Clermont Christian Church: Recent Episodes
Clermont Christian Church
The Impossible is Possible Jason Smith April 25, 2021
TRUTH: God makes the impossible, possible! TEXT: Joshua 3:7-16
We can be strong because… 1. The God of history is the God of today Joshua 3:7 :: The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
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Our faith is what triggers God’s power Joshua 3:13 :: And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”
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Miracles show that God is among us Joshua 3:16 :: the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho.
The Word Will Guide Jason Smith April 18, 2021
TRUTH: God’s Word will guide us to a God-focused life TEXT: Joshua 1:6-9
We can be strong because God’s Word…
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Is filled with promises Joshua 1:6 :: Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
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Gives success to those who follow it Joshua 1:7 :: Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
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Goes with us wherever we go Joshua 1:8-9 :: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The Way is Prepared Jason Smith April 11, 2021
TRUTH: God prepares the way for those who are His TEXT: Joshua 1:1-5
We can be strong because…
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God keeps His promises Joshua 1:2 :: “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.
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God’s faithfulness is consistent Joshua 1:3 :: Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
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God does not leave us Joshua 1:5 :: No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
A Better Jonah Jason Smith April 4, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus is the greatest power in our greatest storm TEXT: Jonah 1:7-16
Jesus is a better Jonah because…
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Jonah caused his own storm… Jesus’ storm is caused by me!
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Jonah was unwilling to reach those whom he believed didn’t deserve grace… Jesus is willing to reach those whom He knows don’t deserve it!
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Jonah sat in the belly of a whale for 3 days, Jesus died and went to Hell for 3 days.
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Jonah’s life gave a few a chance, Jesus’ life gives all humanity a chance.
A Better Issac Jason Smith March 28, 2021 TRUTH: Jesus was the sacrifice that God provided on our behalf TEXT: Genesis 22:1-14
Jesus is seen through Isaac as… 1. Both were miraculously conceived 2. Both are their father’s one and only son 3. Both carry the very wood up the hill 4. Both were to be sacrificial lambs provided by God 5. Both submitted in obedience without resisting 6. Both were to be sacrificed by their father 7. But Jesus…was actually sacrificed!
A Better Adam Jason Smith March 14, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus knows how to overcome temptation TEXT: Genesis 3:1–7; Matthew 26:36–46; 4:1-17
Jesus is a better Adam because… 1. He desires to please God more than self 2. He knows He is never alone 3. He knows that Satan will attack where we are vulnerable 4. He knows God’s Word will guide Him
It’s All About Jesus Jason Smith March 7, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus is the focus of all of Scripture TEXT: Luke 24:13-35
The OT presents a… 1. Problem that only Jesus can solve 2. Promise that only Jesus can fulfill 3. Need that only Jesus can meet 4. Theme that only Jesus can resolve 5. Story that only Jesus can conclude
Endless Love Jason Smith February 28, 2021
TRUTH: There is no end to the love of God TEXT: John 3:16; Psalm 136
God’s love is uncommon because… 1. It is toward everyone 2. It is always giving 3. It is constantly demonstrated 4. It has no end
Friendship with the King Jason Smith February 21, 2021
TRUTH: God provides true friendship with His only Son TEXT: John 15:12-17
God’s uncommon love means…
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We are witnesses to the greatest love John 15:13 :: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
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We are called into the greatest love John 15:14 :: You are my friends if you do what I command you.
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We are friends with the One who loves best John 15:15 :: No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
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We are trusted by the One who loves best John 15:16 :: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
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We are capable of loving like God loves us! John 15:17 :: These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
The Bride of Christ Andrew Wauchope February 14, 2021
Truth :: God loves the church just as He calls husbands to love their wives Ephesians 5:23-32
- God’s love redeems us
- God’s love perfects us
- God’s love provides for us
Lord, Teach Us to Pray Jason Smith January 31, 2021
TRUTH: Prayer is personal and simple TEXT: Matthew 6:9-13
Your prayer should…
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Acknowledge God Matthew 6:9 :: “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name
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Set yourself in His story Matthew 6:10 :: your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
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Ask for what you need today Matthew 6:11 :: Give us today our daily bread.
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Focus on your spiritual condition Matthew 6:12 :: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Zachaeus’ Misplaced Focus Jason Smith January 24, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus isn’t influenced by other’s thoughts about us TEXT: Luke 19:1-8
Breakthrough is possible…
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When we have the right attitude about Jesus Luke 19:3 :: And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.
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When we accept the invitation that Jesus offers Luke 19:6 :: So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.
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When we change our actions to match Jesus Luke 19:8 :: And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
The Demon Possessed Man’s Fatality Jason Smith January 17, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus is greater than the evil of the world TEXT: Mark 5:1–20
Breakthrough is possible…
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When we recognize where evil leads Mark 5:3a :: He lived among the tombs.
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When we acknowledge the power of evil Mark 5:4 :: for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.
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When we acknowledge Jesus Mark 5:6 :: And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.
4, When we remember the power of Jesus Mark 5:13 :: So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
- When we use our breakthrough for God’s glory Mark 5:20 :: And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
The Samaritan Woman’s Futility Jason Smith January 10, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus is the greatest hope in life TEXT: John 4:3-29
Breakthrough happens when we recognize…
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Jesus will break through barriers for us! John 4:4 :: And he had to pass through Samaria.
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Jesus will give us what we need John 4:10 :: Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
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Jesus already knows John 4:19 :: The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
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Jesus is coming John 4:25 :: The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
Peter’s Failure Jason Smith January 3, 2021
TRUTH: Jesus separates us far from our failures TEXT: John 21:7-17
Breakthrough happens when we…
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Face our failures John 21:7 :: That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
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Allow Jesus to serve us John 21:13 :: Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.
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Receive Jesus’ restoration John 21:17 :: He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep".
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch Jason Smith December 20, 2020
TRUTH: The birth of Jesus gives hope and changes hearts!
Jesus birth helps us…
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Look forward Luke 2:25 :: Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
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Face death in peace Luke 2:29 :: “Lord, now you are letting your servant[e] depart in peace, according to your word;
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Be prepared by revealing our hearts Luke 2:35 :: (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Happy Christmas (War is Over) Jason Smith December 13, 2020
TRUTH: Jesus is the only one who can bring true peace on earth.
True peace… 1. Is for ALL people. 2. Begins with peace with GOD. 3. Does not depend on POLITICAL circumstances. 4. Does not depend on FAMILIAL nearness.
(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays Jason Smith December 6, 2020
TRUTH: Jesus is the path that leads to the eternal home of which we long
Jesus leads us home because… 1. He knows the way! 2. He knows the Father! 3, He has authority over death! 4. He will last forever!
Christmas Playlist :: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Jason Smith November 29, 2020
TRUTH: Encountering Jesus brings hope to difficulty. Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–7
Hope comes when… 1. We are open to the HOLY SPIRIT. (1:20) 2. We are obedient to GOD, not self. (1:24) 3. We are committed to what is RIGHT, not popular. (2:5) 4. We don’t let the world steal our JOY. (2:7)
The Cloud :: The Most Generous Jason Smith November 22, 2020
TRUTH: Generous living includes serving along with giving
Serve generously... 1. Because we were served by Jesus. 2. When others may not deserve it. 3. Even while it costs you.
Transforming Compassion Andrew Wauchope November 15, 2020
Truth :: Compassion will transform you, the people around you, and the world
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Compassion reflects the universe God desires
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Compassion makes you a good neighbor
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Compassion requires an open heart and active hands
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Compassion makes and eternal difference
The Source Jason Smith November 8, 2020
TRUTH: Only God can bring lasting happiness, not money
If you love money…
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You’ll never have enough Ecclesiastes 5:10 :: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
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You’ll always be worried about losing it Ecclesiastes 5:11 :: When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?
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Your sense of “need” v. “want” will be clouded Ecclesiastes 5:12 :: Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
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You spend your life loving something that is temporary Ecclesiastes 5:15 :: As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
TRUTH: Where we store what we treasure, matters
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God and money are both masters Matthew 6:24 :: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
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Where you focus will be what you treasure Matthew 6:22 :: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light
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Your heart will long for where your treasure resides Matthew 6:21 :: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
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Treasure stored on earth is temporary Matthew 6:19 :: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal
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Treasure stored in heaven is eternal Matthew 6:20 :: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
TRUTH: Working hands and minds have less time for worry and fear
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Idleness is contagious 2 Thessalonians 3:6 :: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
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There is always more to be done 2 Thessalonians 3:8 :: nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
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People are watching 2 Thessalonians 3:9 :: We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
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Be busy in the right work 2 Thessalonians 3:11 :: We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
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Play the long game 2 Thessalonians 3:13 :: And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
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Peace will have victory over fear 2 Thessalonians 3:16 :: Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
TRUTH: Grounding oneself in God’s Word will give you clarity amidst the chaos of the future
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Be aware of DECEIVERS
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RECOGNIZE the man of lawlessness
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REBELLION will climax
TRUTH: The future promises good news and bad news… but it is your choice
The good news about the bad news is…
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Your affliction proves you are worthy of the gospel 2 Thessalonians 1:5 :: This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering
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Your adversary will get what they deserve 2 Thessalonians 1:6 :: since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you
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Your weariness will be replaced with rest 2 Thessalonians 1:7 :: and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
TRUTH: Our future is secured by God’s faithfulness and our perseverance!
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Honor leaders who help us persevere! 1 Thessalonians 5:12 :: We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you
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Help those who are struggling to persevere! 1 Thessalonians 5:14 :: And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
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Work with God as you strive to persevere! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 :: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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Rest in God’s ability to make it happen! 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 :: Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
TRUTH: In preparing for Jesus return, we should focus on being watchful and calm
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We may not know when, but we know how He will come 1 Thessalonians 5:2 :: For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
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We may not know when, but we know who He will gather 1 Thessalonians 5:5 :: For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
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We may not know when, but we know what is ahead 1 Thessalonians 5:9 :: For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
TRUTH: Encouragement comes by being biblically informed about the future coming of Jesus
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Death for the believer is like sleep 1 Thessalonians 4:13 :: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
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Your loved one who has died in Christ will be raised 1 Thessalonians 4:15 :: For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
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When Jesus returns, we will never leave His presence again 1 Thessalonians 4:17 :: Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
TRUTH: The Good News of Jesus compels us to focus on its future reward
The Gospel…
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Is greater than the present conflict! 1 Thessalonians 2:2 :: But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
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Is more important than our own pleasure! 1 Thessalonians 2:4 :: but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
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Unites lives! 1 Thessalonians 2:8 :: So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
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Moves us to holy living! 1 Thessalonians 2:10 :: You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
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Leads us toward heaven! 1 Thessalonians 2:12 :: we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
TRUTH: Our measure of faith today speaks to our ability to face the future
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Faith has it’s source in God 1 Thessalonians 1:2 :: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers
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Faith finds it’s increase in action 1 Thessalonians 1:3 :: remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Faith is made known through trial 1 Thessalonians 1:6 :: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit
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Faith is contagious 1 Thessalonians 1:8 :: For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
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Faith is life-changing 1 Thessalonians 1:9 :: For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
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Faith is focused on the future 1 Thessalonians 1:10 :: and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
TRUTH: Unity requires holding tight to the essential and loosely the non-essentials
Hold tight to these…
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Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 1:10a :: I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you,
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A Christ-like attitude 1 Corinthians 1:10b :: but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
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The cross of Jesus 1 Corinthians 1:17 :: For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
TRUTH: Unity comes when the people of the church recognize one another as family
Unity calls us to see that…
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A commitment to Jesus makes us family Matthew 12:50 :: For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
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The family unit is a model for the church Ephesians 2:18-19 :: For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God
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The church is a body whose members have responsibility to one another 1 Corinthians 12:18-19 :: But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be?
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Individualism has led us to… Separate our relationship with God from our relationship to the Church
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Diminish the importance of our earthly family and therefore our heavenly family Hold our earthly family as more important than our heavenly family
TRUTH: Essential to creating unity is being in community
In community we can best…
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Recognize what we have in common Ephesians 4:3 :: eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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Remove the danger of isolation Ephesians 2:5 :: even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
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Rehearse the “one anothers” Romans 15:5-6 :: May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
TRUTH: Christian unity is God’s gift to the church to show the world His glory
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Unity is a good gift Psalm 133:1 :: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
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Unity in the church is global Ephesians 2:14 :: For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
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Unity starts with God’s people Ephesians 4:13 :: until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
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Unity is evidence of the Gospel John 17:21 :: 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.
TRUTH: God’s love compels me to radical change in how I love Him and others
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God’s love gives me new life 2 Corinthians 5:17 :: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
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Love for God must be consuming Mark 12:30 :: 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.’
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Love for others must be equal to self Mark 12:31 :: The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
To accomplish this, engage this rhythm… 1. UP - Honor God 2. IN - Develop a godly heart 3. OUT - Serve others
Truth :: Let your service set you apart
Two Different Camps… 1. Those who forget that God is just 2, Those who know who God is
Four Promises From God… 1, He hears those who fear Him 2, He remembers those who fear Him 3. He spares those who fear Him 4. He distinguishes between those who serve and those who don’t
Truth :: Be obedient and remain faithful to your word, no matter the difficulty!
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Remain faithful to one another Malachi 2:10 :: Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
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Choose a spouse who has their eyes on God Malachi 2:11-12 :: Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!
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Remain faithful to your spouse Malachi 2:13-16 :: And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
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Remember, God forgives your iniquity and sin
Truth :: Weak worship profanes God’s name
What is God? God desires that we guard the integrity of our worship Joyfully bring your best! Jesus redeems our weak worship
TRUTH: God’s faithfulness provides hope to an unjust world
The reality… Habbakuk 1:2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?
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The world is full of evil and injustices abound Habbakuk 1:4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
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God sometimes uses the unjust for His purposes Habbakuk 1:5 “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.
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Injustice will not be overlooked by God Habbakuk 2:20 The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.
The reaction… Habbakuk 2:4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—
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Remember God’s faithfulness Habbakuk 3:2 Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.
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Trust God’s righteousness Habbakuk 3:16b Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
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Praise God’s victory Habbakuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
TRUTH: Racism has no place in the Kingdom
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All are created by God Genesis 1:27 :: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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Are all descended from the same parents Genesis 3:20 :: The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.
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All are equally valuable to God Acts 10:34 :: So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality
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All are equally welcome to salvation in Christ John 3:16 :: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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All people have access to heaven Revelation 7:9 :: 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
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All people deserve to be loved unconditionally James 2:9 :: But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
TRUTH: God does not overlook oppression, and serves justice to oppressors
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God is saddened by oppression Amos 5:1 :: Hear this word, Israel, this lament I take up concerning you:
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The oppressed are not above becoming oppressors Amos 5:7 :: There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground.
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Injustice has no reward Amos 5:11 :: You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.
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Repentance leads to grace Amos 5:15 :: Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.
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God is pleased with action, not lip service Amos 5:23-24 :: Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
TRUTH: Justice matters because it is foundational to the One whom we follow!
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God’s character is something to be praised Psalm 89:5-7 :: Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?
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Justice is foundational to God’s character Psalm 89:14 :: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
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God’s justice is not just retributive, but restorative Psalm 89:33-34 :: but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
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As image bearers, we all have a responsibility to seek justice Genesis 1:27 :: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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Sin leans us toward self-preservation and toward injustice Genesis 4:7 :: If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
TRUTH: Judgement day will reveal the evidence of our faith!
- All will be judged
- The judge will be Jesus
- It is after we die
- We will be judged according to our deeds
It will settle… 1. Who gets in 2. What reward awaits
TRUTH: The infinite God has the ability to maintain sovereignty while allowing man to be responsible
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Defining the dilemma
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Supporting the positions
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Showing the impact
TRUTH: Relationships are the vehicles by which we move one another closer to, or farther from, Jesus!
Relationships require…
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An investment mentality Galatians 6:8 :: For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
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A harvest mentality Galatians 6:7 :: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
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A grace mentality Galatians 6:2 :: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Credit :: Paul David Tripp
TRUTH: A relational God creates people who are called to be… relational!
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God is relational John 3:16 :: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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We were created in His image, and are therefore relational beings as well Genesis 1:27 :: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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We are called to be in relationship with God and one another Mark 12:30-31 :: 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.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
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There is a difference between how we treat Christians and non-Christians 1 Corinthians 5:11-12 :: But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
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We were created to glorify God, therefore our relationships should do the same Isaiah 43:7 :: everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
TRUTH: Any gospel that diminishes the benefit of sacrifice and the reality of suffering in this world is not the gospel of Jesus
The prosperity gospel…
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Elevates the gifts of God above God
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Diminishes Jesus’ example of, and call to suffering
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Wrongly connects faith to blessings
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Ignores the pitfalls of money
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Denies the Kingdom is a now/yet to come reality
TRUTH: Jesus leaves us motivation for the mission while we await His return!
The mission…
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Will be carried out by imperfect people! Matthew 28:17 :: And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
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Is backed by One with authority! Matthew 28:18 :: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
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Is teaching what grace looks like! Matthew 28:20a :: teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
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Will always have support! Matthew 28:20b :: And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
TRUTH: The resurrection will lead some to worship, and others to refuse to believe
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Believers in Jesus use the resurrection to worship! Matthew 28:9b :: And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
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Doubters will use the resurrection as an excuse to refuse to believe! Matthew 28:13 :: and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
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Devotion to Jesus is rewarded! Matthew 28:9a :: And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”
TRUTH: Jesus resurrection defeated my greatest enemy!
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Jesus resurrection deserves my service! Mark 16:1 :: When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
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Jesus resurrection moves my greatest obstacles! Mark 16:4 :: And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
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Jesus resurrection proves He is who He said! Mark 16:6 :: And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
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Jesus resurrection propels me to go out! Mark 16:8 :: And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
TRUTH: Only with the spilling of Jesus blood can our sin be addressed.
His death…
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Was cruel Mark 15:25 :: And it was the third hour when they crucified him.
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Was compelling Mark 15:39 :: And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
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Was complete Mark 15:46 :: And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
TRUTH: How we respond to, and serve, King Jesus does not make Him any more or less King
Ways some respond…
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Pilate was amazed Mark 15:5 :: But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
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The chief priests were envious Mark 15:10 :: For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
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The crowd was stirred up Mark 15:11 :: But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.
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The soldiers were mocking Mark 15:20 :: And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
TRUTH: A faithful witness for Jesus speaks truthfully about their relationship
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A false witness will lie no matter the facts Mark 14:59 :: Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.
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A fearful witness will deny no matter the friendship Mark 14:71 :: But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”
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A faithful witness will speak truth no matter the fallout Mark 14:62 :: And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
TRUTH: Jesus was focused on us when He suffered alone
Extravagant focus is required when you’re alone and…
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Abandoned Mark 14:27 :: And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
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Overwhelmed Mark 14:34 :: And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”
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Betrayed Mark 14:50 :: And they all left him and fled.
TRUTH: A follower of Jesus offers grace even when it’s hard
Extravagant grace is…
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Intentional Mark 14:16 :: And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
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Unconditional Mark 14:18 :: And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”
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Unending Mark 14:25 :: Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
TRUTH: Extravagant love sacrifices self
A contrast of extravagance…
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Extravagant love sacrifices self publicly Mark 14:1-3 :: It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.
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Selfishness sacrifices others privately Mark 14:10-11 :: Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
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Extravagant love will be criticized by people Mark 14:4-5 :: There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
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Selfishness will be called out by Jesus Mark 14:18 :: And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”
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Extravagant love will be remembered Mark 14:6-9 :: But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
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Selfishness will be rejected Mark 14:10-11 :: Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
TRUTH: Stay awake for Jesus return!
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Jesus is coming to gather His people Mark 13:26 :: And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
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Sooner than we think Mark 13:29 :: So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
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Be awake when He does Mark 13:35 :: Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning
TRUTH: The end times will require us to be on guard
Be on guard because…
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Deception is possible :: Be watchful Mark 13:6 :: Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.
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Persecution is inevitable :: Be faithful Mark 13:13 :: And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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Trouble is double :: Be hopeful Mark 13:19 :: For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.
TRUTH: The depth of your heart can be seen in the measure of your sacrifice
Sacrifice is…
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Seen by Jesus! Mark 12:41a :: And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box.
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Not determined by amount Mark 12:43 :: And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.
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Preceded by faith Mark 12:44 :: For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
TRUTH: Great understanding brings a great responsibility to be authentic
An authentic follower…
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Knows Jesus, the Christ, is David’s son, and therefore man! Mark 12:35 :: And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?
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Knows Jesus, the Christ, is David’s Lord, and therefore God! Mark 12:36-37 :: David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
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Won’t put on a show Mark 12:38-39 :: And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,
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Won’t take advantage of others Mark 12:40 :: who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
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Won’t pretend to be something they are not Mark 12:40 :: who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
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Won’t diminish the judgement of God Mark 12:40 :: who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
TRUTH: Keeping what’s most important will silence critics!
Love God!
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Because of who He is! Mark 12:29 :: Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
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With all we are! Mark 12:30 :: 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.’
Love people!
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Create value! Mark 12:31 :: The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
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Sacrificially! Mark 12:32-33 :: And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
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As if life depended on it! Mark 12:34 :: And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
TRUTH: Eternal life is real and it is better than this one!
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Faith requires belief in that which is not seen Mark 12:18 :: And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying,
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Knowledge of Scripture shows that there is no end to life for those in God Mark 12:24 :: Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 12:26 :: And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
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The power of God makes eternal life more than what you have in this world Mark 12:24 :: Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 12:25 :: For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
TRUTH: A citizen of heaven must also be a citizen of the place in which God has them.
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Political talk can easily trap us Mark 12:13 :: And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
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Beware those who belaud you Mark 12:14 :: 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,[a] but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”
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Submission to government is required Mark 12:17a :: Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
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God holds all authority Mark 12:17b :: And they marveled at him.
TRUTH: A new year brings new opportunity to be a part of the NEW thing God is doing
God’s “new thing”…
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Can’t be confined Isaiah 43:18 :: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
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Must be received Isaiah 43:19a :: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
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Should be shared 2 Corinthians 5:17 :: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
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Can’t be denied Revelation 21:5 :: And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
TRUTH: Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever been given
Jesus is a gift that…
- Acts on our behalf!
- Meets our greatest need!
- Prepares us for our future!
TRUTH: Receiving God’s gift of Jesus allows us to be children, and heirs, with Him
I know I am a child when… 1. I hate my sin 2. I long for God 3. I faithfully suffer
As an heir, I receive… 1. The world 2. God 3. A new, resurrected body
TRUTH: God’s chosen method to communicate to us His love is JESUS!
Jesus’ birth communicates that…
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He is with us! Isaiah 7:14 :: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 :: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
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He is for us! Romans 8:31 :: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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He can save us! Luke 2:10-11 :: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
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He gives us life! Colossians 2:13 :: And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses
TRUTH: A church that participates fully with God will have more than enough!
A “more than enough” church will…
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Have a desire to do what the Lord commands Exodus 36:1 :: “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.”
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Have some who are skilled to work Exodus 36:2a :: And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill,
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Have some who have the heart to work Exodus 36:2b :: everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.
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Have participation from everyone Exodus 36:5 :: and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.”
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Have generosity that must be restrained Exodus 36:6-7 :: So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
TRUTH: Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps takes you away from God’s provision
- Obedience may seem foolish
- Trouble deepens our reliance upon God
- God’s provision is astounding
TRUTH: A “more than enough” faith only comes by trusting a “more than enough” God!
A “more than enough” faith…
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Recognizes earthly limitations 2 Kings 5:1 :: Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
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Has desire to change 2 Kings 5:4 :: So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.”
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Doesn’t quit in the face of challenge 2 Kings 5:9 :: So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house.
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Listens to those who can be trusted 2 Kings 5:13 :: But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
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Is willing to act on the unexplainable 2 Kings 5:14 :: So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
TRUTH: God is able to provide more than enough for our needs
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Jesus cares about our need Matthew 14:14 :: When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
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Jesus knows our need Matthew 14:16 :: But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”
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Jesus meets our need Matthew 14:20 :: And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
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There is always more Matthew 14:20 :: And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
TRUTH: Because Jesus was rejected, I can be a part of His Kingdom
I would do well to remember…
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Who owns it Mark 12:1 :: And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country.
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A harvest is expected Mark 12:2 :: When the season came, he sent a servant[a] to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
3, The son is coming to get it Mark 12:6 :: He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
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Those who reject the Son will be destroyed Mark 12:9a :: What will the owner of the vineyard do?
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Anyone who accepts the Son can be a part of it Mark 12:9b :: He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.
TRUTH: Jesus requires everyone to make a choice
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To believe Jesus or not Mark 11:28 :: and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”
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To answer Jesus or not Mark 11:30 :: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”
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To fear Jesus more than others Mark 11:32 :: But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.
TRUTH: Fruitless or corrupt faith will not be tolerated in the Kingdom
Jesus will not tolerate…
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Those who are fruitless on the outside Mark 11:14 :: And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
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Those who are corrupt on the inside Mark 11:17 :: And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
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Faith that is filled with doubt Mark 11:24 :: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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Forgiveness that is not passed on Mark 11:25 :: And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
TRUTH: Jesus is the King who saves people from sin
With His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus makes clear…
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I am King! Mark 11:7-8 :: And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.
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I am Savior! Mark 11:9-10 :: And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
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I am God’s son! Mark 11:11 :: And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
TRUTH: Jesus won’t forget the one
When in need, know that…
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Jesus can help Mark 10:47 :: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
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How we approach Him matters Mark 10:47 :: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
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Others shouldn’t deter our persistence Mark 10:48 :: And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
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Jesus wants to help Mark 10:51 :: And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
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Faith makes all the difference Mark 10:52 :: And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
TRUTH: A follower of Jesus serves regardless of where that service may lead.
Properly serving Jesus will…
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Have others asking questions. Mark 10:32 :: And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,
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Require focus. Mark 10:33 :: saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.
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Leave no room for selfishness. Mark 10:35 :: And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
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Have distractions from others. Mark 10:41 :: And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
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Call us out of cultural norms. Mark 10:42 :: And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
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Potentially lead us to persecution. Mark 10:45 :: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
TRUTH: Youth are uniquely positioned to trust Jesus
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They are still reliant Mark 10:13 :: And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
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They have not accumulated idols Mark 10:22 :: Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
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They still believe the impossible is possible Mark 10:27 :: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
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They are not settled in comfort Mark 10:30 :: who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
TRUTH: A Christ-follower will allow marriage to bring God glory in a broken culture.
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Godliness is better than lawfulness in marriage. Mark 10:2 :: And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
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Brokenness in marriage can be redeemed by God. Mark 10:4 :: They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”
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Following God’s ideal will bring Him the most glory. Mark 10:9 :: What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
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Holding marriage as a forever covenant brings God glory. Mark 10:11-12 :: And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
TRUTH: A gospel centered church responds to the magnificence of God with a missional mindset.
A missional mindset will desire…
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Proclamation 2 Corinthians 4:2 :: But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
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Demonstration 2 Corinthians 4:6 :: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:11 :: For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
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Multiplication 2 Corinthians 4:15 :: For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
TRUTH: Gospel-centered service is motivated by Jesus’ action for me.
Gospel-centered service to another…
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Begins with love John 13:1 :: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
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Requires humility John 13:5 :: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
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Calls for impartiality John 13:11 :: For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
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Refuses the temptation of power John 13:15-16 :: For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
TRUTH: We create Gospel centered community when we allow the glory of Jesus to be displayed in us.
- Remember what unites us!
- Create grace-filled environments!
- Hold onto what is good/right!
- Be quick to forgive!
- Serve with right motivation!
A Gospel-Centered Church is…
- Self-Centered is not Gospel-Centered
- Worship crushes self-centeredness
- What corrupts our worship?
- Open our hearts Lord, we want to see you!
TRUTH: Jesus shows that failure is not final and that faith is formidable!
- We all experience failure!
- Failure is not final!
- We can obtain strength in our faith through Jesus!
Application 1. Remember who is in charge 2. Increase and strengthen your faith through prayer 3. Put your faith into action
TRUTH: Jesus anchors our suffering in the glory to come!
A glimpse of glory teaches us…
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Not all will experience it! Mark 9:2 :: And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them
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Nothing on earth is like it! Mark 9:3 :: and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
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Jesus is the picture of it! Mark 9:4 :: And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
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Holding to faith will lead us to it! Mark 9:13 :: But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
TRUTH: A Christian demonstrates their understanding of the who, and the what, by their how!
Following Christ personally moves us to… 1. Know who Jesus is 2. Understand what Jesus did 3. Choose how Jesus leads
TRUTH: Jesus has power to give us sight when our understanding is impaired
We will not understand when…
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Our hearts are hard Mark 8:2 :: “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.
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Our ears do not hear Mark 8:12 :: And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
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Our eyes do not see Mark 8:19-20 :: When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.”
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We do not trust Jesus Mark 8:23 :: And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?”
TRUTH: The love of Jesus is boundless
- Jesus is mission-minded
- Jesus is personal & compassionate
- We must listen
- We must speak
TRUTH: Jesus shows why the heart is most important
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Sin’s root is inside the body Mark 7:15 :: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”
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Sins fruit is revealed outside the body Mark 7:20 :: And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.
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Submitting to what has been “done” is greater than striving to “do”
TRUTH: Jesus shows that traditions must not come above truth!
Following tradition can… 1. Often bring empty worship Mark 7:7 :: in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
- Often lead away from God’s truth Mark 7:13 :: thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
TRUTH: Jesus often reminds us of who He is in the midst of our earthly struggles!
Jesus is the One who…
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Deserves our obedience Mark 6:45 :: Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
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Models Godly connection Mark 6:46 :: And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
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Shows His sovereignty Mark 6:48 :: And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them
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Calms our fears Mark 6:51 :: And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded
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Offers grace in our ignorance Mark 6:52 :: for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
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Gives hope Mark 6:55 :: and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was.
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Brings healing Mark 6:56b :: they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
TRUTH: Jesus makes serving others possible!
Jesus calls us…
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To rest Mark 6:31a :: And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
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To see Mark 6:34 :: When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
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To act Mark 6:37a :: But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.”
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To trust Mark 6:42 :: And they all ate and were satisfied.
TRUTH: Advancing the Kingdom is a cause worthy of dying!
On mission we advance the Kingdom!
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Together Mark 6:7a :: And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two
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With authority Mark 6:7b :: and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
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With focus Mark 6:8 :: He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts
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With humility Mark 6:10 :: And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.
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Without guilt Mark 6:11 :: And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
On mission we must be prepared!
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To be misunderstood Mark 6:15 :: But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
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To be feared Mark 6:16 :: But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
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To be opposed Mark 6:17 :: For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her.
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To be killed Mark 6:27 :: And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s[e] head. He went and beheaded him in the prison
TRUTH: Boldness to speak comes with confidence in Jesus and the mission!
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Center your words in Scripture! Acts 2:16 :: But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel Acts 2:25 :: For David says concerning him,
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Focus your words on Jesus! Acts 2:22 :: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know
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Offer hope and promise! Acts 2:39 :: For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
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Share your experience as witness! Acts 2:40 :: And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
TRUTH: To be the church, people must matter more than things!
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Unity marks us! Acts 4:32a :: Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul,
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We hold possessions loosely! Acts 4:32b :: and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
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We care for one another! Acts 4:34 :: There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold
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We are authentic in our community! Acts 4:37 :: sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
TRUTH: Following Jesus is made easier when I ground myself in truth!
Staying grounded…
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Helps me know untruth! Matthew 4:1-2 :: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
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Keeps me focused Matthew 4:7 :: Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
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Is beneficial for now and eternity Matthew 4:8 :: Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
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Moves us toward our mission Matthew 4:10 :: 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.’” Matthew 4:16 :: 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.”
TRUTH: Following Jesus is made easier when we stay connected
We must stay connected…
- To the mission Acts 1:8 :: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
I must stay connected…
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To people through friendship Acts 1:13 :: And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
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To God through prayer Acts 1:14 :: All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
TRUTH: Jesus is alive and I can have hope!
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Jesus life brings hope to all who are fearful John 19:38-39 :: After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.
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Jesus life brings hope to all who are marginalized John 20:1 :: 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.
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Jesus life brings hope to all who are failing John 20:3 :: So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
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Jesus life brings hope to all who are denying John 20:8 :: Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed
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Jesus life brings hope to all who are doubting John 20:25 :: 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.”
TRUTH: Jesus death brings me life!
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I am a sinner Romans 3:23 :: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
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My sin separates me from God Romans 6:23 :: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Christ died to clear my sin 1 Corinthians 15:3 :: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures
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Christ’s death means my present and future have hope 1 Peter 2:24 :: 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.
TRUTH: God has made foolish the wisdom of the world
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To be first, I must be last Matthew 19:30 :: But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
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To be great, I must be least Luke 9:48 :: and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
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To be alive, I must die John 12:25 :: Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
TRUTH: God created men and women with equal value and complimentary roles
- Feminism
- Egalitarianism
- Complementarianism
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Patriarchy
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God’s creation brings value and order Genesis 1:26-27 :: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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Sin’s entrance ruined God’s intent Genesis 3:15-16 :: I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
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Christ’s coming restored roles in the home and church Ephesians 5:22 :: Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Ephesians 5:25 :: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 1 Timothy 2:11-12 :: Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
TRUTH: The Holy Spirit is here to lead us back home!
1, The Holy Spirit is God! Genesis 1:1 :: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
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The Holy Spirit is given to help! John 14:16-17 :: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
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The Holy Spirit is received by repentance and water baptism Acts 2:38 :: And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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The Holy Spirit is evidenced by praise and obedience Acts 10:46 :: For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, Acts 5:29-32 :: But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
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It is possible to work against the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30 :: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Acts 7:51 :: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 :: Do not quench the Spirit.
TRUTH: God is seeking worshippers who are balanced
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It is about the internal, not the external John 4:21 :: Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
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It is about who John 14:6 :: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
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It is about how John 4:24 :: God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
TRUTH: Our own disbelief often limits the power of Jesus
Disbelief often comes when…
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We are surprised Mark 6:2a :: And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished,
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We think we know Mark 6:2b-3a :: saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”
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We are offended by truth Mark 6:3b :: And they took offense at him.
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We set Jesus in a box Mark 6:5 :: And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
TRUTH: Our faith coupled with Jesus power helps us overcome!
An overcomer knows…
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Only Jesus can help! Mark 5:22a :: Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, Mark 5:26 :: and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
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I am not worthy of His help! Mark 5:22b :: and seeing him, he fell at his feet Mark 5:33 :: 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.
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Jesus is powerful Mark 5:29 :: And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Mark 5:42 :: And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
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Jesus power does not discriminate Mark 5:22a :: Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, Mark 5:25 :: And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
TRUTH: Jesus power allows faith to rise above fear
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Those whose faith recognizes Jesus’ power will run to Him! Mark 5:2 :: And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. Mark 5:6 :: And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.
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Jesus desires to reward faith! Mark 5:13 :: So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
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Faith stories will often be met with skepticism! Mark 5:17 :: And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.
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The reward of faith must be told Mark 5:20 :: And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
TRUTH: Our God is a perfecting God, not a pampering God
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Circumstances distract us Mark 4:38 :: But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
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The power of God is immeasurably great Mark 4:39 :: And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
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Fear and faith are opposites Mark 4:40 :: He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
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Fear God alone Mark 4:41 :: And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
TRUTH: Only good soil will produce fruit
What kind of soil am I cultivating… 1. Hard-hearted Mark 4:4 :: And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Mark 4:15 :: And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.
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Shallow Mark 4:5 :: Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. Mark 4:16-17 :: And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
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Distracted Mark 4:7 :: Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Mark 4:18-19 :: And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
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Fruitful Mark 4:8 :: And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:20 :: But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
TRUTH: Jesus makes adoption into God’s family possible!
Being a part of the family of God is…
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Spiritual, not physical Mark 3:33:: And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”
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Faithful, not successful Mark 3:34 :: And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!
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Willful, not accidental Mark 3:35 :: For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
TRUTH: Jesus graciously provides warnings for our benefit
The unforgivable sin…
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Isn’t committed in an instant Mark 3:22 :: And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” Mark 3:30 :: for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
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Isn’t possible in Christ Mark 3:27-28 :: But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter
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Isn’t final until death Mark 3:29 :: but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”
TRUTH: Jesus’ coming extends grace for all time
God’s grace was extended…
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In an unalterable past Ephesians 1:7 :: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
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To my uncontrollable present 2 Corinthians 12:9 :: 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.
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For the unchangeable future 1 Peter 1:4 :: to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you
TRUTH: Jesus came to show us the unfailing love of God
God’s LOVE…
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Overcomes our sin 1 John 4:9 :: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 3:8b :: The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
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Takes the first step 1 John 4:10 :: In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
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Makes us confident for eternity 1 John 4:17-18 :: By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
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Gives us the ability to love one another 1 John 4:20-21 :: If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
TRUTH: Jesus came to restore relationship
God sent Jesus…
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So that we could be different 2 Corinthians 5:17 :: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
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So that we could be restored to Him 2 Corinthians 5:18a :: All this is from God, 2 Corinthians 5:19a :: that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them
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So that we could reconcile with others 2 Corinthians 5:19b :: and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
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So that others might be restored to Him 2 Corinthians 5:20 :: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
TRUTH: Jesus is always ready to love those in need
Jesus understood that to be able to minister to others we must…
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Be rested Mark 3:7 :: Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea Mark 3:13 :: And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.
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Be ready Mark 3:9 :: And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,
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Be resourceful Mark 3:14 :: And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
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Be resilient Mark 3:19-21 :: and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
TRUTH: Jesus elevates relationship over religion
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Religion steals joy Mark 2:18-22 :: Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”
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Religion removes us from grace Mark 2:23-28 :: One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
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Religion often keeps us from doing good Mark 3:1-6 :: Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
TRUTH: Jesus chooses those who are willing to recognize their need
Jesus often chooses…
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The unlikely Mark 2:14 :: And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
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The undesirable Mark 2:15 :: And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
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The unhealthy Mark 2:16-17 :: And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
TRUTH: Saving moves us toward contentment and freedom to impact God’s Kingdom!
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Saving for the future honors God by providing for the Kingdom Proverbs 6:6-8 :: Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
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Saving for the future allows us to be prepared to meet needs 1 Corinthians 16:2 :: On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
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Saving allows us to be cheerful givers 2 Corinthians 9:7 :: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
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Saving for future generations speaks to our character Proverbs 13:22 :: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
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Saving requires us to learn to be content Philippians 4:11 :: Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
TRUTH: Tithing places our heart’s allegiance with God
WHAT IS IT?
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A Biblical tithe is 10 percent Genesis 14:19-20 :: And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
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It is a command of God Deuteronomy 12:5-6 :: But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there. There you shall go, and there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution that you present, your vow offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock.
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It is the first fruit portion Leviticus 27:30-34 :: “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. If a man wishes to redeem some of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it. And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord. One shall not differentiate between good or bad, neither shall he make a substitute for it; and if he does substitute for it, then both it and the substitute shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.” These are the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses for the people of Israel on Mount Sinai.
WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT IT?
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Do it in secret Matthew 6:1-4 :: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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Don’t forget the weightier matters Matthew 23:23 :: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
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God is interested in our faithful giving Mark 12:41 :: And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.
WHY DO IT?
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Tithing shows God He has our heart Matthew 6:21 :: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
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Tithing opens the door to God’s blessings Malachi 3:10 :: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Proverbs 3:9-10 :: Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
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Tithing binds up the devourer of our first fruits Malachi 3:11 :: I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.
TRUTH: Debt enslaves us to money
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Stop taking on debt Proverbs 22:7 :: The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
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Save emergency fund Proverbs 21:20 :: The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
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Tithe to God Malachi 3:10-11 :: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.
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Payoff debts Psalm 37:21 :: The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously
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Create a budget Proverbs 21:5 :: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
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Eat beans and rice Proverbs 23:21 :: for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
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Work a part-time job Proverbs 10:4-5 :: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
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Pray for creativity and wisdom James 4:2b :: You do not have because you do not ask God.
TRUTH: Our spiritual health is primary to our other needs
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Spiritual health is bolstered by God’s word Mark 2:2 :: And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
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A healthy faith is demonstrated by action Mark 2:5 :: And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
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Jesus is the gate to our spiritual health Mark 2:10-11 :: But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”
TRUTH: Jesus will go to great lengths to serve His neighbor
Jesus steps into our mess by…
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Having a willing heart Mark 1:40 :: And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
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Having empathy Mark 1:41a :: Moved with pity,
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Extending personal touch Mark 1:41b :: he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
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Trading places with us Mark 1:45 :: But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
TRUTH: Prayer is the foundation to intimacy with God and loving our neighbors!
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Prayer restores intimate fellowship with the Father Mark 1:35 :: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
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Prayer keeps us focused on what is important Mark 1:38 :: Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
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Prayer gives us power to press on with the Gospel Mark 1:39 :: So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
TRUTH: Jesus words and actions are a clear demonstration of His true nature Jesus gathered and scattered Mark 1:21 :: And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. Mark 1:29 :: And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
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Jesus confounded expectations Mark 1:25 :: But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” Mark 1:34 :: And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
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Jesus was authentic Mark 1:22 :: And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:27 :: And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
TRUTH: Jesus was a good neighbor because He was hospitable and promoted God to others
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Play together Matthew 11:19 :: 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.”
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Utilize your home
- Invite neighbors to sit at your table
- Be a party attender
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Allow neighbors to serve you
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Promote Christ with your words 1 Thessalonians 2:8 :: So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
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Share your life experience
- Tell of your personal stories with Christ
- Talk like a satisfied customer
TRUTH: Jesus was a good neighbor because He was present with, and prayed for, others
- Be present with our neighbors Luke 7:44a :: Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
A. See the best in others B. Be interested in others C. Be counter-cultural D. Pray for & with your neighbors
Luke 11:9-10 :: And I tell you, 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.
- Pray for yourself and them A. Pray small & specific prayers B. Be willing to be the answer
TRUTH: To be a good neighbor, we must overcome obstacles!
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The issue of time Embrace distractions, don’t avoid them
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The issue of fear Remember you’re not alone, God is with you!
TRUTH: Good neighbors recognize the importance of gathering to scatter
When we scatter…
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Lost people will be drawn to Jesus! Luke 15:1 :: Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
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Religious people can be judgmental Luke 15:2 :: And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
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We are required to leave our comfortable relationships Luke 15:4 :: “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?
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Lost people are found! Luke 15:5 :: And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
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Great rejoicing occurs when you return Luke 15:6 :: 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.’
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God has greater joy over one being found than 99 who gather that are not lost Luke 15:7 :: 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.
TRUTH: My neighbor is both a stranger far away, and the one who lives next to me
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Being a good neighbor leads to eternal life Luke 10:25 :: And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
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Being a good neighbor is not limited to those who are like me Luke 10:33 :: But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
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Being a good neighbor is evidence of our obedience to Christ Luke 10:36 :: Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
Start with those who live next to you… 1. Know their name 2. Know relevant information 3. Know hopes and struggles
TRUTH: Jesus invites ordinary people into the extraordinary!
I choose to follow
Jesus transforms me
Together, the world is changed
TRUTH: The greatest choice one must make is whether to please God or self
Jesus chose to please God through…
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Submitting to baptism Mark 1:11 :: And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
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Submitting to the Holy Spirit Mark 1:12 :: The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
We please God through… 1. Truthful words 2. Avoiding greed 3. Being humble 4. Being gentle 5. Sharing ourselves 6. Hard work 7. Good conduct 8. Being encouragers
TRUTH: God is faithful to what He says!
- God can be trusted to keep His promises!
a. He fulfilled His promise to send a Messiah -John Mark was a witness Mark 1:1 :: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
-The prophets bore witness Mark 1:2-3 :: As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”
b. He fulfilled His promise to send a messenger -John the Baptist came to prepare Mark 1:4a :: John appeared,
- John responded with His own faithfulness! a. He was faithful to the message Mark 1:4b :: baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
b. He was humble Mark 1:6-8 :: Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
TRUTH: Jesus made God’s perfect love for man known!
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He intimately knew God’s love John 1:1-2 :: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
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Love was masked in the law John 1:10 :: He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. John 1:17a :: For the law was given through Moses
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His presence made perfect love known John 1:17b-18 :: grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
The Prophets purpose… 1. God’s voice to his people 2. Remind God’s people of the Law 3. Promise deliverance
Why is Jesus better? 1. Jesus is God 2. Jesus makes a new covenant 3. Jesus is our deliverance
All is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:2b
- The man
- The writer
- A simple truth
Why is Jesus better? 1. Jesus remedies our sin 2. Jesus restores our relationship 3. Jesus provides purpose
We need a King!
- Leadership of a Prophet
- God was watching over them
- God had a plan
We have a King! 1. Old Testament to learn from 2. New Testament to live for
What does this mean for me? H-O-P-E 1. High Priest 2. Only one we need 3, Perfect in every way 4. Eternal, not only Him, but His Kingdom
TRUTH: Love does not expire!
Love never ends because…
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God is love 1 John 4:8 :: Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
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God is eternal Revelation 1:8 :: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Psalm 90:1-2 :: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
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Love is eternal 1 Corinthians 13:8 :: Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
What does this mean for me? 1. As long as there is God, there will be love 2. Since God’s love never stops, I can be assured of it 3. Since love will always exist, the call to walk in it will never cease
TRUTH: Love does not retreat in the midst of challenge!
I endure because…
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God’s grace is too great to keep for myself 2 Timothy 2:10 :: Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
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The reward is too great to miss Matthew 10:22 :: and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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It is the example of the One I pursue! Hebrews 12:2 :: looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
What does this mean for me? With Jesus, I’m capable of enduring more than I think
TRUTH: Being irritable overshadows our attempts to love
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It is self-centered Luke 9:12 :: Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”
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It impacts discernment Luke 9:13 :: But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”
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It robs us of joy Luke 9:17 :: And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
What does this mean for me? S - Stop, repent, and ask T - Trust a promise O - Obey in faith P - Prepare for the moments
TRUTH: Love does not take pleasure in evil
Celebrating a wrong…
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Brings God’s wrath Romans 1:18 :: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
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Blinds us to the truth Romans 1:25 :: because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
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Leads to greater evil Romans 1:28 :: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
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Encourages others to sin Romans 1:32 :: Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
What does this mean for me? 1. Love will, with grace, speak truth about a sinful situation or person 2. When I love, I will be broken over my own sin, or someone else’s sin
TRUTH: Love takes instruction from God’s Word
Being wise in your own eyes means…
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I have lost my fear of God Proverbs 3:7 :: Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 9:10 :: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
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I have forgotten the source James 1:5 :: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Luke 21:15 :: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
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I have become arrogant Romans 11:18 :: do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
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I have outgrown the need for obedience James 3:13 :: Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
What does this mean for me? 1. My own wisdom will lead to relationships that are broken and marked by sin 2. Godly wisdom will lead to healthy, thriving relationships
TRUTH: Weeping with another is the overflow of loving well
In the midst of sharing in another’s sorrow…
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We demonstrate love John 11:5 :: Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:36 :: So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
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We affirm the unity of the church John 11:16 :: So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
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We help maintain perspective John 11:25-26 :: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
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We stay connected to God John 11:41b :: And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
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We are a witness to others John 11:42 :: I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”
What does this mean for me? 1. The level of sorrow we feel for another is indicative of the depth of our relationship 2. To share in one’s joy will require us to also share in their sorrow
TRUTH: To rejoice at another’s good measure, will require a humble heart.
Rejoicing with another…
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Requires us to set aside envy Luke 15:28-29 :: But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.
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Reminds me of God’s goodness Luke 15:31 :: And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
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Recognizes that we are united Luke 15:32 :: It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
What does this mean for me? 1. Rejoicing with those who rejoice goes beyond the external 2. Circumstance does not dictate my ability to be joyful
TRUTH: Love does not get even
Reasons to refrain from vengeance…
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It is not mine to take Romans 12:19 :: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
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It will be justly executed Romans 12:19 :: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
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It inhibits my witness Romans 12:20 :: To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
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It puts me in a weakened position Romans 12:21 :: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What does this mean for me? 1. I should expect to be hurt as a Christ-follower 2. My response to being hurt is an opportunity
Are Christians in America persecuted? 1. Persecution is normal 2. Christ-followers cannot avoid persecution 3. Suffering for Christ is a privilege
How can I love those who persecute me? 1. Pray 2. Seek their salvation 3. Seek peace 4. Be radical
TRUTH: Love is eager to be diligent!
A love that is eager will…
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Be visible by action! 2 Corinthians 9:2a :: for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year.
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Be contagious to others! 2 Corinthians 9:2b :: And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
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Need encouragement to persevere! 2 Corinthians 9:3 :: But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
What does this mean for me? 1. A genuine love will seek opportunity, not wait for it! 2. Encouragement of others should be a regular part of my faith walk
TRUTH: As we associate with people who are oppressed, we are practicing love.
Associating with the lowly…
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Separates out fake followers James 1:26-27 :: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
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Gains mercy in judgement James 2:13 :: For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Reasons we should associate with the lowly…
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Models faith in Jesus James 2:1 :: My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
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Reveals holy thinking James 2:4 :: have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
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Mirrors God’s heart James 2:5 :: Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
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Honors people James 2:6a :: But you have dishonored the poor man.
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Protects us from evildoers James 2:6b-7 :: Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
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Keeps me from sin James 2:8-12 :: 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 guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.
What does this mean for me? 1. External appearance is not the basis for my LOVE 2. My level of Gospel understanding is demonstrated by my action toward the lowly
TRUTH: My life can be transformed because God extends His love to the world.
Jesus’ life means… 1. Things are possible that I thought were not Luke 24:12 :: But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
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I have value that can’t be taken away John 21:7 :: That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
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I don’t have to go back to the way things were John 21:15 :: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
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I have a purpose to fulfill John 21:17 :: He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21:19 :: (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
What does this mean for me? 1. If Christ is not central in my life, I have a choice to make 2. If my life is being changed by Christ, I have praise to offer
TRUTH: The love of God is offered freely to everyone! God’s love is…
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Unlimited Ephesians 3:18-19 :: May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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Unimaginable Isaiah 53:4-6 :: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
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Unconditional 1 John 5:1 :: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
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Unstoppable Romans 8:31 :: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[a] against us?
What does this mean for me? Accepting the love offered by God means… 1. My past has been covered 2. My present is a choice 3. My future can be bright
TRUTH: Love has repeated connection with it’s source
Why maintain constant prayer?
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Because our good God is kind Luke 18:4 :: For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man
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Because it helps us maintain faith Luke 18:8 :: I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
What does this mean for me? 1. My attempt to be loving may fall short if I disconnect from the source 2. My ability to stay passionate is greater if I stay connected to the source
TRUTH: A genuine Christian will be excited to share the love of Jesus with others!
Passion to share God’s love exists when…
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We taste it for ourselves Acts 18:25 :: He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. Psalms 34:8 :: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
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We speak out about it Acts 18:26 :: He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Luke 8:39 :: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
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We serve others in need of it Acts 18:27 :: And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 1 Peter 4:10 :: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace
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We boldly champion it Acts 18:28 :: for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. Ephesians 6:19 :: and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel
What does this mean for me? 1. My actions demonstrate to a degree my own understanding of the depth of God’s love for me! 2. As I grow in God’s love, my level of passion to share it will also grow
TRUTH: LOVE allows hurts and wrongs to be set aside
A LOVING stance…
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Understands that our own wrongs won’t be counted Matthew 18:27 :: And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
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Sets aside the hurts/wrongs from others Matthew 18:30 :: He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.
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Remembers the reward/consequence Matthew 18:35 :: So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
What does this mean for me? 1. My unwillingness to set aside hurts and wrongs indicate a lack of Trust in God 2. My insistence to seek vengeance will hinder my hope for Heaven
TRUTH: Love treats others as if they are family
Being LOYAL to others requires…
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Determination Ruth 1:18 :: And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. Galatians 6:9 :: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
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Sacrifice Ruth 2:11 :: But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. Mark 10:45 :: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
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Trust Ruth 3:5 :: And she replied, “All that you say I will do.” Proverbs 3:5-6 :: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
What does this mean for me? 1. Decide and Follow-Through 2. Offer Grace 3. Take Risks 4. Do not Give Up
TRUTH: There is no place for selfishness in love
Selfishness means…
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I haven’t denied my own wants Philippians 2:6 :: who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
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I’m not considerate of others needs Philippians 2:7 :: but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
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I intend to serve myself, and not God Philippians 2:8 :: And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
What does this mean for me? 1. What I want must be set aside 2. What you need must be considered 3. What God wants must be pursued
TRUTH: Love’s hope points toward Heaven
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Hope provides a foundation 1 Timothy 4:10 :: For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
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Hope gives perspective 1 Corinthians 15:9 :: For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
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Hope sees the end and beginning Romans 5:3-4 :: Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope
What does this mean for me? 1. Love requires me to point to Christ 2. Love does not need all the answers 3. Love keeps heaven as it’s focus
TRUTH: Genuine LOVE will serve the LORD!
Serving the Lord is…
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Not exclusive! Romans 12:4-8 :: For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
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Not optional! Luke 17:7-10 :: “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
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Not about me! Romans 16:17-18 :: I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Matthew 6:24 :: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
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Not about others! Galatians 1:10 :: For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Colossians 3:24 :: knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
What does this mean for me?
- I cannot retire from serving
- I will have to put away self
- I will need to listen to the Holy Spirit
TRUTH: Love concerns itself with the glory it brings to the name of Christ Love that is not rude will…
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Not bring offense 1 Corinthians 10:32 :: Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God
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Not dishonor Christ 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 :: Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
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Have a higher standard than the world 1 Corinthians 11:32 :: But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
What does this mean for me?
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Understand that my actions leave a message
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Recognize that my actions may impact another’s pursuit
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Remember that my goal is to bring glory!
TRUTH: Love sticks like glue to the things of God
What is good?
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It is not just about what I do Matthew 19:16 :: And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Matthew 19:18 :: He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness
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It is about who I know Matthew 19:17 :: And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:21 :: Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
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It is a heart that is selfless Matthew 19:22 :: When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
What does this mean for me?
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“Holding fast” means that I am willing to walk with Jesus even when I don’t want to
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I don’t get to decide what is good
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The more selfless my heart becomes, the more love I demonstrate
TRUTH: Jesus’ presence allows us to be at peace!
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Enjoy the moment Luke 2:19 :: But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
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Engage the experience Luke 2:20 :: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
What does this mean for me?
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Look for the good Jeremiah 29:11 :: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
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Relax Matthew 6:34 :: Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
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Give Thanks Colossians 3:17 :: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
TRUTH: Those who seek the gift of love are led to wise decisions!
Wise decisions come as we…
- Know the word Matthew 2:2 :: saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
2 Timothy 3:16 :: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness
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Beware of secret Matthew 2:7 :: Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
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Listen Matthew 2:9 :: 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.
Proverbs 19:20 :: Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
- Seek the right things Matthew 2:11 :: 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.
Matthew 6:33 :: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Discern the Holy Spirit's leading Matthew 2:12 :: And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Romans 12:2 :: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
What does this mean for me?
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The more I follow God’s Word, the wiser decisions I will make
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The more I listen to the Holy Spirit, the easier it will be to discern His voice
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Wise decisions always include Jesus
TRUTH: The Good News of Jesus is a life changer!
Why is Jesus’ Good News life changing?
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It brings great JOY! Luke 2:10 :: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 2 Corinthians 7:4 :: I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
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It is for all people! Luke 2:10 :: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Titus 2:11 :: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people
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It provides peace! Luke 2:14 :: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Philippians 4:7 :: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What does this mean for me?
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Joy is not dependent on my current circumstance
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I have a responsibility to share this good news!
TRUTH: Jesus presence means my past can be redeemed!
Jesus’ presence means… 1. I can let go of fear Matthew 1:20 :: 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.”“ 1 John 4:18 :: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
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I can embrace Jesus’ grace Matthew 1:21 :: She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. John 1:16 :: For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
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I can make a better decision Matthew 1:24 :: When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife John 8:11 :: She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
What does this mean for me? 1. My past is no match for Jesus grace! Romans 5:15-16 :: But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
- My healed hurts can be used to to help others! 2 Corinthians 1:4 :: who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
TRUTH: Being Hospitable means allowing others into my space for God’s benefit!
WHAT? It is God’s example of grace Leviticus 19:33-34 :: When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
WHY? In order to bring others into God’s family Ephesians 2:11-12 :: Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
WHEN? At all times! Hebrews 13:1-2 :: Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
What does this mean for me? I have a chance to be an ambassador for Christ!
Be intentional!
TRUTH: Loving well means setting my heart to serve others where they are, not where I want them to be
People have deep needs that go beyond what we can see Luke 5:17-26 :: On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
Loving people means getting in the mud alongside them Philippians 2:3-8 :: 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.
What does this mean for me? What are you willing to lay down to love people the way Jesus loves you?
TRUTH: Love does not place confidence in the flesh
Arrogance forgets…
Christ’s role in our lives! 1 Corinthians 3:7 :: So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Our need of others! 1 Corinthians 12:21 :: The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
That this world is temporary! 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 :: So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
What does this mean for me? 1. I need to be more concerned about the spiritual than the physical 2. Humility must be my foundation 3. Arrogance is diffused when I rest in God’s promises
TRUTH: Love works hard to give honor, not receive it
We know honor is being extended when…
We become last Luke 14:10a :: But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’
We create value in another Luke 14:14 :: and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
We recognize the value others have 1 Corinthians 12:22 :: On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable
What does this mean for me? It takes effort to outdo! My thinking will need to be different than the world! I don’t get to decide value!
TRUTH: Love believes that which is true
Some things should not be believed
There is an absolute truth
Untruth or unbelief does not give me permission to be unloving
What does this mean for me?
To SEEK truth should be a goal
Loving those whom I do not BELIEVE will be more difficult
I will need to GIVE the benefit of the doubt at times
TRUTH: Genuine love protects another by covering over suffering
Love bears all because…
It removes ovstacles in one’s path to Christ 1 Corinthians 9:12 :: If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
Suffering is to be expected as a follower of Christ 1 Thessalonians 3:1 :: Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone 1 Thessalonians 3:5 :: For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
It is the example that Christ set 1 Peter 2:24 :: 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.
What does this mean for me?
Bearing for another will help my witness
Love will require me to bear more than I want to
I will need to keep my eyes on Jesus Mark 8:31-33 :: And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
TRUTH: Love is focused on others, not self
Boasting misplaces…
HUMILITY Luke 18:11a :: The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus:
SELF-AWARENESS Luke 18:11b :: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
QUIETNESS Luke 18:12 :: I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
What does this mean for me?
Get Over
Be Real
Let Others
Glorify GOD!
To hate evil we must…
Recognize it John 2:14 :: In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.
Objective evil exists
Understand it’s danger
Be transformed by it John 2:15 :: And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.
Intensity is required
Emotion, not just behavior must change
What does this mean for me?
Acknowledge the tension that exists Matthew 12:35 :: The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Follow Jesus’ example Luke 6:35 :: But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Increase your urgency to share Jesus
TRUTH: Love celebrates when truth is embraced
Hard realities of truth…
It is found in Christ and His Word John 8:31 :: So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples
It requires more than knowing John 8:31 :: So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples
It alone can bring freedom John 8:32 :: and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
It is contrary to our flesh John 8:43-44 :: Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
It does not exceed grace John 1:16-17 :: For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
What does this mean for me?
Embrace an absolute truth John 17:17 :: Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Live as an example Galatians 5:16 :: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Offer grace, then truth John 8:11 :: She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”