. Can you explain how this happened? 3. Do you see any benefit in the church not having physical building for the first 350 years? 4. Talk about your experience of being in such a community of believers. If you haven’t experienced it yet, what excites you about moving in this direction? What scares you?

Teaching Notes

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

The Acts 2 Revolution

Symbol 1 – Who are we? – We are God’s Family…

Symbol 2 – Why do we exist? – …loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, sharing Jesus…

Symbol 3 – What are we trusting God for? – …to raise up Christ-centered families…

Symbol 4 – Where? - …in our city and beyond…

Symbol 5 – How will we get there? - …by wrapping God’s Family around your family.”

Learn more about Care Groups.

Learn more about The Acts 2 Revolution experience!

Sunday Set ListWe Praise You- Bethel Music

See a Victory- Elevation Worship

Goodness of God- Bethel Music

The Blessing- Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes

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Going Deeper1. What are some of the challenges a nuclear family has when they don’t have a support system around them? 2. Genesis 2:20-24 lays out God’s original design for a family. How does deviating from this design hurt a society? 3. Read the story of the jailer who led his whole household to Jesus in Acts 16:16-34. What does this teach about the benefits of God’s design? 4. What kind of support can the church provide to help families be strong today?

Teaching NotesThe Nuclear Family Was a Mistake

The family is God’s vision.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:20-24

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.

Genesis 1:28

The problem today is not with the original design but with the removal of support.

God never intended the nuclear family to go it alone

Old Testament – Bayit – Household
- Nuclear
- Extended
- Tribe
- Israel
- New Testament – Oikos – Household

When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.

Acts 16:15

Westside’s Focus

Symbol 1 – Who are we? – We are God’s Family…
Symbol 2 – Why do we exist? - …loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, sharing Jesus…
Symbol 3 – What are we trusting God for? - …to raise up Christ-centered families…
Symbol 4 – Where? - …in our city and beyond…
Symbol 5 – How will we get there? - …by wrapping God family around your family.

What is a Christ-centered family?

A House where Christ at the center
A House that is living out the mission of loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, sharing Jesus

Sunday Set ListThe Lion and The Lamb- Leeland

Hallelujah Rising- Mitch Langley Music

King Of My Heart- Bethel Music

The Blessing- Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper1. Explain in your own words the difference between The Greatest Commandment and The New Commandment. Which commandment is more life giving to you? Which one is harder to live out? 2. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the most succinct list of what it means to become like Jesus. Which one is your greatest strength? Which one is the one you struggle the most with?

* Love
* Joy
* Peace
* Patience
* Kindness
* Goodness
* Faithfulness
* Gentleness
* Self-Control

We are called to share God’s love poured out in us to others. What are ways in which God’s love is different from human love?

Teaching NotesWe are not anti-cultural but counter-cultural.

SYMBOL #1 Our Identity – Who are we?

SYMBOL #2 – Our Mission – Why do we exist?

“Loving Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, Sharing Jesus”

Loving – Relational
Becoming – Transformational
Sharing – Missional

Loving Jesus

The Greatest Commandment

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

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.

Matthew 22:36-39

The New Commandment

“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

What is the difference?

The shift is from trying to love God as a command to learning to receive Christ’s love for us and then paying it forward to others.

Becoming Like Jesus

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…

Romans 8:29

Love is a powerful agent that literally reshapes and renews our minds (Romans 12:2) to become like Jesus (Romans 8:29) so we can display the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) for others to enjoy.

Sharing Jesus

“Greater love has no man than this than to lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

Sharing Jesus is simply pouring out the love he deposited into us to others God has placed into my life.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

1 Timothy 4:6-8

Sunday Set ListGlorious Day- Kristian Stanfill

Forever Free- Mitch Langley Music

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)- Hillsong United

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Going Deeper1. Why do you think there is not one functional family mentioned in the Bible, even Jesus’ family? What do you think is the root cause? 2. Ephesians 2:14-19 tells us Jesus’ vision was to start a new family rooted in his work on the cross. How does this help to remedy the problem? 3. Share your story on when you said yes to God’s family! 4. The challenge issued was “don’t go it alone”. How are you doing with this challenge?

Teaching NotesIdentity – Who am I?

Ubuntu: “We are, therefore I am”

The Problem – Families are Dysfunctional

“He is out of his mind.”

Mark 3:21

The Solution – Jesus came to start a new family

Therefore, remember that formerly  you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-13

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 3:14-18

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household…

Ephesians 3:19

The word “Church” is derived from the Dutch word kerk and German word kirche.
These words find their link to the medieval Greek word kurikon which means “Lord’s House”.

Ekklesia – A new community “called out” to live a distinctly different life. (Matthew 16:18)

The Body of Christ – A new community that represents the presence of Christ on earth. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

The Temple of God – A new community that becomes the new temple where God dwells. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

The Bride of Christ – A new community that restores of the image of God in us. (Ephesians 5:21-33)

The Family of God – This new community is a new family where a healthy identity emerges. (Hebrews 2:11)

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11)

See what great 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

An Invitation - Come into God’s Family

A Challenge - Don’t go it alone

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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 10:24-25

A declaration: Who are we? – We are God’s Family!

Sunday Set ListRaise a Hallelujah- Bethel Music

Whom Shall I Fear- Chris Tomlin

Control- Mitch Langley Music

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Going Deeper Discussion1. We are taught not to discuss religion or politics. We are doing both today. Are we mature enough to have an honest discussion about this topic? 2. Read each of the Bible passages out loud for the four topics and discuss how they speak to that issue. 3. Which one is the easiest for you to embrace? Why? 4. Which one do you struggle with the most? Why?

Teaching NotesJesus is calling us to Rise Above the noise & hatred & declare our complete allegiance to him.

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 3:18-20

4 Issues Jesus is super clear about:

Christians ought to be sold out for racial justice. (Ephesians 2:14-16)
Christians should be deeply concerned about the poor. (Matthew 25:37-40)
Christians should be pro-life. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Christians should believe that, at least for Christians, sex should only be between a man and woman in marriage. (Genesis 1:27; 2:24)

Problem:

Democrats own the first two and the Republicans own the other two

Solution:

We must keep Jesus and the gospel the main focus.
We must teach what Jesus says about all four topics.
We must align our lives to what Jesus teaches

Getting to the Root of Poverty:

Sunday Set ListForever Free- Mitch Langley Music

Shadow Step- Hillsong United

O Praise The Name (Anástasis)- Hillsong Worship

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Going Deeper Discussion1. What does the division in our country teach us about the importance of standing united as families? 2. Dig a little deeper into Ephesians 4:26. What do you think of the idea that anger is not sin - it is how we act on it that makes it sin? Also, share the importance of “not letting the sun go down while you are still angry?” 3. What is your one Takeaway from this message? What do you plan to do?

Teaching NotesFive Things COVID 19 Teaches us about Parenting:

Reset Expectations

“Love is not easily angered”

1 Corinthians 13:5

Stand United

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Mark 3:25

Adult Time Out

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”

Mark 6:31

Play the role of adult

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”

Ephesians 4:26

Slow Down

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27

Sunday Set ListAnchor - Mitch Langley Music

Tremble - Mosaic MSC

Echo - Elevation Worship feat. Tauren Wells

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Going Deeper Discussion1. Which of the six characters in the Bible who struggled with depression and anxiety do you relate to the most? 2. Matthew 26:37-38 says this about Jesus the night before his crucifixion:
“…he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.’”
Jesus was anxious but did not sin. Is there a time when our anxiety becomes a sin? 3. What is your number one “takeaway” from the panel discussion?

Teaching NotesSix prominent characters in the Bible suffered from depression and anxiety due to a traumatic situation in their life:

David

Save me, O God,     for the waters have come up to my neck.I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Psalm 69:1-3

Elijah

“I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.” 

1 Kings 19:4

Jonah

“Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 

Jonah 4:3

“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”

Job 3:11

“I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Job 3:26

“I loathe my very life, therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.”

Job 10:1

Jeremiah

“Cursed be the day I was born…why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?” 

Jerermiah 20:14,  Jeremiah 20:18

Jesus

“a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.”

Isaiah 53:3

Panel Questions:

Impact: What impact will Covid 19 have on our mental health? What are symptoms of PTSD?
Parenting: What are three things we need to know to parent our children on the other side of this?
Pace of Life: COVID 19 gave us all a chance to slow down. As the pace of life picks back up again, what are some things we need to keep in mind to stay healthy?
Relationships: The new social etiquette is creating some stress in most of us. Give us some tips on how to handle this.
Role of Faith: What role does faith play in our mental health?

Learn more about our On-Site and Community Mental Health Resources.

Access our Self-Care Mental Health Resources page.

Sunday Set ListBe Strong - Troy Kennedy

In Control - Mitch Langley

Death Was Arrested - North Point InsideOut

Be sure to follow our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!

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Going Deeper Discussion1. Talk about a time when you were going through a valley.

* Did you keep walking?
* Did you see God walking with you?
* How did your faith grow through that time?

Do you pray for valleys to happen in your life? Why or why not?
Do you see patterns of times when you feel most lonely? What steps can you take to reduce the frequency or severity of those time?
What are practical ways you can support and encourage someone in their valley season?

Teaching Notes

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

When you feel lonely…

Keep moving.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”

Psalm 23:4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

“…not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:25

Why do we have a sense of loneliness today?

"It is a ‘me-first’ mind-set. This mind-set says indulge yourself, fulfill your desires, satiate your appetites, pursue pleasure, take off all restraints. As much as we might want to pretend that this value system died in the eighties, let’s be honest: it is alive and still thriving. With this mind-set comes an elusive promise: If you seek first your own good and satisfy your own desires, then you will be happy. In print, on television, and in the movies, over and over we hear the lie. The road to contentment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and true joy is marked with a street sign flashing ‘Me First.’...People are pathologically self-centered and ignore the needs of others.”

Bill Hybels: Why People are Lonely

Keep praying.

'“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 staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4

Prayer reconnects you to God.

Keep believing.

“I will fear no evil, why, because God is with me…”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46)

“Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’”

Hebrews 13:5

Even though I walk through the valley of loneliness and feeling isolated—I will fear no evil, I will keep moving, I will keep praying, and I will keep believing. For My God is with me and He is stronger than my doubt or my problems, and when no one else understands He holds me in His hands…Amen!

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Going Deeper Discussion1. What’s that “Thing” or “Situation” that you’re dealing with right now? 2. How much “Sideways Energy” do you expend over it & does that help? Mental energy? Triangling? Etc.? 3. What’s a time when you “Rumbled” with someone and it led to a surprising breakthrough or discovery? 4. Have you ever tried to rumble and own your part, but things got worse? Describe, if appropriate. 5. Of the three Takeaways, what is most meaningful for you today?

• You were made to rumble.

• The Holy Spirit rumbles with you.

• God rumbled for you. 6. What is your personal takeaway & next step?

Teaching Notes “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).

If it is possible-
Paul is a pragmatist
Some things are beyond our control
Possible means Dunaton: within your power or strength

As far as it depends on you -

Who are you & what layers do you bring into the conflict?
Pain
Dignity
Patterns
Genesis 3:8-13: fear, hiding, shame, blame
Family of Origin
Context
Assumptions
Desire

Brene Brown calls this A RUMBLE:

Here’s the full quote:

“...a {conversation} defined by a commitment to lean into vulnerability, to stay curious and generous, to stick with the messy middle...to take a break and circle back when necessary, to be fearless in owning our parts, and, as psychologist Harriet Lerner teaches, to listen with the same passion with which we want to be heard. More than anything else, when someone says, ‘Let’s rumble,’ it cues me to show up with an open heart and mind so we can serve the work and each other, not our egos.”

Brene Brown, “Dare To Lead”

3 Takeaways

God made you to rumble.

You have redemptive capacity to do this! 2. The Holy Spirit rumbles with you. * We have the spirit that lives within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). * Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27). * The Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth - about ourselves, others, God himself, the world (John 16:13) * The Spirit gives us courage and power (Ephesians 1:17-20) * The gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22) 1. God rumbled for you.

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Going Deeper Discussion1. Why is forgiving people so hard? 2. In Matthew 5, why would Jesus make reconciliation in our relationships more important to than leaving a gift at the altar? 3. Do you think we fully understand what it means that God forgave us of our offense against him? 4. Can you tell a story of when someone forgave you or you forgave someone?

Teaching NotesSeeking forgiveness is a higher priority than going to church.

“…if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 5:23-24

God has forgiven you…it only makes sense that you would forgive others.

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.

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Matthew 18:21-35

10,000 bags of gold = 20 years wage
100 silver coins = 1 day wage

People who hold out on forgiving others hurt themselves more .

Do you have someone you need to ask for forgiveness? Do you have someone you need to grant forgiveness?

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Going Deeper Discussion1. What’s been a “silver lining” for you in these quarantined times? What do you want to hold onto from this time and carry with you? 2. Parents, given the 5 Stages Of A Walk, what stage are you in right now? What stage is your favorite? When you get it wrong, what stage do you default to? 3. Thinking through the 5 Stages, how were you parented? What stage did you receive the most of? What stage did you need more of? 4. When you think about God, how do you most often view or experience Him: * The Stroller Push God (Nurturer) * The Tether God (Restraint) * The Hike God (Pusher) * The Forced Walk God (Demands Duty) * The Stroll God (Friendship)

Do you believe that your Father in heaven longs to take walks with you “...in the garden, in the cool of the day”?

Teaching Notes

“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 strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Impress means to repeat or sharpen.

The 5 Stages of a Walk:

The Stroller Push is about NURTURE
The Tether Walk is about RESTRAINT
The Hike is about ADVENTURE
The Forced Family Walk is about TIME
The Stroll is about FRIENDSHIP

This is how we “sharpen” our children.

Our goal through every stage is always love.

How do we know what walk our kids most need right now?

Our children need to grow on the GRIT SCALE. Tim Elmore, in his book Generation Z Unfiltered, writes that as parents we often:

Risk too little
Rescue too frequently
Rave too quickly
Reward too easily

Who is God?

The Stroller Push God (Nurturer)
The Tether God (Restrainer)
The Hike God (Pusher)
The Forced Walk God (Wants our Time)
The Stroll God (Friend)

God is all of these

But at just the right time,

In just the right way,

And He always does it in love.

“{Our human fathers} 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. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:10-11

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he walking in the garden in the cool of the day,...”

Genesis 3:8

God wants to walk with you. All you have to say is “Sure. When you going?”

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Going Deeper Discussion1. How did Joseph’s glimpse of the Upper Story give him the ability to forgive his brothers? How might this help you forgive someone who has betrayed you? 2. Describe a time in your life where in the Lower Story things looked bleak, but ultimately in the Upper Story it turned out for the good. 3. If Michelangelo painted a scene of your life on the Sistine Chapel, what would it look like?

Teaching NotesGod wants us to read the Bible as we would view a mural.

There are two stories going on in the Bible at the same time:

The Lower Story is our individual story and how we see life from our perspective.
The Upper Story is the story God’s is writing

The Story of Joseph (Beginning in Genesis 37)

Age 17

Betrayed - Promoted - Forgives - Dies

“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered…”

Genesis 38:2

While Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Genesis 39:20-21

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis 41:14-16

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

Genesis 45:3-8

Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten yearsand saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.

Genesis 50:22-23

Application

Have you ever been in a place where the Lower Story in your life looked one way, but in the end, you caught a glimpse of the Upper Story and it made sense of it and a good story emerged?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

If Michelangelo painted a scene of your life on the Sistine Chapel, what would it look like?

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Going Deeper Conversation1. What you think it is going to be like to sing the Revelation 5:9-10 song to Jesus in this crazy large multi-ethnic choir? 2. What are your reactions to the conversation Pastor Randy had with Pastor John Brooks? 3. Consider offering your own heartfelt prayer of confession. Pray about the most appropriate way to share your prayer with other people.

Teaching NotesRacism is a “Black and White” issue in the Bible

Jesus tore down the walls that divide us.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

Ephesians 2:14-16

A Multi-ethnic congregation is our eternal destiny.

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. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,     and they will reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:9-10

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Going Deeper Conversation1. Pastor Jim defined revival in the New Testament era as: the return of the Holy Spirit to His rightful place in the church and with His followers. He mentions three steps that move us toward bringing the Holy Spirit back to the rightful place in our lives: prayer, confession of sin and rectifying relationships. Which of these do you feel the Spirit prompting you to take action on? 2. Pastor Jim referenced the Holy Spirit throughout his message. Have you spent much time thinking about/studying the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit's activity look like in your life? Is He active in your life? 3. "Fire spreads. It is contagious." Is the Spirit's promptings of revival burning inside you—calling you to open up and allow that flame to spread to anyone you encounter? If not, have you asked why?

Teaching Notes

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Matthew 3:11

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SIGN THE AWAKEN DECLARATION

Going Deeper Conversation1. Have you ever found yourself in a really difficult situation saying, “If I get out of this mess alive, things are going to be different? “ 2. Of the three commitments Israel made, which one do you think was going to be the hardest for them? Why? 3. What things are going to be different for you as we come out the other side of the coronavirus pandemic?

Teaching Notes

“Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.”

Nehemiah 9:32-33

“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”

Nehemiah 9:38

Three things they agreed were going to be different:

We are going to focus on the spiritual legacy of our families. (Nehemiah 10:30)
We are going to slow down and take God more seriously. (Nehemiah 10:31)
We are going to live more generously. (Nehemiah 10:32-39)

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Going Deeper Conversation1. Read Joel 2:12-13
When you read this passage, do you get a sense of hope/fear/both? Explain. 2. Pastor Phil Hopper’s message references Matthew 5:13 and how we as Christians are the “salt” of the earth. If seasonings such as salt bring out the best flavors, how has God “seasoned” you to be your best to bring Him glory? How can we help? 3. God wants to be our first love. What has God allowed to happen in your life to bring about a spiritual awakening? What do you need to give up to put Jesus first in your life? How can we help? Repent and Return

Teaching Notes

Joel 1:4-5, “What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten. Awake, you drunkards, and weep; and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the new wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth.”

Historically, God has brought cataclysm on nations when they need to spiritually awaken! Historically when His people needed to spiritually awaken, God uses natural cataclysm, famine, economic depression and even their enemies to bring about their destruction.

We must awaken because our nation is facing a new kind of famine – a moral and spiritual famine. While Joel’s nation was facing physical famine, we are in a moral and spiritual famine. It’s time for God’s people to awaken!

The Church must awaken because as the Church goes, so goes the nation! Jesus said that we are the “salt” of the earth and the “light” of the world! But the Church is no longer salty and it’s not shining!

We will live to see national REVIVAL or national RUIN! We must AWAKEN!

Prayer and repentance are the pathway to revival!

Joel 2:12-13, “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.

If we repent and return, God promises to revive us and awaken us!

Revelation 2:5, “Remember, therefore, from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”

Joel 2:28-29, 32, “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions, and also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days…And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

In those days immediately preceding Christ’s second coming, there will be worldwide revival! Peter quoted from this very passage in Joel 2 on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. He was teaching that what was happening as God poured His Spirit out on the 120 giving birth to the Church was a partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy. But there is still a yet future and final fulfillment that will happen shortly before Christ returns!

Today God will bring revival and pour out His Spirit on anyone who will “call on the name of the Lord.”

Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

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We all have some sort of disability, something that is hindering us. It could be physical, mental, or spiritual. Regardless of what your diagnosis is, God still pours out his favor & grace. He uses it all for His good.

Those who push us, despite our disabilities, help us grow.

Some of the best gifts God has for us is found outside of our comfort zone.

Because of loss or lack, it positions us to be in the right moment for God to reveal His favor & grace.

Our stories are full of favor and grace

We have to face our fears

Our loss and longings put us in a position to see Jesus in a whole new way

Get caught by His goodness and mercy (Ps. 23:6)

Scripture References:
1 Samuel 1 (Hannah)

Luke 2: 22-39 (Anna)

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Going Deeper Questions:

Read Psalms 23:6. What is David saying in this passage?
Think of a pivotal moment in your life when you chose to rejoice despite the darkness. How did your faith in God help you through this?
We all have a disability of some sort, something that hinders us. It could be a physical, mental or spiritual. What is yours and how is God using this to pour out His favor and grace upon you and/or those around you?
We are all encouraged to slow down so we can be caught by God's favor and grace, so we can see things differently. What is God challenging you to see differently? How can this LifeGroup, accountability partners, next steps team help you get "caught" so you see yourself the way God sees you. What is your next step?

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Westside’s Impact Globally is done through 3 major wholistic and synergistic movements of Jesus’ Kingdom:

1. Orphan Care

Pray for immune-compromised kids
Pray for immune-compromised Caregivers
Pray for Kids in abusive situations
Pray for their protection when given food and supplies

2. Community Development - Isaiah 58:6-9; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray there is enough food for the villages
Pray that the food will open doors for the gospel
Pray that there is an awakened sense of community from micro-business development
Pray the micro-businesses pivot and prosper during this time

3. Church Planting - Luke 4:16-21

Pray for day laborer bi-vocational pastors.
Pray that the food that’s shared will create gospel conversations.
Pray that Jesus’ Church would thrive in this time of crisis as people sense their need for God’s protection.
Pray that we would believe in Jesus more than the situation.

Jesus’ plan was wholistic from the start.

They all work together to change the world, and to change YOU.

It builds a resilience in your soul when you understand that Jesus is really all you need.

Here’s how you can be a world changer:

Pray
Sponsor
- a vulnerable child to change a life
- a project to make a difference
- Explore
- westsidefamily.church/globalimpact

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done.

Proverbs 19:17

Going Deeper:

How would you describe Jesus as a world changer?
Read Luke 4:16-21

How can this passage be read through the lens of:

* Orphan Care
* Community Development
* Church Planting

Jesus was quoting Isaiah in the previous passage, here’s another Isaiah passage. Read Isaiah 58:6-9

How can this passage be read through the lens of:

* Orphan Care
* Community Development
* Church Planting

Read Matthew 25:21-40

How can this passage be read through the lens of:

* Orphan Care
* Community Development
* Church PlantingDescribe Jesus’ connection to the way He feels with the way we treat others?

Read 2 Timothy 1:7

What emotions/motivations are listed in 2 Timothy 1:7?

What are the typical and perhaps normal obstacles against becoming a world changer? 6. What is Jesus telling you? What are you going to do about it?

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Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days...

John 11:1-6

We also live in the tension between:

Verse 5: Now...Jesus loved
Verse 6: So...Jesus stayed

If we dwell on His love but can’t face the reality of our circumstances, we are living in spiritual denial.

If we dwell on our painful circumstances and refuse to believe that God loves us, we are living in spiritual despair.

The Lazarus story in itself is not the point of this story because:

Lazarus ultimately died again.
Jesus did not heal everyone.

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?

John 11:25-26

Death is not the worst thing. Hopelessness in death is.

Jesus is the great and resurrected I AM, and this should change two things about what it means to live between verse 5 and verse 6:

How We Pray
How We Stand

Because Jesus is the great and resurrected I AM, we can live with “a hope within hopelessness”. How can you practice that hope today?

Going Deeper Questions:

Read John 11:5-6. Jesus waited two days before going to Bethany. What do you wish He had done instead? What could this say about you and about Jesus?
How are you personally living between verse 5 and verse 6 right now? What’s the most difficult part about that for you?
In the tension between knowing that Jesus loves you and wanting Him to show up differently in your life, which way do you naturally lean-- towards His love (as a potential form of denial) or towards His “absence” (as a potential form of despair)? Can you see how this tendency impacts your closest relationships?
Throughout this passage, Jesus shows a profound affection and grief over his friend Lazarus. In fact, 3 times He is overcome with emotion (see John 11:3, 33-38). Do you believe that He loves you and weeps over you just as much?
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, how can you literally practice a “hope within hopelessness” and invite God’s Spirit to help you pray and live differently?
God is the great regenerator and reverser of hopeless moments. Can you think of a time in your life when things were hopeless until God showed up?

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Jesus said, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”

Matthew 18:19-20

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Psalm 133

“One of you shall chase a thousand, but two of you shall chase ten thousand...”

Deuteronomy 32:30

GOING DEEPER:

As believers in Christ, we are all called to be united in Him. How has the COVID-19 virus made this easier or harder?
God answers our prayers in many ways, and not always in the ways we want. Describe a time when your prayers were answered. Describe a time when they were not answered. Were you grateful for the "unanswered" prayers?
How regular or developed is your prayer life? Do you pray alone, with family, friends, or your LifeGroup? Have you seen a shift in your prayer life during this season of COVID-19?
If yes, in what way? How can your LifeGroup help you take a next step in developing a stronger prayer life?
How do your earthly relationships impact your relationship with God? Consider their impact on a negative or positive scale. Read Psalms 133.

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Dear God, I acknowledge you as the one true God. I confess before you that I am a sinner, and that my life does not meet your righteous standard. I acknowledge that my sin keeps me from a relationship with you and entrance into your eternal kingdom.

Today, by faith, I place my hand on the head of Christ and transfer all my guilt to him to pay for sin through his death on the cross.

Today, I rely solely on the work of the cross to establish a personal and eternal relationship with you.

It is my intent to follow you all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Going Deeper Questions:

In a week where we are talking about sickness and death more than we usually do, is also the week where we talk about the solution to sickness and death more than we usually do – namely, the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross on Friday and his resurrection from the dead on Sunday morning. Could God be sending us a message?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 out loud. Why does Christianity rise and fall on the truth of the resurrection? Have you ever had a time in your life where you struggled to believe in the resurrection? Do you still struggle to believe it actually happened?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 out loud. How does this verse encourage us in light of the Coronavirus and other troubles we may experience?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 out loud. Resurrection Sunday is not just about Jesus rising from the dead but the promise that we too will rise from the dead when he returns. Share with each other your thoughts about this amazing day yet to come.

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“Dear Lord, your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We take this journey together, down the Romans Road, knowing the destination is You. In Jesus Name, Amen”

In Essentials, Unity
In non-Essentials, Liberty
In all things, CharityAugustine, 4th Century Christian Philosopher

In non-essentials, Liberty

We need to accept each other without passing judgment on disputable matters. (14:1-3)

The weak = legalist who judges the strong

The strong = liberal who looks down on the weak

We are not the judge, God is. (14:4, 10-12)
God accepts us both and offers us grace on the journey, so should we (14:3)
Christ died for both. (14:15)

In Essentials, Unity

Mile-Marker 1 – Where Do I Stand with God?

I do not have a right relationship with God because of sin
I must repent – do a U-turn, acknowledge my sin with the intent of following God

Mile-Marker 2 – How do I become a Christian?

I must place my faith in Jesus

Mile-Marker 3 – How do I grow?

My grand goal is to become like Jesus
I can only do this as I yield to the Spirit of God within me

Mile-Marker 4 – What is my new purpose?

Remove myself as the CEO of my life and place God at the center, guiding self and then your relationships.
Concentric Circles – God, Self, Relationships

Going Deeper Questions:

How has the Corona Virus pandemic reinforced that we are ultimately not in control? How can this reality work to mature us in our faith?
Can you think of things over the years you have changed your position on?
Which of the four mile-markers do you need the most at this time in your life?
If the church is unified how might this help us triumph over the Corona Virus pandemic?

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Seven Authority Structures Established by God:

God| All People

Elders | Church

Husband | Wife

Parent | Child

Employer | Employee

Teacher | Student

Government | People

The main action step for us is to not only identify these structures but to accept them and then submit our lives to them. (13:1a)

Every nation and leader in existence today is because God ordained it. (13:1b)

For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Romans 9:17

What does one do when authority isn’t looking out for what is right or best for the people they serve?

Remember leaders are accountable to God for their actions.
- God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”:
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:1-4 * Work within the rules to bring about change. * Rebel and suffer the punishment.

“We must obey God rather than men!”

Acts 5:29

Remember, whatever happens now does not change the outcome at the end of everything

…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:10-11

Practically, we are called to pay the money, honor and respect our government is due. (13:6-7)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 2:1-2

Going Deeper Questions:

Romans 13:1-2 tells us that God has established all authority structures and rebelling against them is rebelling against God. In Paul’s day this included the Roman Empire which was not always kind to Christians. Relate to command to our day today.
How do you feel our national and local governments are doing in managing the corona virus pandemic? What parts are easy for you to obey and which ones are harder?
There are three ways to biblically respond when we feel government is not leading in the best interest of the people. Give your thoughts about each one.
Remember leaders are accountable to God for their actions.
Work within the rules to bring about change.
Rebel and suffer the punishment.
Romans 13:6-7 tell us we are to give honor and respect for our government leaders. How might we do a better job with this?

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Mile-Marker #4: What is my new purpose?

The Old Way to Manage my Life (1-5)

The New Way to Manage my Life (12-16)

God’s principles in managing my relationships (Romans 12:9-21; 13:8-14)

Paul lays out 22 ways we are to relate to other people. (12:9-21)
Grand Summary: Love your neighbor as yourself (13:8-10)

The imminent return of Jesus should motivate us into action. (13:11-14)

Going Deeper Questions:

Of the 22 ways Paul lays out for us to relate to other people, which one has ministered to you the most? Do you have a story when someone loved you in this way?
Of the 22 ways Paul lays out for us to relate to other people, which one is the hardest for you to apply? Why?
Discuss with your group what are tangible things you can do to help during the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Mile Marker #4 – What is my new purpose?

Our first new purpose begins with God; get this right, and everything else falls into place. (12:1-2)

Self-Management #1 – Don’t think too highly or lowly of yourself (12:3a)

Low…………………………………………………………….High

Our worth does not come from our performance but our position.
Our worth does not come from what we do, but who we know.
Biblical humility is not someone with low self-esteem, but someone with a strong self-esteem that comes from their position in Christ.

Self-Management #2 – Have an accurate assessment of how God wired you. (12:3b)

Where are you at on the Capacity/Risk Meter?

Low Capacity……………………………………………High Capacity

Low Risk…………………………………………………High Risk

Self-Management #3 – Know and use the spiritual gifts God has given you in harmony and with respect to your brothers and sisters in Christ. (12:4-8)

ID the top two gifts you believe God has given you

Prophesying (insights into what God’s Word has to say about contemporary times)
Serving (someone else can lead, I just want to help)
Teaching (helping people understand & apply principles to their lives)
Encouraging (gifted at giving people a positive boost)
Giving (using what God has given me to help others)
Leading (running point on managing people or projects)
Showing Mercy (helping people who are hurting without judgment)

Going Deeper:

On Self-Management #1, where did you plot yourself on the graph of “thinking too lowly or too highly of yourself”? Why did your place yourself at this point? What do you think needs to happen to get yourself where God wants you to be?
On Self-Management #2, where did your plot yourself on the capacity/risk meter? Are you content with where you are at or dissatisfied?
On the list of spiritual gifts in Self-Management #3, a fun exercise might be for each of you to guess what you think is the top spiritual gift of the other members of your group and why. Once you have done that, have each member share what they chose for themselves.

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Mile Marker #4 – What is my new purpose? (12:1)

In view of God’s mercy, we offer all we are to God as a living sacrifice
Our first new purpose begins with God; get this right, and everything else falls in place

“…our feet will walk in his paths, our lips will speak the truth and spread the gospel, our tongues will bring healing, our hands will lift up those who have fallen, and perform many mundane tasks as well like cooking and cleaning, typing and mending; our arms will embrace the lonely and the unloved, our ears will listen to the cries of the distressed, and our eyes will look humbly and patiently towards God.”

John Stott

How do we pull this off? (12:2)

Don’t Conform – Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold
Be Transformed – Saturate your mind in God’s Word to discover and align your life to God’s will.

Going Deeper:

In Romans 12:1 Paul is going to invite us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God in view of his mercy towards us. Paul is looking back over chapters 1-11 and what God has done to bring us into a relationship with him filled with eternal hope. Share how God has been merciful to you or your family?
Practically speaking, what does it mean to be a living sacrifice? Give some examples.
We think of worship as singing songs. At the end of Romans 12:1 Paul calls being a living sacrifice true and pure worship. How does this change your concept of worship?
Romans 12:2 warns us not to be conformed to the world. What are some practical things one can do to keep this from happening?
Romans 12:2 invites us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. What works best for you to keep you focused on God’s truths and plan for your life?

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I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.

Romans 9:1-4

In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

Romans 9:8

What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.

Romans 9:14

Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4

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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, or, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:9-13

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Romans 11:32

I will measure God’s compassion and mercy by the cross.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:14-15

Bragging about Jesus is showing compassion!

Who needs to hear?

I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!” they’re calling you “God’s living children.”

Romans 9:25-26, The Message

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Mile Marker 3 – How do I grow?

Moses’ Law has the right but not the might. (7:1-13)
Sin’s Law has the might but not the right (7:14-25)
Spirit’s Law has the might and the right. (8:1-2)

How does the Spirit work in us to help us grow?

Set your mind on what the Spirit desires. (8:5-8,11)
The Spirit reminds us we are children of God. (8:15-16)
The Spirit helps us when we are in a place of weakness. (8:26-27)

Four Promises:

All things will work together for the good. (8:28)
If God is for us, who can be against us. (8:31)
We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (8:37)
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God. (8:39)

Going Deeper:

Read Romans 8:5-8 and 11 out loud. Can you list some things that the Spirit desires for us?
Read Romans 8:26-27 out loud. Have you ever been in such a desperate place where your prayers where more groans than actual words? What does Paul say the Spirit does with these groans?
Read the four promises above out loud. Which one means the most to you right now? Why?

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Mile Marker 1: Where do I stand with God? (1:1-3:20)

Action Step 1: Repent- do a U-Turn and admit you fall short.

Mile Marker 2 : How do I become a Christian? (3:21-5:21)

Action Step 2: Place your faith in Jesus.

Courtroom: Justified – God drops all charges against you, even though you are guilty

Slavery: Redeemed – Jesus’ blood bought you and set you free from sin

Sacrifices: Atoned – Transfer your sin & guilt to Jesus

Banking: Credited – Let Jesus pay your debt & credit you with righteousness

Mile Marker 3: How do I grow? (6-7)

Baptism is a public declaration symbolizing the death of our old self in Adam and the birth of our new life in Jesus.
Action Step 3: Be baptized

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.

Galatians 5:22-23

Unite – God the gardener, grafting our branch into the vine of Jesus to produce fruit in our lives. (6:5-7; 7:4)
Spiritual growth comes by abiding in Christ (John 15)
You can’t do it!

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Mile Marker 1 – Where do I stand with God?

Repent – Do a U-Turn and move towards God
The spiritual virus in Adam is transmitted to all of his offspring. (5:12)

Mile Marker 2 – How do I become a Christian?

How can we overturn Adam’s decision in our life? (5:18-19)
Place your faith in Jesus.

How did Abraham come into a relationship with God? (4:1-3)

Abraham's works would not gain him access into God's kingdom.
Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. (4:18-22)

The same is true for us! (23-25)

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Mile Marker 1: Where do I stand with God (Romans 1:18-3:20)

Absolutely no one has a right standing before God because of the junk we carry in our bags.
Step 1: Repent – Do a U-Turn and acknowledge before God that you are guilty.

Mile Marker 2: How do I become a Christian? (Romans 3:21-5:21)

Step 2: Place your faith in Jesus (3:22)
Mind the Gap (3:23)
Justified = Declared right with God (3:24a)
Redemption = Payment to win our release (3:24b)
Substitutionary Atonement = Sufficient payment made by another. (3:25)

Going Deeper

Mind the Gap: There is a gap in the Romans Road as wide as the Grand Canyon. No one can, by themselves, can get across it to the other side where a relationship with God resides. Do you see or feel the reality of the gap in your own life? What emotions does it stir up in you?
Share your story of when you “placed your faith in Jesus.” If you are not there yet, share where you are on the journey and what is holding you back from making this decision.
Which of the three words speaks the most to you of what Jesus did for us all?
Justified (Legal)
Redemption (Slavery)
Substitutionary Atonement (Sacrifice of another)

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As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;
there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”
“Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
ruin and misery mark their ways,
and the way of peace they do not know.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Romans 3:10-20

Admit we’re no better than anyone else.

Acknowledge we are not perfect

In what we say
In what we do

Bottom line, we don’t fear God.

Accept we’re no worse than anyone else.

…he who is forgiven little, loves little

Luke 7:47

Westside Family Church Audio: Recent Episodes

Westside Family Church, Lenexa

1: When we find ourselves saying, God agrees with me.

2: When we are simply being foolish