City Church Boise Sermons: Recent Episodes

John Mitchell

Living loved by God, together in community, on mission with Jesus in our city.

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-26 (ESV)

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servanta]">[a] above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malignb]">[b] those of his household.

"Eternal life flows from embracing God's economy as we increasingly live for Him and place our trust in Him."

Scripture:

"These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food." (Matthew 10:5-10 ESV)

"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39 ESV)

In this message, Executive Pastor, Kyle Sale discusses the detail of the upcoming merge with Rev22 on January 10th.

In this sermon, John and the Elders make a special and important announcement with regard to where the Lord is taking City Church Boise.

Scripture:

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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 2:1-11 ESV)

"No matter what you're facing, how you're struggling, or believe you're failing, Jesus delights in you and always seeks your best."

Scripture:

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:9-11 ESV)

"Jesus calls us to follow Him in announcing and embodying the Gospel of God's Kingdom that has come, is coming, and will one day fill the earth."

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-8

"And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."

"Jesus came to make all things new by making disciple who would follow him in doing the same."

Scripture:

Matthew 9:35-28 - "35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 28:19-20 - "19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Sermon from Dave Gibson

Scripture:

Psalm 73

Scripture:

         God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph.  73 Truly God is good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.a]">[a]
11 And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.

18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strengthb]">[b] of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

"Biblical faith declares God is God and I am not, and thereby trusting Him to accomplish His good purposes in and through me."

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 9:27-31

Hebrews 11:1-3

"Though God doesn't always give us what we want when we want it, He always gives us what we need most: Himself."

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 9:18-26

Jesus didn't come just to give us better lives, but to give us himself, and thereby make us new.

Mark 5:25–34 (ESV): 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Sermon from Derek Voorhees - President at the Boise Bible College

"For Christ-followers, that which pulls us forward into the future is a compelling vision of what God is up to...that overrides the things we see at the moment"

Psalm 91:

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge[2]— 10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Does the way we use words whether written or spoken by us or words we're ingesting from another source, do they line up with what God says in scripture about the use of our tongue?

Scripture:

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

This message was read from Ronnie Smith's book, "The History of Redemption". https://www.amazon.com/The-History-of-Redemption/dp/0982847009

You can also find the original sermon by him here: https://vimeo.com/17577695

The History of Redemption

Notes:

God calls us to submit to him by obeying him.
God calls us to submit to him by obeying others.
Make Sunday worship a priority
Engage in Worship with those around you
Invite others to Worship with you

Discussion Questions:

What is God teaching you during this time?
What do you think He wants to teach us?
How has your perspective been changing?

Scripture References:

Psalm 22:22 - I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
Psalm 35:18 - I will thank you in the great congregation;
in the mighty throng I will praise you.
Romans 8:37-39 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Ezekiel 20:19 - I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to obey my rules,
Acts 2:46 - And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
1 Timothy 4:13 - Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Romans 13:1-2 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Acts 5:29 - But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Matthew 5:46-47 - For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Pursuing the way Jesus means responding to the brokenness of our fallen world Kingdom empathy and Gospel hope.

Scripture:

Revelation 7:9 (ESV): After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

John 13:35 (ESV): By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Matthew 28:19 (ESV): ...make disciples of all the nations...

Micah 6:8 (ESV): He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Romans 3:10–12 (ESV): 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good,
not even one.”

James 1:19 (ESV): Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Reflection Questions:

Is this how the world sees and experiences you?
Do people mostly hear you talk about your political passions or your gospel convictions?
Do your words and actions point people to Christ alone or suggest the real hope for this fallen world is found elsewhere?

John 1:43-46 ESV (abridged)

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” ...

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Luke 7:31-35 ESV

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’

34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

John 8:12 ESV

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 10:27 ESV

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Matthew 9:9-13 ESV

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 4:19 ESV

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

John 8:12 ESV

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 9:9 ESV

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 9:1-7 ESV

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?

6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 9:24-28

24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

John 20:1-26 ESV

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus'[a] head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[b] “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,[c] Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin,[d] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Matthew 8:28-34 ESV
And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

Mark 1:15 ESV
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;repent and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 8:18.… 23-27
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side…. And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Ephesians 1:11-12 ESV
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Romans 8:28 ESV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Matthew 8:18-22
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Matthew 8:5-13 ESV
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Matthew 8:1-4 ESV
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them."

Matthew 8:14-17 ESV
And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."

The wise build their lives on the bedrock of God, His Kingdom, and His Christ, and thereby enjoy eternal life forever, beginning now.

Matthew 7:24-27 ESV "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." We build our lives on this bedrock by: 1. Taking a God-centered view of holiness and sin 2. Identifying the sandy values we tend to serve 3. Finding HIM in every moment

Jesus declares only he can bring us genuine spiritual life, and that anyone who says otherwise is peddling destructive lies.

Matthew 7:13-14 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

To be discerners of error who flourish in truth:

We must fill our minds with truth (Mt 4:4, Ro 12:2)/

When do you fill your mind with God's word?
We do this as individuals and together as God's people (Eph 4:15_;(2 Tim2:2).

We must learn to test/submit our beliefs and those of others (even the pastor's) to God's Word (2 Tim 3:16).

In terms of evaluating your own beliefs, a great place to start is to ask others what the way you live reveals about what you actually believe.

Through the incarnation of the Son of God, Immanuel: God came near to sinners like us to befriend and thereby save us from sin.

He is explicitly stating that He is the narrow gate. He, Jesus, is THE way, the only way to true life.

Matthew 7:12

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Crossroads

Is that me, Lord?

Am I following the way of Jesus?

Are you entering the narrow way?
Are you following Jesus?
Are you taking his word, promises and warnings, with the seriousness they deserve?
Are you taking Jesus’ words and examining your life with them? or are you give mere mental assent to the things that he is teaching?

The Gospel Tells Us

“You are dearly loved, not because you are lovely, but because I have loved you. You are not a child of God because you earned it or deserve it but because of God’s kindness and grace.”

Jesus Christ came to rescue us and redeem us - through his life giving sacrifice on the cross - to save us from what we are, to make us into what we could never be on our own, to make us into something new, something beautiful, something glorious. People not of this world, people of His eternal Kingdom.

Through the incarnation of the Son of God, Immanuel: God came near to sinners like us to befriend and thereby save us from sin.

The incarnate Son of God calls us to incarnate him, to bring God near to sinners like us, as we befriend and thereby point to him.

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

How will you be a Jesus-like friend to them? How will you enter and listen to their story? Share your story? Look for opportunities to tell the Jesus story? Who is God calling you to engage this week? Someone within your circles or beyond?
Will you follow Jesus in befriending someone who isn't like you as God gives opportunity? Will you lay yourself down to embody Kingdom justice in our city to point those around you to him?
What lesser things will we give ourselves to instead?

God calls all who are His to respond to His love for us, by loving one another as He loved us, thereby pointing each other and our world to Him. Matthew 22:34-40 ESV But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 ESV "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." How has God loved us? 1. God chose to love us. So we choose to love one another. 2. God gave Himself away for us. So we give ourselves away to meet each other's needs. So we selflessly extend mercy & grace to one another. So we celebrate God's work in each other's lives. We love God and others all and only because God first loved us. The more we understand and experience God's love for us, the more compelled we will be to love others in a way that points back to Him. So, instead of focusing on loving others better, I encourage you to focus on God's love for you in Christ. If and when you find yourself struggling to love a brother or sister in Christ, lift your eyes to heaven and celebrate how God chose to love you, at immense cost to Himself. As you do, ask Him to help you love Him in return by loving that person in a way that reflects His love for you.

Prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours, but about surrendering our wills to his and thereby thriving in him, as we tell his story for his glory and our best.
Matthew 7:7-11 ESV
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Jesus says, prayer involves:

• Boldly asking God to tell his story, for his glory, in and through us • Earnestly seeking the restored life/purpose Jesus calls us to
• Relentlessly knocking on the door of fellowship with him

As the right judgments of Jesus toward us flow from his proven love for us, rightly judging one another is a supreme act of love toward each other.

Matthew 7:1-6 ESV
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Taking the log out of your own eye in order to judge others rightly means:

Remember we’re all equal at the foot of the cross
Remember we’re all in (His) process
Remembering each of us has the capacity to commit every sort of sin. The difference between “us” and “them” is often circumstances.
Ensure we are motivated by love for the person

Discovering the biblical model for dealing with grief experienced through God's hiddenness.

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13

Anxiety happens when we pretend we are sovereign over our circumstances and know what's best for us.

Peace happens when we rest in God's sovereignty over our circumstances and his commitment to our best.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?a]">[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

In what areas of life do you need to obey Jesus's command not be anxious, by admitting you have far less control than you pretend and that God, not you, is in the best position to give you what you truly need?
Most of us are ok with God's sovereignty, but we wonder if he's pursuing our best. If that's you, spend some time focusing on the cross; as the God who had every right to crush us for our rebellion against him, chose instead to become one of us in order to enter and experience evil at it's highest point (at the cross) to make us his as he makes us new.
The more you focus on the cross, the more you will find yourself saying with the Apostle Paul, He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Anxiety happens when we see the good things of this world as our source of life.

Peace happens when we see the ultimate one as our source of life.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34

What good thing have you convinced yourself you must have to be ok? Comfort? Money? Relationship? Opportunity?
How much time/energy do you spend thinking about how to get this good thing? How does this compare to the time/energy you spend pursuing the only one who can truly satisfy your soul?
How much anxiety do you experience when or because you don't have this good thing? What does this reveal about your belief concerning this good thing?
A spiritual exercise: Identify the good thing(s) you're hoping will fill your soul as only the ultimate one can. Admit this to the God who loves you and has proven he wants your best. Then ask God to help you desire and seek him above all else. As you do, watch how your priorities change and anxiety melts away.

As God aligns our heart with His, we start to understand the depth of our need as we ask for daily spiritual and physical sustenance, a forgiven and merciful heart that is ready to forgive others, and strength in trials we will surely face as He moves in our hearts to resist sin.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:11-15 ESV

Prayer is the act of aligning our hearts with God's heart and surrendering our will to God's will, to tell his story for his glory and our best.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:7-13 ESV

God calls us who are His to live as reconciled reconcilers, by loving those who hate us, as God loved us when we hated Him.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,a]">[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48 ESV

Forgive your enemies
Pray for your enemies
Take a posture of reconciliation
Honor the image of God in your enemies by seeking to bless them

How is God calling you to live as a reconciled reconciler, by loving those who hate you, as God loved you when you hated Him?

Is there an enemy you need to forgive as God forgave you when you were still his enemy?

Is there an enemy you need to pray for as Jesus prayed for you at the cross?

What enemy is God calling you to take a posture of reconciliation toward, as he did for you, while you were still rebelling against Him?

What enemy is God calling you to bless instead of scorn, as God blessed you while you were scorning Him?

Jesus calls us to follow Him in laying our rights down, to extend mercy and grace to others, in a way that reveals God's lavish mercy and grace towards us.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Matthew 5:38-42

How is God calling you to lay your rights down to extend mercy and grace to others in a way that reveals His lavish mercy and grace towards you?

Who is He calling you to release from your vengeance by forgiving them, even if they don't deserve it?

Who is He calling you to bless, even though they've shown they don't have your best in mind?

Who do you have an opportunity to value and bless, even though their political views are stupid?

Is your heart towards those of "lesser" status on of judgement or mercy? Condemnation or grace that invites them into a relationship with you that ultimately points to Him?

When we do what we say we'll do, we embody God's promise-keeping faithfulness, thrive in Him, and point our world to Him.

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Matthew 5:31-32

Would those who know you best say you generally do what you say, or that there's a disconnect between what you say and do?

What have you said "yes" to without following through? (e.g. in a relationship, at work, financially, etc). Who is affected by your broken promise? What will you do to make things right, if possible?

What specific "yes" is God calling you to follow through on today as you seek to make your "yes" mean "yes" and your "no" mean "no?"

What things do you need to start saying "no" to because you generally don't follow through on things?

God's people are called to glorify Him in reflecting the beauty of unity in diversity that flows from His very nature.

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?

1 Corinthians 12:17

The Two Biblical Grounds for Divorce:

Adultery
Abandonment by a non-christian spouse who abandons because his/her spouse is a Christian

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 5:31-32 ESV

God instituted and deigned marriage primarily to reflect:

The communal oneness of His nature
His relentless, covenant love for His people

3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

Matthew 19:3-9 ESV

Sexual purity is a matter of the heart. Our sexual behavior reflects how much of our hearts belong to Him.

Four disciplines that help us pursue sexual purity from the heart:

The Spiritual discipline of re-training our fallen affections to desire Christ and His Kingdom above all else.
The mental discipline of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
The circumstantial discipline of avoiding situations in which you will be tempted to sin.
The communaldiscipline of inviting others to help us follow Jesus from the heart.

Sexual purity is a matter of the heart. Our sexual behavior reflects how much of our heart belongs to Him.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Matthew 5:27-30

By intentionally lusting after someone other than your spouse:

You dishonor the image of God in them, and in you.
You erode your ability to connect deeply with others.
You erode your relationship with God.

Do you see Christ and His Kingdom as the highest, best, and most desirable things you can pursue? Do you believe the life that comes from following Christ is the best life you can know? The more you do, the less you will be attracted to sin.

If you don't see Christ and His Kingdom in this way, but you'd like to, spend some focused time with God this week, meditating on His goodness (Psalm 23). Ask God to help you see Him as He is; to help you set your affections on Him; and to teach your heart to desire Him about all.

The more you do this, the more the allure of sin will fade, and the more you'll find yourself flourishing in Him and living a life that increasingly points those around you to Him.

Our Lord was not ashamed of us but suffered with and for us. in His suffering, He has abolished death and made His Kingdom of life and love available to us! 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:8-12 ESV

Because the covenant-keeping God is with us, evil doesn't have the final word in our lives; so we can rest in His presence, even in the face of evil.

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

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Psalm 23:4-6 ESV

We enjoy deep, God-honoring contentment and soul-satisfaction, as we learn to rest in God's presence.

Yahweh alone is the source of divine rest.

Resting in Yahweh's presence is active, not passive.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3a

What's your default setting in your pursuit of soul-satisfaction? Are you looking to Yahweh or something less?

What good but non-ultimate things are you chasing for contentment? How do you tend to strive after those things instead of the Ultimate One who alone can meet the deep longings of your heart?

As we enter a new season together, how will your pursue God's presence above all else?

Do you need to being or restart a regular quiet time?
What rhythms or routines do you need to stop or start to practice and thereby rest in God's presence throughout each day?

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvationa]">[a] 6 and my God.

Psalm 42:5

Jesus came to find the lost children of His father's house.

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:1-7 ESV

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:28-31

Grief deepens our understanding of what Christ has done for us.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-7 ESV

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:16-21 ESV

16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

2 Kings 6:8-15 The Message (MSG) 8 One time when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, after consulting with his officers, he said, “At such and such a place I want an ambush set.”

9 The Holy Man sent a message to the king of Israel: “Watch out when you’re passing this place, because Aram has set an ambush there.”

10 So the king of Israel sent word concerning the place of which the Holy Man had warned him.

This kind of thing happened all the time.

11 The king of Aram was furious over all this. He called his officers together and said, “Tell me, who is leaking information to the king of Israel? Who is the spy in our ranks?”

12 But one of his men said, “No, my master, dear king. It’s not any of us. It’s Elisha the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel everything you say, even what you whisper in your bedroom.”

13 The king said, “Go and find out where he is. I’ll send someone and capture him.”

The report came back, “He’s in Dothan.”

14 Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city.

15 Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?”

Jesus wants us to pray for harvest workers who have a shepherd’s compassionate heart for the lost, lonely, lured by sin…to ache for them, to look at them the way Jesus would.

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-36

God’s passion for his name and his glory is the supreme reason for his actions in the world.

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:1–5 (ESV)

Because love is so big and heavy, love is most important.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthian 13:1-13

Don’t settle for an inferior worldview. Instead, taste and see that the Lord is good.

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

John 6:66-69

By the power of the Gospel, we can be what He created us to be. Jesus shows us in His humanity how to be God dependent, God believing image bearers who entrust our sufferings to Him who judges justly.

19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:19-25 ESV

Romans 8:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Galatians 4:3-6

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles[a] of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Reflection

Reflect on the truth that Jesus satisfied all the legal demands for you precisely by shedding his blood

God's cost to adopt you was infinitely greater than any cost we will endure in adopting and raising children

God, in His mercy, adopts each of us from our horrible situations.

Your adoption was planned for the beginning

As adopted children, we will wait for the full experience of our adoption- the resurrection of our bodies.

The Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want.

Psalm 23

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.

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

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Kyle Sale and Bruce Young, Senior Pastor of True Hope Church, discuss what a sabbatical is, how it works, and why a sabbatical is important.

The more we understand how God let go of His anger toward us, the more we'll let go of our anger toward others, and thereby point an angry world to Him.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brothera]">[a] will be liable to judgment; whoever insultsb]">[b] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hellc]">[c] of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5:21-26 ESV

Who are you angry with today? Even if they have genuinely wronged you, is their sin against you more significant than your sin(s) against the Holy God, who poured out His infinite wrath for your sin on Jesus so as not to pour it out on you?
Understanding that forgiving someone doesn't mean condoning their actions or not seeking justice; When will you let go of your anger, which Jesus says is driven by murderous hate that dishonors God, ruins you, and keeps you from shining His light in the world?
Imagine sitting at the foot of the cross with that person. How does this change your attitude toward them?

The more we see Jesus as the center of God's redemptive story, the more we'll seek to find our stories in His, and thereby thrive in Him.

17 “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. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:17-20 ESV

Acknowledge we have no hope of New Covenant life apart from the New Covenant Christ.
Abide in the New Covenant Christ through His Spirit who lives in us.
Do you know the One at the center of God' story? Have you come to faith in Jesus to lay hold of the life you were created to live, long to know, and can only find in Him?
If you belong to Jesus today, are you thriving in Him by abiding in Him as the center, source, and meaning of life? What areas of your life would change if you did so?
Take a moment to reflect on these thing. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into the fullness of New Covenant life in Christ.

A Christian's call is to be transformed and shine.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

Am I shining in the mundane?

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words...

Luke 24:1-8 ESV

By living out the restored life Jesus purchased for us, God blesses the world through us by using our example to slow the world's decay and lift lost eyes to Him.

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 “You are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:13-14a ESV

Do people experience you as a "salty," thriving follower of Jesus who embodies the life He purchased for you; or as one consumed by the fallen values of this world with them?
How is your saltiness being polluted by the muddy values of this fallen world? What sins to do you need to turn from in His power to live more fully in/for Him in this world?
Are you more shaped by the values of this world or by the Word of God?
Are you vitally connected with others in the Body of Christ, so as to help one another grow up in Christ together?

The more we see Jesus as He is, and life in His Kingdom as ultimate, the more we will follow Jesus and advance His Kingdom regardless of the cost.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Matthew 5:10-11 ESV

Have you discovered Jesus is the only way to peace with God and the life you were created to enjoy in Him?
If you're His, do you see Jesus as He is? As the infinitely beautiful One and source of the life you seek; or as something less? You'll know by how you respond when you're persecuted for Him.
God's Word (the Bible) reveals who Jesus is and what He has done to make us His. Do you fill your mind with this truth about Him as much as you allow the word to do the opposite? You'll know by how you respond when you're persecuted for Him.

Following the Prince of Peace means announcing and embodying Kingdom Peace, by living out the Gospel of Peace in the world He came to save.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 * Do you know the Prince of Peace? * If you are His, do people see Him in you? How do others experience you? As one who is easily offended and often alienated from them? Or as one who values them deeply enough to lay yourself down to cultivate and preserve peace with them? * Who are you alienated from today? Why? Have you owned your part in the conflict, no matter how small? What might happen if you went first to make peace with them as Jesus went first to make peace with you?

We enjoy the blessed life by seeing God as He is and therefore cultivating a simple, pure devotion to Him.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

We enjoy the blessed life by seeing God as He is and therefore cultivating a simple, pure devotion to Him.

Identifying the things that keep you from devoting your heart fulling to Him.

Placing those things under His Lordship to pursue the high-life found only in Him.

Who or what competes for your heart's allegiance to the God who made you for Himself? What good things (relationships, goals), evil things (porn, addictions), or neutral things (money, stuff) are you treating as ultimate, and therefore devoting yourself to them?

How will you place those things under God's Lordship to honor Him and enjoy the life only He can give you as you devote yourself fully to Him?

What do you need to turn from in order to give Him first place in your heart? How is God calling you to devote your heart more fully to Him today?

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:6-8 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creationb]">[b] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 1:15-23

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?

Colossians 2:20-22

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

Colossians 3:16

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3

The Word helps us realize the sufficiency and fullness of Christ in our lives as we avoid settling for less than the full inheritance the Father has granted us.

Steps for Lectio Divina

A quiet preparation of the heart. (slow down, ready the heart, quiet the mind)
An initial reading of the passage (I recommend starting with short passages. Wait for the Lord to highlight a word or phrase. Stop at a word or phrase if it lights up. If nothing does, continue to listen to the whole of the passage.)
A second reading of the passage and meditation on the importance of that word or phrase
A Third reading of the passage and a response (Enter into dialogue with the Lord. What feelings does the passage or word or phrase bring up in you? Hold those feelings in his presence and talk to him about them.
Lastly contemplation. (Let the passage, word, or phrase sink deeply into your mind and soul and keep it at the forefront as you continue in your day or week. Continue the contemplation even as you finish with your time in the passage )

There are many ways to do lecto divina. A simple google search can provide a whole variety of methods. The book I referenced was the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook By Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

The more we experience God's mercy, the more we extend mercy to others and thereby invite them to experience God's mercy with us.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Matthew 5:7

The more we experience God's mercy, the more we extend mercy to others and thereby invite them to experience God's mercy with us.

Have you experienced God's mercy revealed in Christ?
If you are His, do people experience you as merciful? as one who grasps the magnitude of God's mercy toward you in Christ? Or as harsh, exacting, and unforgiving? What message do your actions proclaim?
To whom do you find it most difficult to show mercy? Why? Is their "sin" against you greater than your sin against the God who has shown you infinite mercy?
Are you merciful to yourself? God's mercy toward you in Christ means you can/must show you mercy too.

God created us to find our deepest satisfaction in Him. So every lesser god we serve will disappoint us.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:5-6

God created us to find our deepest satisfaction in Him. So every lesser god we serve will disappoint us.

Acknowledge that only the God who made you for Himself can satisfy the longings of your heart/
Identify the lesser gods you trust and, therefore, worship.
Allow your discontent to lead you to the rightness only the true God can give you.

We enter and enjoy new life in Christ as spiritual beggars, fully dependent on the life He gives to us.

Matthew

4:25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

We enter and enjoy new life in Christ as spiritual beggars, fully dependent on the life He gives to us.

If you're in Christ today, is there a sin you've been ignoring, justifying, or minimizing, instead of mourning over and turning from it? Forsake that sin for which Christ died; rest in the comfort of His mercy/grace; and re-enter the joy of your salvation that sin has been robbing from you.
If you are His today, are you trusting Christ alone to live the Christian life? Admitting your complete inability to live as a Christian apart from His power will set you free from the grind of religion to enjoy and thrive in Him.

There is no higher calling or greater privilege than partnering with Jesus to make all things new, by pointing those around us to Him.

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Matthew 4:23-25 ESV

There is no higher calling or greater privilege than partnering with Jesus to make all things new, by pointing those around us to Him.

Gospel Healers: How do people experience you? Does your personal desperation for Jesus produce mercy and empathy towards others? What does the way you see/treat others say about the Gospel you believe?

Gospel Proclaimers: Who in your life (who doesn't know Christ) has God placed on your heart? How are you involved in their journey toward Him? Is it time to invite them into community with us?

Will you be one who show those who join us; they are valuable to us and therefore to Him? Who knows...

To be a Christian is to follow Christ. To follow Christ is to increasingly find our identity, life, and purpose in Him.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 4:23

We need to return to an ancient view of humanity. As men and women created in the image of God.
We need to live in awareness of, and return to, an ancient practice that has served Orthodox men and women of faith for millenia- liturgy.

"Your deepest desire is the one manifested by your daily life and habits."

Take a liturgical audit of your time.

What do I regularly give myself over to?
- What do I do that does something to me>
- To what kingdoms are these activities really aimed?
What rhymes and practices can I establish, daily, that will orient my heart towards Jesus?

To be a Christian is to follow Christ. To follow Christ is to increasingly find our identity, life, and purpose in Him.

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”[a] 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4:18-22 ESV

To be a Christian is to follow Christ. To follow Christ is to increasingly find our identity, life, and purpose in Him.

The three progressive aspects of following Christ:

Seeing Christ through grace-filled eyes
Abiding in Christ by faith.
Dying to myself to truly live in Him.
How is Christ calling you to follow Him today? Have you begun a relationship with Christ by His grace? How is He calling you to abide in Him more fully? To realign your heart with His as you walk in surrendered obedience to Him?
Is there a sin you need to forsake? A step of obedience you need to take, in His power, for His glory, and for your best?
How is Christ calling you to die to yourself that you might live more fully in Him? What are you clinging to more tightly than Jesus? How is He calling you to release that thing to Him, in order to hold Him more tightly?

God's Kingdom is the realm in which His subjects live under His righteous reign, and thereby thrive in Him to fulfill His purpose to fill the earth with His glory.

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:12-17 ESV

God's Kingdom is the realm in which His subjects live under His righteous reign, and thereby thrive in Him to fulfill His purpose to fill the earth with His glory.

Are you a child of the King?

If you belong to King Jesus, would those who know you best describe you as one who lives for your King? What do they hear you talk about most? How do they see you treat people? Deal with difficulty? Invest your resources?

When do you find it hardest to live like one who is of God's Kingdom while living in this world? Share this with another child of the King and pray for one another.

How are you resisting Christ's Lordship by disobeying Him even today? Remember the lesson of the rocks.

We can suffer without losing hope, because the suffering servant is with us, accomplishing His purposes through our suffering.

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God

and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

Matthew 4:8-11

We can suffer without losing hope, because the suffering servant is with us, accomplishing His purposes through our suffering.

Are you suffering this morning? In one of the ways I mentioned or perhaps another? I encourage you to look for Jesus, who is with you in your suffering.
Since we're called to embody Christ to one another, one of the best ways to find Him in your suffering is by inviting other Christ-followers into your suffering...
As you move through suffering, try to take your eyes off yourself to place them on Him and those around you who may be suffering. Who do you know who is suffering and needs to meet and grow closer to the Suffering Servant? You mission is clear.

If God alone was worthy of Jesus's worship, trust, and allegiance, surely He is worthy of ours.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Matthew 4:1-7

If God alone was worthy of Jesus's worship, trust, and allegiance, surely He is worthy of ours.

Temptation #1: Assert our "rights" over God's revealed will, instead of surrendering our "rights" to worship Him.
Temptation #2: Insist God tell His story our way, instead of trusting God's way is best for us.
What "perceived" rights do you tend to assert over God's calling, thereby worshiping yourself instead of Him? Do you demand a certain level of comfort, lifestyle, or control? Freedom from suffering or the right to spend your time/money as you please?
Which details of your life is God calling you to entrust to Him who alone is worthy of your trust? What is God calling you to surrender to Him in order to tell His story, His way, for His glory and your best?

At His baptism, Jesus declared He was the center and source of New Covenant life. At your baptism, you declare you are living a new life in Him.

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17

At His baptism, Jesus declared He was the center and source of New Covenant life. At your baptism, you declare you are living a new life in Him.

If you belong to Jesus but haven't been baptized, why not? Is there a better way to enter 2019 than by obeying the One who has proven He has your best in mind? Make a plan...
If you belong to Jesus and you've been baptized, reflect upon and turn your heart back to the day when you entered the waters of baptism to declare your trust in Him and desire to follow Him.
As you do, ask God to stir your heart, that you might follow Him wholeheartedly in 2019, for His glory and your best.

We have nothing in us that would move God to adopt us, yet He does so to the praise of His Glorious Grace.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us[a] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6

Adoption is seriously planned. (Ephesians 1:4-5)
Adoption is costly. (Ephesians 1:4-5,7)
Adoption rescues from terrible situations (Ephesians 2:1-4)
Adoption is passive for the adoptee. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
Adoption is preceded by a legal change. (Ephesians 1:4-5)
Adoption makes us an heir. (Ephesians 1:11, Galatians 4:4-7)

Jesus is the God-man, Savior-King, and Righteous Judge who came to renew all things for all who follow Him as King.

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”[a] 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare[b] the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”

4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:1-12 ESV

“Life is but a Weaving” (the Tapestry Poem)

“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.”

Jesus is the God-man, Savior-King, and Righteous Judge who came to renew all things for all who follow Him as King.

Have you trusted Jesus to save you front your sins?
Are you following Him as King? Honoring Him by increasingly enjoying the newness of life He purchased for you as you walk in surrendered obedience to Him?
How are you trusting Jesus for renewal in this season? In what area of your life or relationships do you need His renewing touch today?
Ask Him now. Share this desire with one other person so they can join you in pursuing the renewal only He can bring.

Jesus came to end our exile from Eden and restore to us life as it was meant to be in and under Him.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2:13-23 ESV

Jesus came to end our exile from Eden and restore to us life as it was meant to be in and under Him.

Which means, He came to restore:

Our identity as God's children. How do you tend to chase worldly success or the approval of others instead of resting in Him who calls you, "beloved."
Our ability to change. How do you need to trust Jesus to get up and move forward in His grace?
Our relationships with one another. How do you need to love and or/forgive others as God has loved/forgiven you?
Our destiny to fill the earth with His glory. Who will you invite into this being-restored community, that they might know and enjoy Jesus, the restorer with us?

Jesus is the King of the Jews for the renewal of the world, and is therefore worthy of our complete trust, total allegiance, and unconditional worship.

9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

Matthew 2:9-16

Am I trusting, serving, and worshipping Jesus the King of something less?

The more we see the God-man Messiah as He is, the more we will follow Him into the life only He could give to us.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

Do you tend to see Jesus as He is or less than He is?
Meditate on the majesty of the God-man Messiah who alone saves you from sin and makes you new.
As you do, consider how you might trust Him with more of your life the more you see Him as He is; and how seeing Him as He is might compel you to partner with Him and His people in making all things new.

9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.[a]
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,[b]
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,[c]
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.[d]

Matthew 6:9-13

"The prayer of the heart is a prayer that does not allow us to limit our relationship with God to interesting words or pious emotions. By its very nature such prayer transforms our whole being into Christ precisely because it opens the eyes of our soul to the truth of God. In our heart we come to see ourselves as sinners embraced by the mercy of God. In our heart we come to see ourselves as sinners embraced by the mercy of God. It is this vision that makes us cry out, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Temptations and struggles remain to the end of our lives, but with a pure heart we will be restful even in the midst of a restless existence."

-Henri J.M. Nouwen

People just like us in the ancestry of Jesus show us Jesus came to redeem people just like us.

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,a]">[a] 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,b]">[b] 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos,c]">[c] and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel,d]">[d]and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Matthew 1:1-17

Like Ruth, do you need to lay aside what you didn't have, in terms of a religious past, to lay hold of all that is yours in Christ?
Like Tamar or Rahab, will you need to let go of a dysfunctional past that led you into impossible/compromising situations or
Like Bathsheba, do you need to rise with Jesus from the ashes of abuse or neglect by others to thrive in newness of life in Him by allowing Jesus not only to forgive your sins; but to cancel the power of other's sins against you?

God's fulfilled promises concerning His Christ remind us He will fulfill His promises toward us who are in Christ.

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Matthew 1:1

Which of God's promises is He calling you to trust in today?

I forgive you.
- "It is finished!"
I will provide for you.
- "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
I am with you.
- "Immanuel." "I will be with you always..."

Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.10 And as Jesus[a] reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Evangelism: entering friendships with sinners like us; and inviting them to enjoy friendship with Jesus in community with us.

Think about those God has placed in your life who likely don't know Christ.

When will you befriend them in His name?

Who have you resisted friendship with b/c of your prejudices toward them?

Which of your friends could you invite into community with us?

Pray for those people; and for the courage to pursue the way of Jesus in pointing them to Him through friendship with you.

Luke 10:36,37

36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Types of Restoration & Renewal

Restored spiritually (Ezra)

Restored socially (Nehemiah)

Restored culturally (Ester)

Love your neighbor, be for your city

How is God calling you?

John 13: 12-17

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[a] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Our shared life in Christ will go only as deep as our willingness to serve another as He served us.

Especially as we learn to:

See and bear one another's burdens as Jesus saw and bore ours (Galatians 6:2)

Speak the Truth to one another in love as Jesus spoke Truth in love to us. (Ephesians 4:15)

Pursuing The Way of Jesus Together

What burdens are you carrying?

What temptations/sins are you struggling with?

Are you loving those closest to you well?

Who are you intentionally pointing to Jesus?

John 1:29-39

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son[a] of God.”

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

We enjoy shared life with one another by allowing ourselves to be interrupted by each other as Jesus was interrupted by us.

Specifically by

Make room in our lives to share life with others
Receive invitations from others to share life with them
Invite others to share life with you

John 17

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:3

I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as we are.
John 17:11

I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that you sent Me.
John 17:20

We experience shared-life in Christ by giving ourselves away for one another as He gave Himself away for us.

Does this describe you?
Do you tend to view people as a means to your ends, or as ends in themselves?
When was the last time you gave yourself away for another without expecting anything in return?
Who is God calling to you to give yourself away to today?

We glorify God and flourish in Him by abiding in Christ through His Spirit in us.

To abide in Christ is to walk in surrendered obedience to Him.

What/how is God calling you to surrender to Him and His Spirit in you?

How is God calling you to obey Him in His power; for His glofy and your best?

Matthew 6:7-13

Sermon Questions:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."

How/when are you tempted to live as if you are God and God is not?

"Your kingdom come, your will be done..."

What does the way you spend your time, talents, and treasures reveal about whose kingdom you're building?

Give us this day our daily bread,

Are you investing to advance God's Kingdom in a way that keeps you reliant upon Him?

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

John 20:21

Philippians 2:14-16

Jeremiah 29:4-7

Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalms 32

Hebrews 4:16

Psalm 1:1-3

1 John 5:3

Psalm 37:4

Psalms 62

Psalm 139

Psalm 139: 1-6;23-34

Exodus 34:5-8

1 Kings 18:20-40

Isaiah 6:1-7

Revelation 12

Ezekiel 28: 11-15

Isaiah 14:12-15

Jude 9

Nehiemiah 12

Nehemiah 1-6

Luke

Nehemiah 10

Nehemiah 13

Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:33

1 John 1:5-10

Nehemiah 9

Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 8

Psalm 19:1-11

Nehemiah 6

Mark 1:15

Romans 1:16

Nehemiah 5

Matthew 10:39

Matthew 16:25

Mark 8:35

Luke 9:24

John 12:25

John 17:21

John 13:35

Philippians 2:3-4

Nehemiah 3-4

Nehemiah 1-2

1 Peter: 1-4

Philippians 4:14-20

Philippians 4:10-13

Romans 6:1-7

Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 3:12-16

Philippians 4:2-33

Philippians 3:12-16

Philippians 3: 1-11

Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12-13

Phillippians 2:1-11

Psalm 90

Mark 12:28-34

Philippians 1:27-30

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthyh]">[h] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

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12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord […]

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2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. […]

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15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds […]

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Philippians 6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to […]

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God Man Christ Response 15:1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance […]

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3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. (ESV) 17 learn to do good;seek justice,correct oppression;bring justice to the fatherless,plead the widow’s cause. (ESV) 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who […]

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6 0 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (ESV) 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” (ESV) 29:1 These are the words of […]

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20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The […]

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42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and […]

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9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am […]

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16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the […]

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10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (ESV) 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will […]

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We are so sorry. Due to technical difficulties, this sermon was not recorded. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (ESV)

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The holiness God desires most from us is our love for one another. 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the […]

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: 14-29 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy […]

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: 14-30 How will you build God’s kingdom through your work? 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard […]

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5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven […]

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: 13-14 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? […]

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: 4-11 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that […]

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12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set […]

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14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (ESV) 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of […]

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9 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (ESV)

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15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the […]

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23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with […]

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20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. (ESV)

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17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” (ESV)

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8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, […]

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11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith […]

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: 1-10 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, […]

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: 15-22 Galations 5: 16-25 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I […]

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12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to […]

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Sermon Note: Jesus saved us in an unexpected way to bring us an unexpected salvation found only in Him. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find […]

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: 21-39 10:1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, […]

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9:1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy […]

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12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set […]

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26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all […]

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If you’d like to sign up for the Partnership class on 2/25/17 or want more info, click here or email john@citychurchboise.com.

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6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. […]

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11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives […]

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7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source […]

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14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet […]

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Jesus is our Sabbath Rest. We enter and enjoy His rest by practicing His presence each day. 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message […]

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7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,“Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the testand saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,and said, ‘They always go astray in their […]

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29:1 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of […]

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Live like the holy God lives in you 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory […]

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Technical difficulties, not recorded. 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was […]

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3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name […]

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Jesus isn’t just an optional add-on to life. He is the source and meaning of life itself. 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all […]

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7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (ESV) 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. (ESV) 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the […]

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127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up earlyand go late to rest,eating the bread of anxious toil;for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the […]

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Following Jesus means submitting what little we have to Him, that He might do the impossible thru us. What strikes you about this passage/miracle of Jesus? Why did Jesus engage the disciples so deeply in this miracle? What didn’t He just do it all Himself? What is He trying to teach them/us by doing […]

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17 “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. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes […]

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19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (ESV) 9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to […]

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Guest Speaker Benj Foreman.

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1:1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a […]

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2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For […]

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24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (ESV)

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3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the […]

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12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (ESV)

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7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against […]

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

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, , , 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have […]

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4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made […]

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14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed […]

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14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, […]

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22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor […]

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42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and […]

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8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all […]

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, , , , 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (ESV) 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. […]

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, , 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what […]

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– 4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? (ESV) 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (ESV)

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; 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the […]

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13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” […]

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21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks […]

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Presented by Revolution 22 preacher, Bren Angelos. , 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but […]

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Passage: Theme: An undivided devotion to the Good King Jesus compels us toward the undivided pursuit of His best for us. Read the passage and ask for insights, questions, comments, etc. Discussion: Read (1:14-15) – In your own words, describe how and why we are tempted to sin? According to these verses, what is the nature of […]

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1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, […]

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Passages: Philiplians 1:6; 2:12-14; 3:6-15 Theme: We must focus forward to move forward in Christ. Questions From 3:6-15 How did Paul view His past? How did he view his future? How did his view of His future shape the way he lived in the present? Explain? Read In your own words, describe what it means to forget what lies behind, […]

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Discussion Questions Read . Sermon Theme: The power of Christian unity is our diversity unified in Christ. Building on this passage/theme, Pastor John argued that: 1. Christian unity demands diversity because God’s design has always been for a diverse array of human beings, created in God’s image, to stand together in Him to reflect His manifold glory in the world. (See […]

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Gathering Questions: Read ; To abide/remain in Christ means to stay close to and draw our life from Him. Specifically, abiding in Christ means walking in surrendered obedience to Him. Those who are abiders as a way of life prove they belong to Jesus, the Vine. Those who do not abide as a way […]

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11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into […]

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2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the […]

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: 27-32 5:1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which […]

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4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near […]

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4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near […]

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29:1 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of […]

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13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. […]

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13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. […]

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13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. […]

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8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in […]

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17:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that […]

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15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, […]

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18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captivesand recovering of sight to the blind,to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and […]

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18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captivesand recovering of sight to the blind,to set at liberty those who are oppressed, (ESV)

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16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The […]

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21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This […]

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27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said […]

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16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was […]

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10 Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. (ESV)

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1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the […]

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7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (ESV) 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV) 3 Blessed […]

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14 “You shall not commit adultery. (ESV) 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (ESV)

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13 “You shall not murder. (ESV) 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the […]

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12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (ESV)

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Please note that the intro to this sermon was cut off, we apologize for the inconvenience. Click through to view the discussion questions.

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Judges 6-7
Click for discussion questions.

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4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, […]

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We apologize, but the beginning of the sermon was lost.

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6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (ESV)

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