Life Center at the Sanctuary: Recent Episodes
Jeff Davis
To the Ends of the Earth P11 Where There's a Will There's a Way | Josiah Thomas | Life Center North Tacoma
Title: Real or Counterfeit Faith?Acts 19:11-20 (CSB)Acts 19:16 (CSB)Counterfeit faith is thinking you can have the POWER OF GOD without having a RELATIONSHIP WITH HIMPhilippians 4:13 (CSB)Judges 16:20 (CSB)There is a dark realm and it can RECOGNIZE REAL SURRENDER versus a COUNTERFEIT ONEEphesians 6:12 (CSB)2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CSB)“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” -C.S. LewisActs 19:15 (CSB)Counterfeit faith is thinking INFORMATION equals AUTHORITYThe enemy is powerful, but NOT MORE POWERFUL than the name of JesusActs 19:16 (CSB)Matthew 8:32 (CSB)Matthew 16:18 (CSB)Philippians 2:5-11 (CSB)When WHAT'S REAL exposes what's fake, PEOPLE NOTICEActs 19:17-20 (CSB)OPPOSITION rises when transformation happensEphesians 6:10-18 (CSB)
Title: FILL THE GAP Intro Scripture: Acts 18:19-25 CSB Point 1 - BE A DISCIPLE MAKERActs 18:23 CSBGalatians 4:19 CSBActs 18:24-26 CSB2 Timothy 2:24-25 CSBPoint 2 - BE A DISCIPLEActs 18:27-28 CSB1 Corinthians 3:6-9 CSB
Title: CULTURE SHOCKIntro Scripture: Acts 17:16-21 CSB1. WHAT DO YOU SEE?Acts 17:16Exodus 32:12. WHAT DO YOU FEEL?Acts 17:17-18Isaiah 42:33. WHAT WILL YOU SPEAK?Acts 17:23-27
Title - GROWING SEASON Intro Scripture - Acts 17:10-14 CSBActs 17:5-6 CSBPoints:#1. HAVE AN OPEN HEART NOT A HARDENED ONEActs 17:11 CSB Psalm 119:18-19 CSBPsalm 119:34James 1:21 CSB#2. HAVE AN EAGER SPIRIT NOT A SELF-CONSUMED ONEActs 17:11 CSB1 Peter 2:2 CSB#3. HAVE FIRSTHAND GROWTH NOT JUST FIRSTHAND INSPIRATIONActs 17:11 CSBActs 17:12 CSB
Title: MIDNIGHT HOURSIntro Scripture: Acts 16:22-25 CSBPoints:#1. WORSHIP FROM A PLACE OF FREEDOMActs 16:25 CSBSpotify PlaylistPhilippians 4:4-7 CSBPsalms 119:61-62 CSB#2. BELIEVE FREEDOM CAN TAKE PLACEActs 16:26 CSB2 Corinthians 3:17 CSBJohn 8:36 CSBActs 16:27-31 CSB#3. SHARE FREEDOM WITH OTHERSActs 16:32-34 CSB
Title: THE BEAUTY OF “NO”Scripture: Acts 16:6-10 CSB1. THE CLOSED DOOR IS NOT A SETBACK, IT’S A SET UPActs 16:6-8Isaiah 55:8-92. DON’T JUST SURRENDER YOUR HEART, SURRENDER YOUR PLANSActs 16:9-10Acts 16:25-31Romans 8:26-303. GOD’S GRACE IS IN THE UNEXPECTEDActs 16:11-15
Title: GLOVES OFFIntro Scripture: Acts 15:36-41 CSB1. PEOPLE COME AND GO, GOD NEVER LEAVES OUR SIDEActs 15:37-38 CSBActs 13:13 CSB2. PEOPLE FIGHT, GOD RESTORESActs 15:39-40 CSB3. PEOPLE EXPERIENCE PAIN, GOD USES IT FOR HIS PURPOSEActs 15:41 CSB
Title: GRACIOUS TEMPESTActs 15:1-5 CSB1. GRACE DISPUTED- Acts 15:1-2 CSB2. GRACE DEFENDED- Acts 15:7-8 CSB- Acts 10:44 CSB- Acts 15:9-11 CSB- Ephesians 2:8-9 CSB3. GRACE DISPLAYED- Acts 15:19-20 CSB
Title: To the Ends of the Earth, Part 1Intro Scripture: Acts 12:1-5 CSB#1. TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN IT HURTSActs 12:1-3 CSBJohn 16:33 CSB#2. TALK TO GOD EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLEActs 12:4-6 CSB1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSBPhilippians 4:6-7 CSBActs 12:7 CSBActs 12:12 CSB#3. THANK GOD EVEN WHEN OUTCOMES ARE UNKNOWNActs 12:21-24 CSB1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSB1 Corinthians 10:31 CSB
Title: "THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY"Intro Scripture: Matthew 27:62-66 CSB#1. DON'T LOSE HOPEMatthew 27:65-66 CSB#2. DON'T BE AFRAIDMatthew 28:1-6 CSB1 Corinthians 15:55-56 CSBRomans 6:23 CSB#3. DON'T SETTLEMatthew 28:7-9 CSBMatthew 28:11-15 CSB
Title: THIS IS JESUSIntro Scripture: Matthew 21:1-5 CSB#1. JESUS IS PROPHETMatthew 21:10-11 CSBActs 3:22 CSBDeuteronomy 18:18 CSBJohn 8:23-28 CSB#2. JESUS IS PRIESTMatthew 21:8-9 CSBHebrews 2:17 CSBJohn 17:14-15 CSBRomans 8:34 CSB#3. JESUS IS KINGMatthew 21:4-5 CSBZechariah 9:9 CSBMatthew 2:1-2 CSB
Title: A NEW ERAActs 10:23-48 CSBIsaiah 49:6 CSBActs 10:28 CSBHE USES PEOPLEHE USES PRAYERActs 10:4-6 CSBHE POURS OUT HIS SPIRITActs 10:44-46 CSB2 Corinthians 5:17 CSB
Title: DESERT DISCOVERYIntro Scrip: Acts 8:26-30 CSB1. BE OBEDIENT IN THE DESERTActs 8:26-27 CSB2. BE COURAGEOUS IN THE UNKNOWNActs 8:29-30 CSBActs 8:31 CSB3. BE WISE IN THE OPPORTUNITYActs 8:32-34 CSBEphesians 5:8-10 ESVActs 8:36-39 CSB
Title: GRAPPLING WITH GLORYIntro Scripture: Acts 8:9-13 CSB1. DON'T JUST OBSERVE, RESPONDActs 8:9-11 CSBActs 8:12-13 CSB2. DON'T JUST RESPOND, RESPOND WITH THE RIGHT HEARTActs 8:18-21 CSB3. THE RIGHT HEART, LEADS YOU TO REPENTANCEActs 8:22-24 CSB
Title: FROM PAIN TO PURPOSEActs 7:54-60 CSB1. WHAT ARE YOU FULL OF?Acts 7:54 CSBActs 7:55-56 CSBMatthew 7:13-14 CSB2. WHO WILL YOU FORGIVE?Acts 7:57-60 CSBLuke 23:34 CSB3. WHERE WILL YOU GO?Acts 8:1-8 CSBActs 1:8 CSBGenesis 50:20 CSB
Title: WHAT ABOUT ME?Acts 6:1-7 CSB1. ADAPT AND HOLD ON- Acts 6:2-4 CSB- Genesis 16:11-13 CSB2. ADJUST YOUR PERSPECTIVE NOT JUST YOUR ROLE- Acts 6:3 CSB3. ACCEPT THE ASSIGNMENT- Acts 6:5-7 CSB
BLESS THIS MESS
Luke 1:26-34 (CSB)
- GRACE FOR YOUR QUESTIONS
Luke 1:34-38 (CSB)
- GRACE FOR YOUR PLANS
Matthew 1:18-20 (CSB)
Matthew 1:24-25(CSB)
- GRACE FOR THE UNKNOWN
Matthew 2:14-15 (CSB)
Genesis 50:20 (CSB)
Romans 8:28 (CSB)
THE PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS
Isaiah 9:2-7 (CSB)
- THE PROMISE CAME IN AN UNEXPECTED PACKAGE
Isaiah 9:2-3 (CSB)
-
THE PROMISE HAS YOUR NAME ON IT
-
THE PROMISE IS ACCOMPLISHED BY GOD’S ZEAL
Isaiah 9:7 (CSB)
Do you hear what I hear?
Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
Genesis 1:31 (CSB)
Genesis 3:6-11 (CSB)
1.THE SOUND OF GOD
Genesis 3:8 (CSB)
Matthew 1:23 (CSB)
Mark 4:35-39 (CSB)
- THE SEARCH OF GOD
Genesis 3:9 (CSB)
Luke 15:4 (CSB)
- THE RESPONSE OF HIS PEOPLE
Genesis 3:10 (CSB)
Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
FOREVER PRAISE
Psalms 136:5-15 (CSB)
- WHAT’S IN FRONT OF YOU?
Psalms 136:10-13 (CSB)
Exodus 14:10-16 (CSB)
- WHAT’S SURROUNDING YOU?
Exodus 14:21-22 (CSB)
Psalms 136:14 (CSB)
- WHAT’S BEHIND YOU?
Exodus 14:26-28 (CSB)
Psalms 136:15 (CSB)
Psalms 136:23-26 (CSB)
SPIRITUAL AMNESIA
Psalms 103:1-5 (CSB)
- A CALL TO REMEMBER
Psalms 103:2-4 (CSB)
- A CALL TO RESPOND
Psalms 103:2 (CSB)
Matthew 5:6 (CSB)
LET IT BE KNOWN
Psalms 100:1-5 (CSB)
- ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE LORD IS GOD AND YOU ARE NOT
Psalms 100:3 (CSB)
- ACKNOWLEGE THAT THERE IS POWER IN YOUR PRAISE
Psalms 100:4 (CSB)
Psalms 22:3 (CSB)
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CSB)
Acts 16:25-26 (CSB)
- ACKNOWLEGE THAT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE IT
Psalms 100:5 (CSB)
Philippians 1:6 (CSB)
JOIN THE PARTY
Luke 15:25-26 (CSB)
- GOD’S LOVE IS GREATER THAN YOUR ANGER
Luke 15:27-28 (CSB)
- GOD’S HEART OF RECONCILIATION IS GREATER THAN YOUR HEART OF REBELLION
Luke 15:29-30 (CSB)
- THE IDENTITY GOD GIVES YOU IS GREATER THAN THE IDENTITY YOU GIVE YOURSELF
Luke 15:31-32 (CSB)
Hebrews 12:2 (CSB)
THE FATHER WHO RUNS TOWARDS THE RUNAWAYS
Luke 15:1-2 (CSB)
Luke 15:11-24 (CSB)
THE FATHER LOVES US SO MUCH HE GIVES US THE FREEDOM TO RUN AWAY
NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE TO THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WE FIND IN OUR FATHER’S HOUSE
OUR TRUE HOME ONLY EXISTS IN GOD
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER RUNS TO, HUGS, AND KISSES HIS RETURNING CHILDREN
OUR FATHER FORGIVES US BEFORE WE FINISH OUR REPENTANCE SPEECH AND THROWS US A PARTY
-
BEWARE OF THINGS TRYING TO REPLACE OUR TRUE HOME
-
RETURN TO THE FATHER’S HOUSE
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REJOICE — HE LOVES YOU!
WHATEVER IT TAKES
Luke 7:34 (CSB)
Luke 15:1-3 (CSB)
Luke 15: 8-10 (CSB)
- JESUS GOES IN TO DARK PLACES
Luke 15:8 (CSB)
Psalms 139:12 (CSB)
John 1:4-5 (CSB)
John 8:12 (CSB)
- JESUS SWEEPS THE HOUSE
Luke 15:8 (CSB)
Genesis 1:27 (CSB)
- JESUS WON’T STOP PURSUING YOU
Luke 15:8-10 (CSB)
FOR THE WANDERER
Luke 15:1-7 (CSB)
Luke 7:34 (CSB)
WHAT DO YOU FIND YOURSELF COMPLAINING ABOUT MOST?
WHO DO YOU FIND YOURSELF COMPLAINING?
HOW DO WE BECOME A CHURCH THAT CELEBRATES THE “ONE”?
-
GOD HAS NEVER LOST ONE OF HIS SHEEP
-
HOW YOU SEE JESUS’ LOVE FOR YOU AND OTHERS MATTERS
Ephesians 2:1-4 (CSB)
- WOULD WE NEVER FORGET TO CELEBRATE THE LOST COMING HOME
Romans 2:4 (CSB)
TRUE LOVE
Matthew 22:34-40 (CSB)
- LOVE STARTS WITH GOD
Matthew 22:35-37 (CSB)
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
1 John 4:19-21 (CSB)
- LOVE FLOWS TO YOUR NEIGHBOR
Matthew 22:39-40 (CSB)
John 13:34-35 (CSB)
Leviticus 19:33-34 (CSB)
Galatians 3:28 (CSB)
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
ANSWER THE CALL
Matthew 28:16-20 (CSB)
- HE’S YOUR SOURCE OF POWER
Matthew 28:18-19 (CSB)
- HE’S GIVEN YOU PURPOSE
Matthew 28:19 (CSB)
- HE’S GIVEN YOU PURPOSE
Matthew 28:19 (CSB)
BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS MEANS TO GO
Jude 1:18-20 (CSB)
BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS MEANS TO SUFFER
Matthew 16:21-25 (CSB)
Revelation 5:1-7 (CSB)
John 16:33 (CSB)
- HE’S DESIGNED THE PLAN
Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB)
Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)
Matthew 28:20 (CSB)
NOT BEYOND REACH
Mark 2:13-17 CSB
Mark 2:14 CSB
Mark 2:15-16 CSB
Isaiah 59:2 NLT
Romans 5:15-17 NLT
Mark 2:17 CSB
-
LOVE
-
LISTEN
-
LIVE
Luke 23:39-43 NLT
DNA: WHAT MAKES US, US
WE REFLECT THE DNA WE HAVE RECEIVED.
WE ARE ABOUT LIFE, BECAUSE LIFE IS WHO JESUS IS.
1 John 5:11-13 (CSB)
OUR MISSION IS TO BRING LIFE IN JESUS TO EVERY LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
John 1:4
John 10:10
John 20:31
WE CARRY THE LIFE
Galatians 2:20
WE CLING TO THE SPIRIT
Ezekiel 47:1, 8-12
John 7:37-39
WHERE JESUS IS, LIFE IS.
JESUS IS BUILDING SOMETHING
1 Peter 2:1-6 CSB
#1. HE IS OUR FOUNDATION
• 1 Peter 2:6 CSB
2. WE ARE THE STONES
• 1 Peter 2:4-5 CSB
• 1 Peter 2:9-10 CSB
3. HE IS THE BUILDER
• Matthew 16:17-18 CSB
• John 3:30-31 CSB
The Mission Prescription: What God Expects of His Church
Acts 6
The Prescription
Matthew 28:19-20
Expectations:
-
Take It Seriously - John 9:4; 1 Cor. 9:19-22
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Speak Jesus' Name - Mt. 12.21; Rom. 10:13-15
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Go to Macedonia - Acts 16:9
Who is your Macedonia?
"DON'T STOP"
Intro Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 CSB
1. THERE'S POWER IN YOUR PROCLAMATION
Mark 10:47-48 CSB
2. THERE'S A COST TO YOUR CHANGE
Mark 10:49-50 CSB
3. THERE'S A RESPONSE TO HIS REQUEST
Mark 10:51-52 CSB
OUT OF CONTROL
Jonah 4:1-11 CSB
1. WHAT ARE YOU ANGRY ABOUT?
Jonah 4:1-4 CSB
Ephesians 4:25-26 CSB
Matthew 18:21-22 CSB
Matthew 18:32-33 CSB
2. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO CONTROL?
Jonah 4:6-9 CSB
"I Surrender" Lyrics
I surrender I surrender I wanna know You more I wanna know You more
Like a rushing wind Jesus breathe within Lord have Your way Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm Stir within my soul Lord have Your way Lord have Your way in me
3. WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT?
Jonah 4:10-11 CSB
Matthew 6:31-34 CSB
SECOND CHANCE GOD
Jonah 3:1-10 (CSB)
- THE POWER OF A SECOND CHANCE
Jonah 3:1-3 (CSB)
- THE POWER OF BELIEF
Jonah 3:4-5 (CSB)
John 6:28-29 (CSB)
John 20:29 (CSB)
Jonah 3:6-8 (CSB)
- THE POWER OF REPENTANCE
Jonah 3:10 (CSB)
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Jonah 2:1-10 (CSB)
- DON’T STOP CALLING
Jonah 2:1-2 (CSB)
- DON’T FEAR YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE
Jonah 2:3-5 (CSB)
1 John 4:18 (CSB)
- DON’T ABANDON YOUR LOVE
Jonah 2:7-9 (CSB)
Revelation 2:3-4 (CSB)
Jonah 2:10 (CSB)
RUNNING OUT OF STEAM
Jonah 1:1-17 (CSB)
- WHAT’S YOUR ASSIGNMENT?
Jonah 1:2-3 (CSB)
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB)
- WHERE’S YOUR ATTENTION?
Jonah 1:4 (CSB)
Jonah 1:8-9 (CSB)
- WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE?
Jonah 1:11-12 (CSB)
Hosea 6:6 (CSB)
Psalms 51:16-17 (CSB)
John 15:15-17 (CSB)
OH MY GUIDE
Intro Scripture: Acts 8:26-31 CSB
1. GOD WILL GUIDE YOU
Acts 8:26-28 CSB
Isaiah 56:3-5 CSB
2.YOU WILL GUIDE THERS
Acts 8:29-31 CSB
3. THE GUIDING IS FOR HIS GLORY
Acts 8:32-39 CSB
THIS IS NOT THE END
John 11:1-6 (CSB)
- DELAYED AGAIN
John 11:1-6 (CSB)
- RISE AGAIN
John 11:20-27 (CSB)
- PAIN AGAIN
John 11:32-36 (CSB)
Psalms 34:18 (CSB)
- HOPE AGAIN
John 11:41-44 (CSB)
Luke 19:11-19 (CSB)
MIND YOUR BUSINESS
- GOD’S BUSINESS
Luke 19:11-19 (CSB)
Ephesians 4:11-13 (CSB)
Matthew 22:37-39 (CSB)
Luke 9:23 (CSB)
Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB)
1 Peter 4:10 (CSB)
- YOUR FAITHFULNESS
Luke 19:15-19 (CSB)
- YOUR VIEW
Luke 19:20-26 (CSB)
THERE’S STILL ROOM
Luke 14:15-21 (CSB)
- ACCEPT THE INVITATION
Luke 14:16-20 (CSB)
SUMMER SLOW DOWN
-
DRIVE IN THE SLOW LANE
-
SHOW UP 10 MINUTES EARLY TO YOUR COMMITMENTS
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GET IN THE LONGEST LINE AT THE GROCERY STORE
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PRACTICE PRESENCE THROUGH ART
-
CUT THINGS OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE
-
TRY A DAY A WEEK AND A WEEK A YEAR PHONE FREE
-
PARENT YOUR PHONE
Mark 4:39 (CSB)
- EXTEND THE INVITATION
Luke 14:21-22 (CSB)
- LIVE THE INVITATION
Luke 14:23-24 (CSB)
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB)
ALL I NEED IS A GLIMPSE
Jeremiah 29:4-10 (NLT)
1.GROW
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NLT)
2.GUARD
Jeremiah 29:8-10 (NLT)
Ephesians 6:12-13 (CSB)
3.GLIMPSE
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)
1 Samuel 8:4-9 (CSB)
WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?
- POPULAR OPINION
1 Samuel 8:5-9 (CSB)
1 Samuel 8:19-22 (CSB)
Romans 12:1-2 (CSB)
- UNPOPULAR CHOICE
1 Samuel 16:1 (CSB)
Romans 16:6-12 (CSB)
- UNPOPULAR TRUTH
2 Samuel 7:12-16 (CSB)
Psalms 2:1-7 (CSB)
Acts 13:36-39 (CSB)
BETTER DAYS AHEAD
Exodus 2:23-25 (CSB)
- GOD SEES YOU
Exodus 2:23-25 (CSB)
Romans 6:16 (NLT)
- GOD RESPONDS TO YOU
Exodus 3:7-10 (CSB)
- GOD FREES YOU
Exodus 12:12-13 (CSB)
John 1:29 (CSB)
Luke 4:16-19 (CSB)
MAKE GOD BIG
Genesis 15:1-6 (CSB)
Genesis 12:1-3 (CSB)
Genesis 15:1-6 (CSB)
1.HIS PROMISE IS TRUE
2.HIS PRESENCE IS GREATER
Genesis 15:7-8 (CSB)
Genesis 15:12-17 (CSB)
3.HIS BLOOD COVERS ALL
Hebrews 9:11-15 (CSB)
THE CLEAR PICTURE
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, GOD HAS BEEN DRAWING PEOPLE CLOSE, AND HE’S STILL DOING IT TODAY, MAKING BROKEN LIVES BRAND NEW THROUGH JESUS
- THE GOSPEL IS PROMISED
Genesis 1:1-31 (CSB)
Genesis 2:1-25 (CSB)
Genesis 3:14-15 (CSB)
- THE GOSPEL IS PERSONAL
Ezekiel 36:26 (CSB)
- THE GOSPEL HAS POWER
Psalms 30:1-5 (CSB)
DOES OBEDIENCE REALLY WORK?
Romans 7:18-24 (CSB)
-
CONFLICTING DESIRES
-
QUESTIONS & DOUBT
-
CULTURAL PRESSURE & INFLUENCE
-
PRIDE & AUTONOMY
-
INCOMPLETE OR MISUNDERSTANDING TEACHING
-
CHURCH HURT & HYPOCRISY
-
FEAR OF LOSS OR SACRIFICE
Hebrews 12:1-3 (CSB)
OBEDIENCE IS PROOF OF YOUR LOVE
John 14:15 (CSB)
OBEDIENCE FLOWS FROM A NEW NATURE
2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (CSB)
OBEDIENCE BRINGS FREEDOM, NOT BONDAGE
Romans 6:14-16 (CSB)
OBEDIENCE IS TRUST AND SURRENDER
Philippians 2:13 (CSB)
DOES FORGIVENESS REALLY WORK?
A DISTINCTIVE MARK OF A FOLLOWER OF JESUS IS HIS ABILITY TO LOVE LIKE JESUS LOVED
John 13:34-35 (CSB)
JESUS CALLS US TO FORGIVE IN THE SAME HE HAS FORGIVEN US
Ephesians 4:32 (CSB)
Matthew 18:21-35 (CSB)
FORGIVENESS WORKS WHEN IT IS A STEP OF OBEDIENCE AND NOT A DECISION OF THE HEART
THE CONSEQUENCE OF NOT FORGIVING OTHERS IS THAT GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE US
Matthew 6:14-15 (CSB)
A LIFE OF UNFORGIVENESS WILL NEVER GIVE US THE HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION OUR SOULS LONG FOR
WHAT FORGIVENESS DOES NOT MEAN
WE NEED TO ALSO FORGIVE OURSELVES AND RECEIVE THE FORGIVENESS OF GOD
Psalms 103:11-13 (CSB)
FORGIVENESS WORKS BECAUSE IT REPAIRS THE BROKENESS IN YOUR HEART
DOES THE CHURCH REALLY WORK?
Acts 2:42-47 (CSB)
- DEVOTED FRUIT
Acts 2:42-43 (CSB)
- JOYFUL FRUIT
Acts 2:44-46 (CSB)
Acts 5:40-41 (CSB)
Mark 2:15-17 (CSB)
"But lately, in our rush to be critics, many of us have forgotten something just as important as honesty: humility…True humility says, “I might not have all the answers.” It acknowledges that personal preferences aren’t the blueprint for perfect Church. It leaves space for nuance. It trades performative outrage for actual service. It asks, “What part of this is broken — and what part of this is just uncomfortable for me?”" -Relevant Magazine
- GROWING FRUIT
Acts 2:47 (CSB)
DOES GOD’S LOVE REALLY WORK?
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
- GOD’S LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL NOT SUPERFICIAL
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
Matthew 5:38-42 (CSB)
- GOD’S LOVE IS STEADFAST NOT WAVERING
Romans 8:35-39 (CSB)
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (CSB)
- GOD’S LOVE IS HEAVENLY NOT HUMAN
Ephesians 3:16-19 (CSB)
FROM GRAVE TO BRAVE
Matthew 27:62-66 (CSB)
- SECURED
Matthew 27:64-66 (CSB)
John 14:16 (CSB)
Acts 1:8 (CSB)
John 14:12 (CSB)
Matthew 28:20 (CSB)
- SET FREE
Matthew 28:1-6 (CSB)
- SOLIDIFIED
Matthew 28:7-9 (CSB)
Whats so good about good friday?
John 12:20-24 CSB
John 12:24 CSB
Romans 6:23 CSB
The Goodness of God was revealed
John 12:24 CSB
WHO IS THIS?
Matthew 21:1-7 (CSB)
- THIS IS PEACE
Matthew 21:4-5 (CSB)
Ephesians 2:14 (CSB)
Zechariah 9:9 (CSB)
Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB)
- THIS IS OUR KING
Matthew 21:6-8 (CSB)
John 12:17-19 (CSB)
- THIS IS OUR SAVIOR
Matthew 21:9 (CSB)
- THIS IS JESUS
Matthew 21:10-11 (CSB)
A better way
Acts 9:1-9 (CSB)
1.the light of Jesus is more powerful than the darkness inside us
Acts 9:3 (CSB)
John 12:46 (CSB)
John 8:12 (CSB)
2.we must respond when Jesus calls us by name and asks us why
Acts 9:4 (CSB)
3. We have to truly know Jesus
4. Follow his footsteps and live for him
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (CSB)
Philippians 3:7-10 (CSB)
Revelation 3:20 (CSB)
DRY GROUND
Joshua 3:8-13 CSB
Joshua 3:8 CSB
Joshua 3:13 CSB
- WHERE ARE YOUR FEET TAKING YOU?
John 16:33 CSB
Joshua 3:14-16 CSB
- WHERE ARE YOU PUTTING YOUR FAITH?
Joshua 3:17 CSB
Numbers 20:12 CSB
2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB
Luke 1:37 CSB
Galatians 2:16 CSB
- WHERE HAS GOD BROUGHT YOU FROM?
Joshua 4:20-24 CSB
He Prays for you
John 17:9-15 (CSB)
1. Protect them
John 17:14-15 (CSB)
Romans 8:34 (CSB)
John 17:13 (CSB)
2. Sanctify them
John 17:16-19 (CSB)
3. Unite them
John 17:20-23 (CSB)
John 17:21 (CSB)
4. Be in them
John 17:26 (CSB)
John 13:35 (CSB)
Remain in the Vine
John 15:1-8 (CSB)
1.Remain in His word
John 15:1-3 (CSB)
Hebrews 4:12 (CSB)
2.Remain in the process
John 15:4-6 (CSB)
3.Remain in giving Him the Glory
John 15:7-8 (CSB)
John 15:16 (CSB)
I know the way
John 14:1-7 (CSB)
1. The way
John 13:33-36 (CSB)
John 14:4-6 (CSB)
2. The truth
John 14:15-17 (CSB)
Matthew 10:16-20 (CSB)
John 14:17 (CSB)
3. The life
John 10:10 (NIV)
John 14:27 (CSB)
A heart that serves
1. Serve with everything
John 13:3-5 (CSB)
2. Serve with love
John 13:12-15 (CSB)
Matthew 5:43-46 (CSB)
He gave
Matthew 25:14-19 (CSB)
1. God is the owner, we are the stewards
Matthew 25:14-15 (CSB)
Romans 11:36 (NLT)
Romans 12:1 (CSB)
5 keys to godly stewardship
#1. Biblically budget
Proverbs 27:23 (CSB)
#2. Spend less than what you make
Leviticus 19:9-10 (CSB)
#3. Attack debt
Proverbs 22:7 (NLT)
#4. Save
Proverbs 21:20 (CSB)
#5. Honor and trust god through it all
Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)
Proverbs 3:9 (CSB)
2. God is the guide, we are the worker
Matthew 25:16-18 (CSB)
Genesis 2:15 (CSB)
3. God gives, we receive
Matthew 25:19-26 (CSB)
ABOVE and beyond
2 Corinthians 8:1-10 (CSB)
1. Generosity is: internal before it’s external
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (CSB)
1 John 3:17 (ESV)
2. Generosity is: above and beyond our ability
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (CSB)
The getting ladder
Dreams
Security
Happiness
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)
Purpose
The giving ladder
Acts 20:35 (CSB)
Time
Talent
Treasure (tithe)
Generosity
3. Generosity is: the example
2 Corinthians 8:6-7 (CSB)
2 Corinthians 8:8-10 (CSB)
THE GENEROUS LIFE
Acts 20:35 (CSB)
John 14:15 (CSB)
James 1:22 (CSB)
Open heart, open hands
Malachi 3:10 (CSB)
1. Giving starts in your heart
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (CSB)
2. Giving creates overflow in your life
2 Corinthians 9:8-10 (CSB)
Proverbs 3:9-10 (CSB)
3. Giving produces thanksgiving in others
2 Corinthians 9:11-12 (CSB)
Acts 1:8 (CSB)
Mark 16:15 (CSB)
Can I get a witness?
Matthew 4:18-22 (CSB)
1. It’s for you
Matthew 4:18 (CSB)
Matthew 4:19 (CSB)
2. It’s for them
Matthew 4:20-22 (CSB)
John 21:15-17 (CSB)
3. It’s for him
Luke 14:21-23 (CSB)
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (CSB)
KEEP ON PRAYING
Matthew 7:7-11 (CSB)
Romans 12:12 (CSB)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (CSB)
1.ASK
Philippians 4:6 (CSB)
2.SEEK
John 15:4-5 (CSB)
3.KNOCK
Luke 11:8 (CSB)
Embrace the silence
Luke 5:15 (CSB)
Matthew 14:12-14 (CSB)
1. In the mourning
Matthew 14:12-13 (CSB)
Psalms 46:10 (NLT)
Mark 4:38-39 (CSB)
2. In the miracle
Matthew 14:22-23 (CSB)
Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)
Luke 10:38-42 (CSB)
3. In the mundane
Luke 5:16 (CSB)
Fasting creates humility
Fasting creates dependence
Fasting creates receptivity and awareness
Acts 13:1-4 (CSB)
1. Fasting positions our hearts to hear
Acts 13:2 (CSB)
2. Fasting readies our lives to respond
Acts 13:3-4 (CSB)
Esther 4:13-14 (CSB)
Esther 4:15-16 (CSB)
Message by Pastor Jeff Davis
We live in a world that is fluent with using the word “love,” but is anemic in the practice of it.
The Goal: To transform how we experience and express love
1 John 4:7-12 NLT
BIG IDEA: LOVE DIDN’T ORIGINATE WITH YOU, SO YOU DON’T GET TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHO YOU LOVE.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
WHAT KIND OF LOVE DOES JESUS WANT YOU TO GIVE AWAY?
LOVE THAT PUTS OTHER PEOPLE FIRST
1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
2 Peter 3:9 NLT
Romans 2:4 NLT
LOVE THAT CELEBRATES OTHERS
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Philippians 2:4-5 NLT
LOVE THAT SEES THE BIG PICTURE
1 Corinthians 13:5-6
1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV
Ephesians 4:15 NLT
LOVE THAT NEVER QUITS
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Love is about sacrificing yourself for others
John 3:16-17 NLT
Loveology: This thing called love
We live in a world that is fluent with using the word “love”, but is anemic in the practice of it.
Anemic: (lacking power, vigor, vitality, or colorfulness; listless; weak)
TO KNOW JESUS IS TO LOVE HIM. TO LOVE JESUS IS TO OBEY HIM.
HOW CAN YOU TRULY KNOW WHAT LOVE IS?
- YOU HAVE TO START AT THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE
Dear friends, let us love each other, because love comes from God. Those who love are God’s children and they know God. Those who do not love do not know God because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT
- YOU HAVE TO BUILD YOUR LOVE FROM THE GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED
God has shown His love to us by sending His only Son into the world. God did this so we might have life through Christ. This is love! It is not that we loved God but that He loved us. For God sent His Son to pay for our sins with His own blood. Dear friends, if God loved us that much, then we should love each other. 1 John 4:9-11 NLT
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 NIV
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 ESV
- AS YOU LOVE YOU LIVE OUT GOD TO OTHERS
No person has ever seen God at any time. If we love each other, God lives in us. His love is made perfect in us. 1 John 4:12 NLT
The Church I See—Becoming the Church
Jesus said, “I will build MY church.”
Acts 2:42 - “They DEVOTED themselves…”
THE CHURCH I SEE IS DEVOTED WE DON’T JUST GO TO CHURCH, WE ARE THE CHURCH
"Don't let who you were keep you from who you are becoming." - Bob Goff
"If you handed someone a Bible and after they read it you asked: what’s a church? What’s the chance they would say it’s a building, a business, an institution or an organization? I’d say zero.” Wes Davis | People Becoming The Church
BENEFITS OF BECOMING THE CHURCH
- YOU HAVE A PLACE TO BELONG
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 NLT
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT
- YOU MAKE UNITY YOUR DESTINATION
Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 1 Corinthians 12:13-14 NLT
- YOUR ATTITUDE STAYS IN CHECK
If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 1 Corinthians 12:15-17
How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 1 Corinthians 12:19-24 NLT
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 1 Corinthians 12:18 NLT
- YOU DISCOVER YOUR PLACE AND MOVE FROM DOING CHURCH TO BECOMING THE CHURCH
25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
We are people with unique GIFTS
We are people with different OPPORTUNITIES
We are people who carry His PRESENCE
The Church I See—A Church for the City
Jesus said, “I will build MY church.”
Acts 2:42 - “They DEVOTED themselves…”
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
8 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, 9 because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jeremiah 29:4-14 NLT
The church became a refuge from the world rather than a force in the world.
The church became a fortress from the world rather than the hope of the world.
THE CHURCH I SEE IS NOT JUST A CHURCH IN A CITY, IT IS A CHURCH FOR OUR CITY
If we ceased to exist, would our city notice?
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Mark 1:17 NLT
DO WE WANT A TANK FOR US OR TRANSFORMATION FOR ALL?
On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” Jonah 3:4 NLT
When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened. This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a
merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen. The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Jonah 3:10-4:4 NLT
Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” “Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!” Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” Jonah 4:9-11
God sends Jonah to a city for THE CITY’S SAKE, not for Jonah’s comfort.
We are in the city to LOVE the city.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
We are in the city to SERVE the city.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT
We are in the city to REACH the city.
Therefore, go and make disciples… Matthew 28:19 NLT
THE CHURCH I SEE IS: Devoted to reaching generations
O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, 2 for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— 3 stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. 4 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. 5 For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, 6 so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. 7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalm 78:1-7
(NIV)
We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation—God’s fame and fortune, the marvelous things he has done. Ps 78:4 (MSG)
THE CHURCH I SEE IS…
DEVOTED TO REACHING GENERATIONS
Psalm 78
This can’t stop with us. Not on our watch. We will turn Life Center over to another generation. Are we ready, are we preparing them?
2 Kings 20:19 - Hezekiah devoted to himself and his comfort
2 Kings 22:8-11 - Josiah, 3 generations later
Three Devotions needed in our generation:
THE RESPONSE WITHIN ME
2 Kings 22:19 - Josiah had a responsive heart
THE RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE BEYOND ME
WHAT WE DO WILL LIVE BEYOND US
WHAT WE DON’T DO WILL LIVE BEYOND US
MISSION > PREFERENCE
THE RESOURCE AVAILABLE TO ME
2 Timothy 1:5-6
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
Unpacking the messages in our favorite Christmas movies
Christmas movies do 1 of 3 things…
- They Encourage us to BELIEVE
- They Challenge us to CHANGE
- They Remind us to GIVE
JESUS WANTS TO GROW YOUR HEART
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
WHAT HEART CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE?
A SMALL HEART HAS ONLY ROOM FOR SELF
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT
A SMALL HEART REHEARSES THE HURTS
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 NLT
A SMALL HEART NEEDS INTERVENTION
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:1-10 NLT
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Unpack the lessons of the movie Elf with Jeff Davis.
Christmas movies:
- Encourage us to believe, 2) Challenge us to change, and 3) Remind us to give
Jesus came to restore your true identity.
Luke 2:8-20 NLT
Why did Jesus come?
Who did He come for?
What part do we play?
- Treat every day like it's Christmas
"I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people."
Jesus as Messiah
John 1:41 NLT
John 20:30-31 NLT
Galatians 3:26-28 NLT
- There's room for everyone on the nice list
Romans 3:23 NLT
1 Timothy 1:15 NLT
John 1:12 NLT
- The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear
Luke 2:17 NLT
Romans 10:9 NLT
Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
Galatians 2:20 NLT
Paradigm Shift 07
Do you see prayer as a last resort or a first response?
Relational vs. Transactional
Dialogue vs. Monologue
Being Changed vs. Only Seeing Change
Delight vs. Duty
Matthew 7:7-11 NLT
- Pray with Persistence: Remember that your current reality isn't your final reality
Luke 11:5-8 NLT
- Pray with Pursuit: Remember that relationship is your goal
Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens
- Pray with Trust: Remember that God is good
"Pray as if everything depends on God, then work as if everything depends on you." - Martin Luther
1 John 5:14-15 NLT
Thanksliving: Four Little Words
Gratitude Variables:
- The size of the favor
- How much I felt I deserved it
(Colossians 3:15 NLT, Ephesians 5:20 NLT, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB)
What happens when you give thanks in everything?
- When you give thanks in everything, it expresses faith (James 1:2 NLT)
- When you give thanks in everything, it overcomes the drift towards complaining (1 Corinthians 10:10-11 NLT)
- When you give thanks in everything, it aligns you with God's will
Gratitude involves three things:
- Gratitude involves benefit (Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV)
- Gratitude involves a benefactor (James 1:17 NLT)
- Gratitude involves a beneficiary
In everything... give thanks.
Paradigm Shift: A Study from the Sermon on the Mount
03 | Shift Your Spirit
It's not what you do, it's why you do it.
Matthew 6:1 NLT, NIV
When it comes to the actions of following Jesus, motives matter.
The heart of the habit
The direction of the devotion (Luke 10:40-42 NLT)
- Give when nobody is looking (Matthew 6:2-4 NLT)
- Pray like only God is listening (Matthew 6:5-8 NLT)
- Forgive as one who has been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT)
- Fast in a way that draws more attention to God (Matthew 6:16-18 NLT)
Not drawing attention to ourselves, but may our focus be on getting closer to Him through fasting
Genesis 13:8-16 NLT
Where do you need to allow Jesus to transform your "why?"
Paradigm Shift: A Study from the Sermon on the Mount (Episode 2, "Shift What is Right")
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" Matthew 5:20 (NLT)
Don't ask, "Is it wrong?" ask, "Is it right?"
- Hate kills your relationships
“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." MATTHEW 5:21-22 (NLT)
- Lust cheats you from real love
“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." MATTHEW 5:27-28 (NLT)
“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery." MATTHEW 5:31-32 (NLT)
- Broken promises break trust
“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one." MATTHEW 5:33-34, 37 (NLT)
- Revenge never wins
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow." MATTHEW 5:38-42 (NLT)
"But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." MATTHEW 5:48 (NLT)
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. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 (NLT)
A discussion on Intentional Reconciliation, featuring voices from the Sanctuary community.
The second message in our series, The Invitation.
Message notes:
Jesus invites you into a life filled with unusual forgiveness. (Matthew 5:6 NLT)
The definition of mercy:
Mercy - withholding punishment
Grace: God gives you what you don't deserve (gift)
Mercy: God doesn't give you what you do deserve (withholding punishment)
Who is the hardest person in the world for you to forgive?
Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)
Three keys to unusual forgiveness:
- Remember redemptively
- Forgive as one who has been forgiven greatly
- Practice forgiving in Jesus' name
I ask God for mercy today.
Luke 18:10-13 (NLT)
I forgive my debtors in Jesus' name and let go of my desire to punish them.
Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
I am ready to show compassion to someone who needs mercy this week.
Luke 10:36-37 (NLT)
Who is the one person you need to forgive?
Is there someone you need to ask to forgive you?
The first message in our series, The Invitation
Message notes:
Jesus invites you into an uncommon life.
(Matthew 4:18-22)
Why did Jesus have disciples?
If Jesus came today, do you think he would choose you to be one of his 12 disciples?
Four shifts you have to make as you join Jesus in the uncommon life:
- "Jesus is part of my life" shifts to "Jesus is the center of my life" (Philippians 3:8 NLT)
- "Jesus sends someone else" shifts to "Jesus is sending you" (John 20:21 NLT)
- "Be a leader for Jesus" shifts to "become a follower of Jesus" (John 10:14-16 NLT)
- "The invitation is reserved for religious professionals" shifts to "it's people on the mission with Jesus" (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
Incarnational (John 1:14 MSG)
Incremental
Intentional
What would it look like for you to follow Jesus into an uncommon life?
The fourth message in our Psalm 23 series, I Shall Not Want
Message notes:
Psalm 23 (NKJV)
The valley is where my relationship with the shepherd becomes personal.
"If you are not anchored in the Goodness of God, you will lower your theology to match your pain." - Christa Black Gifford
Gentlest grades
Most watered path
Best feeding ground
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
Your Good Shepherd knows the seasons.
Your Good Shepherd goes before you.
Your Good Shepherd conquers your fear.
Your Good Shepherd is close.
Luke 1:78-79 (NLT)
John 16:33 (NLT)
The third message in our Psalm 23 series, I Shall Not Want
Sermon Notes:
Psalm 23 (NKJV)
- The Good Shepherd restores your soul
-- Psalm 51:10-12 (NKJV) 2. The Good Shepherd leads you in paths of righteousness 3. It's not about you, it's all about the Good Shepherd 4. Pathway to love:
Love yourself for your namesake,
Love God for your namesake,
Love God for His namesake,
Love yourself for His namesake (Galatians 2:20 NLT)
November 11, 2018 | Revelation 5:7-14: The Unveiling of Jesus | Open Sharing Time (Begins at 37:20)