People's Church: Recent Episodes
Herbert Cooper
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And WHAT DOES THE ONE GOD SEEK? GODLY OFFSPRING. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. (NIV)
(Isaiah 43:1 ESV) Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.
1 Corinthians 12: 8-10 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (NIV)
Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
(ESV)Luke 1:53 he has filled the HUNGRY with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (ESV)Psalm 34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who SEEK the Lord lack no good thing. (ESV)Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will SEEK the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul. (ESV)
teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV)Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually. (NIV)Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV)4. Devoted to Generous LivingActs 2:44-45 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (NIV)Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)5. Devoted to WorshipActs 2:46-47 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)6. Devoted to EvangelismLuke 19:10 For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost (NIV)7. Devoted to Daily GrowthActs 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts (NIV)
Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (ESV)
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (ESV)
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, (ESV)
Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me? (NIV)Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (NIV)1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (ESV)
on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever LOVES discipline LOVES knowledge, but whoever hates correction is STUPID. (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:15 Be DILIGENT in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (NIV)
s life MORE than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. (NIV)
Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by PERSEVERING produce a crop. (NIV)
18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit will COME ON YOU, and the power of the MOST HIGH WILL OVERSHADOW YOU. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (NIV)Luke 1:37 For with God NOTHING will be impossible. (NKJV)
Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; YOUR PRAYER HAS BEEN HEARD. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. (NIV)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun (NLT)
Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)
Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 GO rather to the lost sheep of Israel. (NIV)
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and PLEADED with him. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN CHRIST with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (ESV)
Matthew 6:25 - “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (NKJV)
1. Bring your worries to God in prayer.
Philippians 4:6 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ( NLT)
2. Trade your worry for worship.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
3. Focus your mind on the pure and positive things.
Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)
Romans 12:2 – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (NLT)
Colossians 3:1-3 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (NIV)
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)
- FOCUS ON WHO YOU ARE
Philippians 3:4–10 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider EVERYTHING A LOSS because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be FOUND IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (NIV)
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (NIV)
John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
2. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU NEED TO FORGET
Philippians 3:12–13 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: FORGETTING what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (NIV)
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (NIV)
3. FOCUS ON THE GOAL
Philippians 3:14 I PRESS on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Hebrews 10:35–36 So do not throw away your CONFIDENCE; it will be richly REWARDED. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV)
- BE POSITIVE
Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (NKJV)
2. LIVE PURPOSEFUL
Philippians 1:13–18 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I REJOICE. Yes, and I will continue to REJOICE, (NIV)
3. MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE
Philippians 1:19–24 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (NIV)
Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)
4. STAND IN CHRIST’S POWER
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (NIV)
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you LOVE one another.” (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2–3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
A Humble Life
Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NLT
1. The heart of a humble disciple.
Philippians 2:1-4 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. NLT
Matthew 14:14 - Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. NLT
2. The head of a humble disciple.
Philippians 2:5 - You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. NLT
3. The hands of a humble disciple.
Philippians 2:6-8 – Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. NLT
John 13:3-5 - Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. NLT
Proverbs 11:25 - Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. NLT
A Joyful Life
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)
Philippians 1:1–7 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with JOY 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. (NKJV)
3 TRUTHS ABOUT LIVING IN JOY
1. HAPPINESS IS CIRCUMSTANTIAL; JOY IS RELATIONAL
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (NKJV)
Galatians 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)
2. HAPPINESS IS A DESTINATION; JOY IS A DAILY DECISION
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV)
3. JOY SPRINGS FROM FAITH
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and JOY OF FAITH, (NKJV)
How To Handle Difficult Relationships
Romans 12:9-10 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [e] and take delight in honoring each other. (NLT)Romans 12:14-16 - Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (NLT)Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
1. Own what you can ownRomans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)A. I can own my attitudeProverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. (ESV)B. I can own my own healthC. I can own my responseProverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins (NIV)Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel (NIV)Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly (NIV)Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end (NIV)
2. Trust God to help the other personA. Always be quick to forgive them.Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (MSG)B. Always pray for God to help them.
Romans 12:14 - 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (NLT)C. Never try to play the role of the Holy Spirit.
What about in marriage?A. God does not like divorceB. God’s Word makes provision for divorce when it’s neededC. God can do miraclesMatthew 19:3-9 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (NIV)
- GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
1A. VANITY PARENTING
1B. PERFECTION PARENTING
1C. RESCUE PARENTING
1D. COMPETITIVE PARENTING
2. GOD’S PLAN AND THE WORD OF GOD
2A. LOVE THE WORD OF GOD
Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV)
1. EMOTIONS 2. EXPERIENCES 3. FAMILY 4. FRIENDS 5. TRADITION 6. CULTURE
3. GOD’S PLAN AND THE HOUSE OF GOD
Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)
Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)
A. GODLY FRIENDS
B. GODLY MENTORS
3A. YOU NEED TO LOVE AND BE PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD’S HOUSE
3B. DON’T TALK BAD ABOUT CHURCH
3C. SERVE AT CHURCH 3D. EARLY ON HELP YOUR KIDS SERVE OTHERS
3E. GET YOUR KIDS ON THE DREAM TEAM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
4. GOD’S PLAN AND THE VOICE OF GOD
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)
TIPS ON TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD
4A. PRAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
4B. ASK YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD IS SPEAKING TO THEIR HEART
4C. ASK YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD IS SPEAKING TO THEM FROM THE WORD OF GOD
4D. ASK YOUR KIDS TO PRAY AND PROCESS THEIR YEARLY GOALS
4E. TEACH YOUR KIDS TO PRAY AND TO MAKE DECISIONS
THE BROACH OF SELFISHNESS
1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV)Matthew 7:3-5 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV)2. THE BROACH OF NOT SERVING
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (NIV)Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (NIV)3. THE BROACH OF UNFORGIVENESS
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (ESV)
4. THE BROACH OF COMMUNICATION
Proverbs 13:17 An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. (TLB)
4A. BE CONSISTENT
4B. BE A LISTENER
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)
4C. BE TRUTHFUL Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
4D. BE LOVING
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
4E. BE SELECTIVE
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV)
4F. BE A PEACEMAKER
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
5. THE BROACH OF INVESTING
Revelation 2:4–5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (NIV)
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (NIV)
6. THE BROACH OF COMMITMENT
Matthew 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV)
Dating And Sex As A Disciple
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone DESIRES to come after Me, let him deny himself, andtake up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)
Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lordyour God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatestcommandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophetshang on these two commandments.” (NIV)
1. LOVE GOD FIRST
2. LOVE YOURSELF SECOND
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)
2A. GET YOUR IDENTITY RIGHT
Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female hecreated them. (NIV)
Mark 10:6–7 “ But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man willleave his father and mother and be united to his wife, (NIV)
2B. GET YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS RIGHT
Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guardyour hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enoughtrouble of its own. (NIV)
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NIV)
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND. Thenyou will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound MIND. (NKJV)
2C. GET YOUR CAREER RIGHT
2D. GET YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND MONEY RIGHT
3. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR THIRD
3A. GO SLOW AND GET TO KNOW
Proverbs 19:2–3 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. 3 People ruin their lives by theirown foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. (NLT)
3B. DATE FOR PROOF NOT POTENTIAL
Matthew 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree isrecognized by its fruit. (NIV)
3C. KEEP YOUR SEXUAL DESIRES IN CHECK
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoeversins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; (NIV)
1 Kings 20:19-28 NIVThe junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind themand each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.”Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they.Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers.You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they.” He agreed with them and acted accordingly.The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”
Psalms 23:4 NIVEven though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Luke 9:28 NIVAbout eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Luke 9:37 NIVThe next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
3 Truths for Mountain and Valley Living1. Mountains and valleys are both part of our lives2. God is an all-terrain God3. What you get on the mountain you take down into the valley
Single And Satisfied
Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)
Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (NIV)
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. (NLT)
1. DISCOVER THE GIFT OF SINGLENESS
1 Corinthians 7:7–8 I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own GIFT from God; one has this gift, another has that. 8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. (NIV)
2. DESIRE FOR MARRIAGE DOES NOT HAVE TO EQUAL DISCONTENTMENT IN LIFE
1 Corinthians 7:28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. (NIV)
2A. RECOGNIZE THAT DESIRE AND CONTENTMENT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS
Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content WHATEVER the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
2B. SEE GOD’S GOODNESS IN YOUR SINGLENESS, NOT APART FROM IT
3. DISCERN THE ADVANTAGES OF SINGLENESS
3A. FREEDOM
1 Corinthians 7:32-33 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— (NIV)
3B. FLEXIBILITY
3C. FOCUS
1 Corinthians 7:34–35 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in UNDIVIDED DEVOTION to the Lord. (NIV)
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone DESIRES to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)
1. DESIRE
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh DESIRES what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV)
James 1:13–15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own EVIL DESIRE and enticed. 15 Then, after DESIRE has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV)
1. DANGEROUS DESIRES ARE DECEPTIVE
James 1:14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own EVIL DESIRE and ENTICED. (NIV)
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. (NIV)
2. DANGEROUS DESIRES KEEP YOU FROM CONTROLLING YOUR BODY
1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; (NIV)
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the EVIL DESIRES you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV)
3. DANGEROUS DESIRES HARDEN YOUR HEART
Ephesians 4:17–18 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. (NIV)
Hebrews 3:15 As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (NIV)
Ephesians 4:19–23 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its DECEITFUL DESIRES; (NIV)
4. DANEROUS DESIRES KEEP YOU FROM THE WILL OF GOD
1 Peter 4:2–5 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for EVIL HUMAN DESIRES, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (NIV)
5. DANGEROUS DESIRES DESTROY YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
James 4:1–2 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your DESIRES for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. (NKJV)
1. DO YOU DESIRE TO BE A DISCIPLE OF JESUS?
2. ARE YOU DOING LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS YOUR WAY INSTEAD OF GOD’S WAY?
Most of us see ourselves inadequately and God inaccurately.
From Weakness to Warrior
Judges 6:11-16 Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” 16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (NLT)
2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)
God knows who you really are
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)
God calls us based on our potential, not our performance!
God knows what you are facing
Don't wait for a “perfect moment” to make a difference!
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)
God knows what you can become
2 Corinthians 12:10 “When I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV)
God calls you a WARRIOR even when you feel weak!!
Our breakthroughs are oftentimes tied to our obedience.
Your weakness is not your disqualification — it’s your invitation.
John 15: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)
John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)
1. Bear Fruit by How You Live
John 15:8-10 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (NIV)
Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV)
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)
Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (NLT)
Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (ESV)
2. Bear Fruit by How You Love
John 15:10-12 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
3. Bear Fruit by How You Last
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my DISCIPLE must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV)
Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (NIV)
1. The Salvation Stage
2. The Milk Stage
1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn INFANTS, long for the pure spiritual MILK, that by it you may GROW UP into salvation 3 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 3:1–3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere INFANTS in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are STILL WORLDLY. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (NIV)
Hebrews 5:13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. (ESV)
3. The Maturing Stage
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the MATURE, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (NIV)
4. The Others Stage
Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (ESV)
4A. Mature Christians Get Connected to Other Christians
4B. Mature Christians Get Equipped for Ministry
4C. Mature Christians Serve Others So The Body Can Grow
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
5. The Disciple Making Stage
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)
Hebrews 6:1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and BECOME MATURE in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. (NLT)
Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (NIV)
Acts 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (ESV)
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his DISCIPLES, “Whoever wants to be my DISCIPLE must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV)
Acts 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (NIV)
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)
The first is the step of discipleship is
1. Desire
John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (NIV)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came THROUGH THE SPIRIT who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. (NLT)
2. Denial
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV)
Matthew 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (NKJV)
3. Death
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV)
Matthew 10:38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (NIV)
Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (NIV) Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (ESV)
Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (ESV)
I Corinthians 15:31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! (ESV)
4. Devotion
Matthew 28:19–20 - Therefore go and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)
Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (ESV)
Why don’t people follow God’s Word?
1. They don’t know the Word.
Joshua 1:8 - Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (NLT)
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
2. They don’t believe the Word.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (NLT)
3. They don’t like it.
James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
James 1:25 - …if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (NLT)
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
Psalm 119:97-112 - Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. 108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 1 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. (NIV)
4. They aren’t true disciples.
1 John 2:3-6 - And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (NLT)
Matthew 28:19–20 Therefore go and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Romans 10:9–10 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (NIV)
Romans 10:13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV)
Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)
1. Say It
2. Show It
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)
1. What is baptism?
2. Who should be baptized?
3. How should you be baptized?
Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. (NIV)
Acts 8:38–39 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (NIV)
4. When should you be baptized?
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV)
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (NIV)
5. Why should you be baptized?
1. A New Lord
2. A New Identity
Galatians 3:27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (NLT)
3. A New Family
Galatians 3:26–27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NIV)
4. A New Testimony
Matthew 10:32–33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (NIV)
5. A New Life
Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to NEW LIFE because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)
6. A New Commitment
Acts 8:36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (NIV)
- Mary was stuck in heartbreak
John 20:11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (NIV)
John 20:13–17 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (NIV)
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
2. Peter was stuck in failure
3. Thomas was stuck in doubt
John 20:27–28 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (NIV)
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
Psalm 31:4-5 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (NLT)
3 Keys to trusting God on bad days
1. Trust that God loves you, in spite of your feelings
Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)
1 John 4:16 - And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (NIV)
Ephesians 3:18 - And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (NLT)
Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
2. Trust that God is trustworthy in spite of what you’re experiencing
Luke 23:46 - Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. (NLT)
Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (NIV)
3. Trust God’s hands in spite of what you’re seeing
3A. God’s hands are powerful enough to help
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)
3B. God’s hands are steady enough to lead you
Psalm 139:10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (ESV)
3C. God’s hands are big enough to bless you
1 Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. (NIV)
3D. God’s hands are strong enough to keep you
John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (NIV)
John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)
1. Jesus paid for your sin debt
Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)
Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (NIV)
2. Jesus can turn your worst days into your best days
Hebrews 8:6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. (NIV)
Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. (NIV)
2A. Better Promise #1: Inward Transformation
Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV)
2B. Better Promise #2: Personal RelationshipJeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)
2C. Better Promise #3: Forgiveness of sin
Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)
Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (NLT)
3. Jesus finished His mission so that you could finish your mission
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)
John 1:41–42 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)
John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (ESV)
Psalms 69:21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. (ESV)
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (NLT)
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)
1. Jesus knows your feelings
1A. Jesus knows how you feel about disappointment
1B. Jesus knows how you feel about the death of someone you love
1C. Jesus knows how you feel when someone gossips and lies about you
1D. Jesus knows how you feel when you are betrayed
1E. Jesus knows how you feel when people doubt you
2. Jesus knows your temptations
Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)
2A. FEAR OF BEING EXPOSED
2B. FEAR OF REJECTION
2C. FEAR OF BEING HURT
2D. FEAR OF FAILURE
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
3. Jesus knows you can approach the throne of grace with confidence
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (NIV)
Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (NLT)
1 John 3:19–22 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)
4. Jesus knows if you come confidently to the throne, you will find help in your time of need
1 John 3:21–22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
Matthew 27:45-46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)
1. Choose to be real while still being reverent.
Matthew 11:28-29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT)
1 Peter 5:5-9 - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (NLT)
2. Choose to rest in what you do understand as you wrestle with what you don’t understand yet.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)
Psalm 143:1, Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief (NIV) Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV)
Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do only good. (NLT)
3. Choose ultimate over immediate.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
4. Choose to worship rather than worry.
Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. (NIV)
Psalm 22:22-24 - “I will proclaim your name to my brothersand sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. 23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT)
Psalm 34:1-3 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.[a] 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (TLB)
Hebrews 12:28-29. 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe, 29 For our God is a devouring fire.' (NLT)
John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT
1. Jesus recognized those close to him were struggling as well.
John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved… NLT
Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. NIV
Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ESV
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. NLT
2. Jesus encouraged his loved ones in the midst of his pain.
John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV
Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. NIV
3. Jesus highlighted the importance of not walking alone.
John 19:26-27 - “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT
Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV
Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. MSG
Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are gettingwhat our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (NIV)
What happens when you help others who are experiencing the same struggle
1. IT DISTRACTS US FROM OUR OWN NEEDS2. IT HELPS US TO SEE THE SOLUTION 3. IT ALLOWS US TO PUT EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE
Isaiah 58:10-11 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well,given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it. (MSG)
How Do We Help Others
1. OFFER THEM STABILITY
Luke 23:43 ("Assuredly, I say to you…” (NKJV)
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (NIV)
2. OFFER THEM SUPPORT
Luke 23:43 …today you will be with Me… (NKJV)
Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)
Luke 23:43 "…in Paradise.” (NKJV)
John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:2–3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV) Hebrews 12:2–3 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (MSG) 1. Betrayed
2. Falsely accused
3. Rejected
4. Abused
5. Humiliation
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)
Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (NIV)7 Things Forgiveness Is Not
1. Forgiveness is not pretending I’m not hurt
2. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did
3. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness
4. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting
5. Forgiveness is not reconciliation
6. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology
7. Forgiveness is not a feeling
5 Things Forgiveness Is
1. Forgiveness is hard
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
2. Forgiveness is personal
3. Forgiveness is a process
Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
4. Forgiveness is doing good to them
Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)
4A. Do good by not retaliating
Romans 12:17–19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV)
4B. Do good by praying for them
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)
4C. Do good by blessing them
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)
Romans 12:20–21 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)
5. Forgiveness is setting you free
I Samuel 30:1-5 (NIV)David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both young and old. They killed none of them but carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel
I Samuel 30:6-7 (NIV)David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him,
Own Your Spirit
Pray for Guidance
I Samuel 30:8 (NIV)…and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
Go Together
I Samuel 30:9 (NIV)David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind.
Expect Recovery
I Samuel 30:18 (NIV)David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken…
Job 1:1–3 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. (NIV)
Job 1:18–19 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (NIV)
Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. (NIV)
1. God is at work even when you don’t understand His ways
Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? (NIV)
Job 9:2 “Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? (NIV)
Job 38:3–5 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? (NIV)
Job 40:3–5 Then Job replied to the Lord, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. 5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (NLT)
Job 42:1–2 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. (NLT) Job 42:3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. Job 42:6 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Isaiah 55:8–9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)
Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. (NKJV)
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
2. God is working on you and around you, even when it doesn’t feel like He’s listening to you
Job 38:1 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: (NIV)
3. God is your Eternal Hope, Because Heaven is your Eternal Home
Job 19:25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:37–39 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (NLT)
Hebrews 11:13–16 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (NLT)
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (NKJV)
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NIV)
Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
1. Jesus never promised you would not get weary and burdened
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
2. Come to Jesus
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)
3. Allow Jesus to give you rest
3A. Jesus can take away your struggles
Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:24 "'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed.'” (NIV)
3B. Jesus can take you through your struggles
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
4. Stay yoked with Jesus
5. Learn from Jesus
5A. Pick your people
Mark 14:32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (NIV)
5B. Focus on your purpose
Proverbs 5:22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. (NLT)
John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV)
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV)
Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)
Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)
6 Steps To Break Free From Addictions
1. Look to Jesus for hope and help
Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (NIV)
2. Be honest about your addiction
Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. (NIV)
Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (NIV)
3. Build healthy boundaries
Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (NIV)
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT)
4. Replace bad habits with good habits
Luke 8:35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)
5 HOLY HABITS 1. Daily time with God 2. Attend Church every Sunday 3. Serve on the Dream Team 4. Give God the first 10 percent 5. Attend a small group
5. Surround yourself with godly friends
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)
Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)
6. Take it one day at a time
Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)
- Ask God for wisdom
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)
2. Wisdom to go talk to the person
Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV)
Matthew 5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV)
Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (ESV)
Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV)
3. Wisdom to go with the right approach
3A. Wisdom to choose the right time and the right place
Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT)
3B. Wisdom to have the right tone
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)
4. Wisdom to speak the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
4A. Speak the truth about what you did
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)
4B. Speak the truth about what they did
5. Wisdom to listen
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV)
6. Wisdom to forgive and to be patient with people
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
How to Find Hope When You're Hopeless
Genesis 15:1-4 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” (NIV)
Romans 4:18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (NLT)
Romans 4:19-21 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)
Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (NLT)
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
1. Focus on Faith not Facts
Romans 4:19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. (ESV)
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV)Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)
2. Focus on how good God is not on how bad you are
Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)
Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV)
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. (NIV)
Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
3. Focus on what you can do and not on what you can't do
Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV)
Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV)
Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called." (NIV)
1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:13"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)
6 Huge Reasons Why You Need Hope
1. Hope helps you get through dark days
Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (NIV)
H old O nP ainE nds
2. Hope brings you a source of joy and peace
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
3. Hope produces patience in you
Romans 8:24-25- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)
4. Hope strengthens your faith
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)
Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)
5. Hope provides a future perspective
Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
6. Hope is the anchor for your soul
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (NIV)
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)
Acts 4:23-24 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (NIV)
Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)
1. What is fasting?
2. Why should we fast?
A. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.
Matthew 6:16 – And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. (NLT)
B. Spiritual leaders throughout scripture fasted.
Moses fasted – Deuteronomy 9David fasted – 2 Samuel 12Elijah fasted – 1 Kings 19Ezra fasted – Ezra 10Nehemiah fasted – Nehemiah 1Esther fasted – Esther 4Daniel fasted – Daniel 10Paul – Acts 9Jesus fasted - Matthew 4
C. Some things only happen as a result of prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food. (TLB)
3. How do you know what to fast?
Isaiah 58:3-5 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (NIV)
4. What should you expect when you fast?
- Jesus is King
Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)
Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (NIV)
Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)
2. You should worship Jesus the King
Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)
3. You should give to Jesus the king
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)
4. You should bow down to Jesus the King
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)
Philippians 2:10- So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (ESV)
Romans 14:11 It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” (NIV)
Psalm 103:1–2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (NIV)
Psalms 78:11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (NIV)
Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. (NIV)
Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (NIV)
Psalm 106:21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, (NIV)
Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me. (NLT)
Isaiah 17:10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, (NIV)
Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (NIV)
1. Renews your youth like the eagle’s
Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (NIV)
Psalm 23:1–3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV)
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)
2. Satisfies you with good things
Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
3. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy
Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)
4. Redeems your life from the pit
Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)
5. Heals all your diseases
Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)
6. Forgives all your sins
Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)
Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)
Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)
Every part of the body matters
1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)
1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. (NLT)
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
1. Pray about everything
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
2. Combine thanksgiving with prayer
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
3 Benefits of Combining Thanksgiving with Prayer
1. The peace of God
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)
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. (NIV)
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)
2. Peace that transcends all understanding
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
3. Peace that guards your heart and mind
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
The 5 love languages1. Words of affirmation2. Physical touch 3. Receiving gifts4. Quality time5. Acts of service
Luke 17:12-19 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV)
1. Show it by coming to church with thanksgiving
Psalm 111:1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. (ESV)
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV)
2. Show it by singing songs of worship
Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV)
3. Show it with a shout
Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV)
4. Show it by lifting your hands in worship
Psalm 63:3–4 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV)
5. Show it in your daily activities
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)
6. Show it by obeying God’s word
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (ESV)
John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commands. (NIV)
1 John 5:3 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (NIV)
6A. Show it by being water baptized
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Romans 6:3-5 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (NIV)
Colossians 2:12 If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. (MSG)
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)
Acts 8:36–38 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (NLT)
Acts 10:47-48 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)
Acts 9:17–18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, (NIV)
Acts 16:33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
2 Kings 5:5 - So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. (NLT)
2 Kings 5:9 - 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. NIV
2 Kings 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” (NIV)
2 Kings 5:11-12 - 11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. (NIV)
2 Kings 5:13-14 - Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. (NIV)
1. Decide today to give God thanks no matter what.
Psalm 50:23 - But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. (NLT)
2. Trust God’s Word when you don’t understand His ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)
3. Ask God for His help.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)
NUMBERS 13:17-20 “Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. (NKJV)
NUMBERS 13:26-28 “26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! (NLT)
7 WORLD CHANGING MINDSETS THAT WON’T ALLOW ME TO SETTLE
#1 I’M FREE BUT NOT FINISHED
EXODUS 16:3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (NKJV)
#2 I’M NOT GOING UNLESS I’M SENT
NUMBERS 13:17-20 Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains. (NKJV)
JEREMIAH 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;I [ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (NKJV)
#3 I’M GOING TO PUT A DATE ON IT
NUMBERS 13:25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. (NKJV)
JOSHUA 3:5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (NKJV)
#4 THE FEAR IN MY HEART WILL NEVER BE GREATER THAN THE FRUIT IN MY HANDS
NUMBERS 13:27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. (NKJV)
#5 I REFUSE TO ALLOW WHAT I’M LOOKING AT TO DETERMINE WHAT I SEE
NUMBERS 13: 28 -29 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan. (NKJV)
#6 NOTHING WILL STEAL MY VOICE
NUMBERS 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (NKJV)
#7 I WILL NEVER SEE MYSELF AS SMALL
NUMBERS 13:33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (NKJV)
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV)
Luke 6:37–38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:5-6 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
4 Laws Of Sowing And Reaping
1. You reap what you sow
Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. (NIV)
2. You reap more than you sow
Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
3. You reap after you sow
2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
4. You reap based on how much you sow
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
Ephesians 3:20 God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine. (NIRV)
Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)
1. It’s about my heart
Mark 12:41–44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)
1A. My heart of sacrifice
It’s not equal giving. It’s equal sacrifice.
1B My heart of faith
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (NIV)
Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (NIV)
Luke 17:19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV)
Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (NIV)
1C. My heart for the house of God
Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. (NLT)
Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. and meditating in his Temple. (NIV)
1 Chronicles 29:3 Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: (NIV)
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (NIV)
EROI: Eternal return on investment.
1D. My heart of obedience
Ephesians 3:20 says, God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine.
1. You have to have a need
Mark 6:35–36 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” (NIV)
2. You have to put what you have in Jesus’ hand
Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV)
4 Reasons People Don’t Put What They Have in Jesus’ Hands
2A. People don’t understand that God wants them to participate in the miracle
2B. People have more logic than faith
Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV)
Three Levels of Giving:
1. What can I afford?
2. What can I sacrifice?
3. What can I trust God to do through me?
2C. They overlook the God factor
2D. It’s hard to care for others when we are comfortable ourselves
3. God does miracles when we partner with him
Mark 6:41-42 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV)
3 Principles on Partnering with God So You Can Experience Miracles
1. Partnering with God begins by giving God what you have
2. Partnering with God requires steps of faith and obedience
3. Partnering with Jesus produces more changed lives
John 6:14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (NIV)
When we partner with Jesus it changes lives. We see it every week at People’s Church!
How Do I Hear The Voice of God?
6 Lessons on Hearing The Voice Of God
1. Realize God wants to speak to you
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)
1A. Every follower of Jesus can hear God’s voice
2. Eliminate the wrong voices
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (NIV)
3. God speaks through Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)
4. God speaks through trusted voices who know the Bible
5. God speaks through peace
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)
5A. God speaks by leading us not driving us
Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (NIV)
1. What can I afford?
2. What can I sacrifice?
3. What can I trust God to do through me?
6. Set time aside to hear the voice of God
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)
Romans 12:1–2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
Luke 9:23–24 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (NIV)
Luke 14:27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (NIV)
2 Components of a Living Sacrifice
1. You must leave where you are
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. (NLT)
Genesis 12:4 4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5 He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, (NLT)
Genesis 11:31–32 One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there. 32 Terah lived for 205 years and died while still in Haran. (NLT)
2. You will leave when you remember the promises of God
Genesis 12:2-3 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT)
Everyone Committed 1. Everyone committed to attending 5 Sundays in a row: September 15 – October 13
2. Everyone committed to attending a small group for 8 weeks: September 8 – October 31
3. Everyone committed to making a 3 year commitment on October 6
4. Everyone committed to giving in the miracle offering October 13 – December 31
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far MORE abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. (NASB)
1. God first does more in you so that he can do more through you
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (NASB)2. We are an everyone church
1. Everyone committed to attending 5 Sundays in a row: September 15 – October 13
2. Everyone committed to attending a small group for 8 weeks: September 8 – October 31
MORE Website: Peoples.Church/More
3. Everyone committed to making a 3 year commitment on October 6
4. Everyone committed to giving in the miracle offering October 13 – December 31
The Secret to Spiritual WarfareEphesians 6:10-11 - A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on allof God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NIV)
1. Recognize the real fight.
Ephesians 6:12 For we [d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulersand authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evilspirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)
2. Get dressed for battle.
Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist theenemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (NLT)
A. Belt of TruthEphesians 6: 14a - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… (NLT)
John 8:44 - He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because thereis no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the fatherof lies. (NLT)
B. Breastplate of RighteousnessEphesians. 6:14b - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’srighteousness. (NLT)
Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart. (NIV)
Romans 12:9 - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (NIV)
C. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:14 - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’srighteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will befully prepared. (NLT)
D. Shield of FaithEphesians 6:16 - In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows ofthe devil. (NLT)Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do notsee. (NIV)
E. Helmet of SalvationEphesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet. (NLT)
3. Learn to use your sword.
Ephesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is theword of God. (NLT)
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.(NIV)
4. Master the weapon of prayer.Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers andrequests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (NIV)
- Casting out demons was a vital part of Jesus’ ministry
Matthew 4:24- News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. (NIV)
Matthew 8:16- When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. (NIV)
Matthew 9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. (NIV)
Matthew 12:22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (NIV)
Matthew 15:22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 2:25–26 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV)
2. Can Christians be demon possessed?
2A. Jesus taught that demons look for unoccupied people
Matthew 12:43–45 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (NIV)
2B. Christians are occupied with the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:9–10 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (NLT)
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (NIV)
2C. Christians are instructed to resist the devil
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
3. Can Christians be demon oppressed?
2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)
7 Ways You Are Giving Demons Access Into Your Life
1. Sinful anger
Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)
2. Unforgiveness
2 Corinthians 2:10–11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (NIV)
3. Exposing yourself to deceiving spirits
1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. (NLT)
4. Movies, music, social media
Matthew 6:22-23 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
5. Being idle and a busybody
1 Timothy 5:13–15 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (NIV)
6. Lying and deception
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV)
7. Living in sin
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 5:1–5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. 4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. (NIV) 1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has beensinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 2:11, “In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (NIV)
10 Things The Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know
1. He’s trying to deceive you
Revelation 12:9: This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. (NLT)
1A. He’s trying to deceive you into believing that he doesn’t exist
1B. He’s trying to deceive you into believing right is wrong and wrong is right
2 Corinthians 11:14-15, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (NIV)
Acts 13:8–10 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? (NIV)
1C. He’s trying to deceive you to turn away from Jesus
2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”. (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:1: The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV)
2. He’s constantly lying to you
John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV)
2A. He lies to you about God
2B. He lies to you about you
2C. He lies to you about people
3. He’s trying to make you a liar
Acts 5:3: Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV)
4. He’s trying to devour you
1 Peter 5:8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)
Luke 13:11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. (NIV)
Luke 13:16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” (NIV)
5. He’s trying to fill you full of fear
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
6. He’s constantly tempting you to sin
Matthew 4:3: The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NIV)
7. He’s attacking you with false accusations
Revelation 12:10: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'" (NIV)
8. He’s persecuting Christians
Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (NIV)
9. He trying to stop the work of God
1 Thessalonians 2:18 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. (NIV)
10. He’s trying to keep nonbelievers from becoming believers
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Colossians 2:18-19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (NIV)
4 Insights On How To Activate Angels In Your Life
1. Be aware of the spiritual realm
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV)
2. Resist demonic attacks
Daniel 6:13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)
2A. Resist with the Word of God
Matthew 4:3- 4 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (NIV)
2B. Resist with the fear of God
Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (NIV)
6 Blessings God Gives To Those Who Fear Him
1. Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (NIV)
2. God speaks to those who fear him
Psalm 25:14 "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." (NIV)
3. Protection for you and your children
Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT)
4. Life
Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. (NLT)
5. Prosperity
Proverbs 22:4: True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (NLT)
6. Angelic help
Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (NIV)
2C. Resist with worship
Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)
3. Earnestly pray and seek God
Acts 12:5–7 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. (NIV)
4. Trust God at all times
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (NIV)
4A. Trust God when you’re being attacked
Psalm 91:7-12 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)
4B. Trust God when you feel like giving up
1 Kings 19:4–6 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. (NIV)
4C. Trust God when you don’t want to do his will
Luke 22:41–43 “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)
Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. (NLT)
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (NIV)
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)
8 Good Things Angels Do For God’s People
1. They can protect us
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)
Exodus 23:20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. (NIV)
Psalm 91:11–12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)
2. They can physically direct us
Genesis 19:15–16 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. (NIV)
3. They can rescue us
Acts 12:7–11 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV)
4. They can provide for us
1 Kings 19:4–8 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” (NIV)
5. They can strengthen us
Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)
6. They can perform supernatural feats
Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)
Acts 12:10–11 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV)
Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (NIV)
Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (NIV)
7. They can fight spiritual battles on your behalf
Daniel 10:12-13 12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT)
Jude 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV)
2 Kings 6:16-17 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (NLT)
8. They are with Jesus when He returns for His people
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV)
4 Major Types of Angels In The Bible
1. Seraphim
Isaiah 6:2-4 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. (NIV)
2. Cherubim
Genesis 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (NIV)
3. Archangels
6 Facts About Archangels
1. Michael is the only archangel listed by name in the Bible (Jude 1:9) (Daniel 10:13)
Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia (NLT)
Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV)
Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee (NIV)
2. Michael stands guard over Israel
3. Michael directly opposes Satan
Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV)
4. Michael battles against evil angels including Satan
5. Michael is a military commander
6. Archangels shout a loud command when Jesus returns for His church
1 Thessalonians 4:16- For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV)
4. Guardian Angels
Psalms 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (NIV)
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV)
Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)
Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (NIV)
5. Angels have different rankings and power
Revelation 12:7- Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (NIV)
Peter speaks of Jesus going to Heaven and lists a hierarchy of angels:
1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (NIV)
Job 1:6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT)
Job 2:1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT)
Psalm 82:1 God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: (NLT)
Psalm 82:1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV)
6. Angels are messengers who speak to humanity
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)
1. They can give us a promise from God
Genesis 16:10 The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” (NIV)
2. They can warn us
Genesis 19:15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” (NIV)
3. They can give us instructions
Genesis 22:11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (NIV)
4. They can give us directions
Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (NIV)
5. They can encourage us
Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV)
6. They can announce God’s plan
Judges 13:3 The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. (NIV)
7. They can give us the words we need to speak
Zechariah 1:14 Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, (NIV)
8. They can encourage us not to be afraid
Acts 27:23–25 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (NIV)
9. They can help us experience salvation
Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
1. What is an angel?
angel - a spiritual being serving as a divine messenger and intermediary and often as a special protector of an individual or nation
Luke 10:18-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (NIV)
Isaiah 14:12-15 – “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.
13 For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.
I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.[e] 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead down to its lowest depths. (NLT)
2. Are angels created beings?
Nehemiah 9:6 “You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you. (NLT)
Colossians 1:15-16 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. (NLT)
3. Are angels male or female?
Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV)
Jude 1:8-9 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV)
4. How many angels are there?
Hebrews 12:22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. (NLT)
Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (NIV)
Daniel 7:10 - Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. (NLT)
5. Should we worship angels?
Revelation 19:10 – Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters[c] who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. (NLT)
6. Do we have guardian angels?
Matthew 18:10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. (NLT)
Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (NIV)
7. Why do we really need to know about angels?
1. We can’t understand everything, but should strive to understand everything we can.
2. It gives us insight into God’s ways and how He works.
3. It gives us insight into the spirit world, the spiritual battle, and how to win.
Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them (NIV)
3 steps to stay in your lane the rest of your life
1. Keep our hearts clean
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me (NLT)
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (NIV)
Tips to guard your heart
1. Desire a clean heart2. Stay close to God
Psalm 51:11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me (NLT)
2. Keep your head clear
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV)
3. Keep your hands steady
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
Lessons from David on keeping your hands steady
1. Develop our skills 2. Stay focused on God’s purpose
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
1 Samuel 24:3–7 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ ” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way. (NIV)
1 Samuel 26:7–10 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. (NIV) 2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” (NIV)
5 Ways To Turn Your Pain Into Purpose
1. Pray for those who hurt you
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV)
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (NIV)
2. Forgive those who hurt you
Matthew 6:14–15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
3. Talk to the person not about the person
Matthew 18:15–17 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (NLT)
4. Do good to the people who hurt you
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV)
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)
Romans 12:19–20 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (NIV)
5. Let God heal your heart
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
Psalm 34:18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. (MSG)
Psalm 30:2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. (NIV)
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)
James 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
James 1:12- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV)
Genesis 22:1- Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (NIV)
Psalm 105:19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. (NLT)
Exodus 16:4-Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (NIV)
Job 23:10- But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (NIV)
Psalm 139:23–24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)
5 Tests You Need To Pass
1. Forgotten test
1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV)
2. Failure test
3. Family and friends test
4. Finance Test
1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV)
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
5. Fight Test2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV)
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. (NIV)
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)
1. Distracted by the approval of people 1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. (NIV)
2. Distracted by what others possess
3. Distracted by the harsh words of people
1 Samuel 17:28–29 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:42–44 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:45–47 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (NIV)
4. Distracted by the requests of people1 Samuel 17:38–40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)
- Guard your heart from things that dull your spiritual sensitivity.
Proverbs 4:23 - 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV
Psalm 1:1 - 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, NIV
Psalm 101:3 - I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. NLT
2. Fill your life with things that align your heart with God’s.
Psalm 119:97, 103 –- Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! NIV
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV
Psalm 26:8 – Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. NIV
Psalm 27:4 - The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. NLT
Psalm 84:10 - One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin. MSG
Psalm 27:8 - My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. NIV
3. Learn to lead your thoughts.
Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
2 Cor. 10:5 - 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. NIV
Colossians 3:2 - 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. NIV
Romans 12:2 - 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV
Philippians 4:8 - 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ESV
- The preparation process develops your calling
2. The preparation process develops your anointing
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV)
2 Samuel 5:10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. (NIV)
3. The preparation process develops your character
Psalms 78:72- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV)
4. The preparation process develops your skills
Psalms 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV)
5. The preparation process develops your relationships
1 Samuel 19:1–2 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. (NIV)
6. The preparation process develops your confidence
1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (NIV)
Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. (NIV)
Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. (NIV)
Isaiah 49:5 And now the LORD speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. (NLT)
Job 14:5 A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. (NIV)
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)
Galatians 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (NIV)
Jeremiah 10:23 LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. (NIV)
Psalm 40:5 Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (NIV)
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (NIV)
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (NIV) Psalm 75:7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (NIV) Psalm 22:9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. (NIV)
Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. (NIV)
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” (NIV)
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
John 20:11–14 “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (NIV)
3 Obstacles That Cause People To Miss Jesus
1. Your emotions can cause you to miss Jesus
John 20:13 “They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” (NIV)
2. Your disappointment can cause you to miss Jesus
John 20:15 “He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (NIV)
3. Your confusion can cause you to miss Jesus
Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (NIV)
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). NIV)
John 20:17-18 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” (NIV)
JOHN 4: 39—40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV)
REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
1 WE MUST GO THE WAY THAT JESUS WENT
JOHN 4:3-4 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. (NLT)
MATTHEW 28:18-19 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
WHEN FOUND PEOPLE GO THE WAY OF JESUS, LOST PEOPLE FIND THE WAY OF JESUS
2 WE MUST HAVE THE WELL THAT JESUS HAD
JOHN 4:5-7 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” (NLT)
JOHN 4: 9-10 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (NLT)
JOHN 4: 11-12 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” (NLT)
MATTHEW 9:36-38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (NLT)
JOHN 4:13-14 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (NLT)
JESUS USES THE WELL WITHIN US TO HEAL THE WOUNDS AROUND US
3 WE MUST BE THE WITNESS THAT JESUS WAS
JOHN 4:28-30 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him. (NLT)
ACTS 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NLT)
COMMISSION ZONES HAVE NO COMFORT ZONES
4 WE MUST FINISH THE WORK THAT JESUS STARTED
JOHN 4:32-34 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (NLT)
JOHN 4: 39-40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV)
REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
THE WILL OF JESUS IS FOR EVERYONE TO DO THE WORK OF JESUS
Own Your Serve
Matthew 20:20-21 - Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” (NIV)
Matthew 20:24 - When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. (NIV)
Mark 9:33-34 – When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. (NIV)
Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)
Matthew 20:26-28 - Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. NIV
Matthew 25:14-30 - 1“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[c] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[d] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[e] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (ESV)
God is looking for servants who are:
1. Kingdom-minded not self-centered
Matthew 25:16-18 - He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (ESV)
Matthew 20:26-28 - Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (NIV)
2. Faithful not fickle
Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. (ESV)
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV)
3. Fruitful not fruitless
Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, ‘Well DONE, good and faithful servant.” (ESV)
John 15:8 - This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
1 Peter 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
Romans 12:3-11 - Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (NLT)
4. He can reward not rebuke
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. (ESV)
Matthew 16:26-27 - What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. (NIV)
Revelation 22:12 - “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. (NLT)
Own Your OpportunityOpen the Door
Acts 12:5-18 (NIV) 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.
10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door.
14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. 18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
1. You open a door when you pray it open.
2. You open a door when you take your next step.
3. You open a door when you invest and invite.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (NLT)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)
Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (NLT)
2 Kings 4:1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” (NIV)
3 Mindset Shifts You Have To Make To Own Your Finances
1. Own the overwhelmed mindset
2. Own the poverty mindset
2 Kings 4:2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” (NIV)
3. Own the “This is too much work” mindset
2 Kings 4:3–7 3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” (NIV)
Work The Biblical Plan1. Track your income and your spending 2. Save $1,000 in an emergency fund 3. Pay off your consumer debt from smallest to largest 4. Save 3 to 6 months in an emergency fund 5. Start tithing now 6. Live with margin
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (NIV)
ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAIN
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)
Jeremiah 6:14 You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there! (TLB)
SHED THE SHAME
2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
PSALMS 34:4-5 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy: no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (NLT)
BREAK THE CYCLE
ROMANS 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)
1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 I have the right to do anything,' you say--but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'--but I will not be mastered by anything. (NIV)
DO THE WORK
ROMANS 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)
GENESIS 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (NLT)
Own Your Mistakes
1. Own admitting your mistakes
Luke 15:18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV)
2. Own knowing where you are and how you got there
Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (NIV)
3. Own seeing how your life can be different
4. Own taking the steps to change your life
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)
Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. (NLT)
5. Own receiving the grace and forgiveness of God
Luke 15:20-23 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate (NIV)
Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV)
Luke 15:30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
1 Kings 19:1-4 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beershebain Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
6 Habits To Owning Your Health
1. Own recognizing the warning signs of being emotionally unhealthy
2. Own evaluating how you got where you are 3. Own listening to spiritual guidance 1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV) 4. Own doing the practical things
1 Kings 19:5-7 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV)
5. Own pursuing the presence of God1 Kings 19:9-13 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV) 6. Own pursuing God’s purpose for your life
1 Kings 19:15-16 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. (NIV) Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB)
Own Your Relationships
Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (NIV)
3 Things That Keep You From Owning The Building and Maintaining Of Your Relationships
1. Pain
2. Problems
3. People
4 Lessons You Learn From Ruth On How To Own Your Friendships
1. Press through pain
Ruth 1:8–10 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.” (NIV)
2. Be committed
Ruth 1:11–18 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons - 13 Would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” 114 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. “15 Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
3. Have realistic expectations
4. God’s plan for your life is connected to people
Own your Relationship with God
Philippians 2:12–13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (NIV)
6 Ways To Own Your Relationship With God
1. You have to own your sin
Psalms 51:3-4 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (NIV)
Psalms 51:9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (NIV)
Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
2. You have to own repenting before God
Psalms 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (NIV)
Psalms 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (NIV)
3. You have to own prayer
4. You have to own your desperation for the presence of God
Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV)
5. You have to own worshiping God
Psalms 51:14-15 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. (NIV)
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)
6. You have to own your spiritual growth
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV)
Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV)
For One Year Run The Spiritual Play 1. Faithfully pray and read God’s word 2. Worship in God’s house faithfully 3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully 4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully
Psalms 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways so that sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)
Own It: I Will Own My Life
Genesis 3:11–13 “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (NIV)
Matthew 11:12 from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (NKJV)
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB)
3 Common Excuses That Will Keep From Owning it
1. Complaining
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)
2. Arguing
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)
3. Blaming
Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (NIV)
Mark 9:28-29 - 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”NIV
Top 10 Reasons to make prayer a priority in 2024
1. It’s the basis of our relationship with God.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 - 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV
2. It brings forgiveness of sin.
1 John 1:9 - 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. NLT
3. It helps you discern God’s will.
Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NIV
4. It strengthens you.
Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. NIV
5. It gives you peace.
Psalm 34:4-5 - I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; NLT
Philippians 4:6-7 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
6. It gives you victory over temptation.
Matthew 26:41 - Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” NIV
7. Makes you wiser.
James 1:5 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. NIV
8. Brings God’s healing.
James 5:13-15 - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. NIV
9. It brings spiritual Intervention
Daniel 9:23 - 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you NIV
10. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV
Why don’t we prioritize prayer?
1. We don’t know what to say.
2. We don’t think God will answer.
3. We get busy.
1 Thess. 5:17 - Pray continually.
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
1. Light invades darkness
John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," (NIV)
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)
2. Light pushes back the darkness
John 8:11-12 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
3. Light brings life
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)
1. People love darkness
4 Things You Need To Understand About Darkness
1a. Darkness can be fun
1b. Darkness can be deceptive
James 1:14-16 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (NIV)
1c. Darkness can create fear
John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (NIV)
2. Run to the the light
John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (NIV)
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)
- The principle of the heart
2 Corinthians 8:1–3 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, (NIV)
Luke 12:15–21 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” “20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ ”21 This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (NIV)
2. The principle of eternity
Philippians 3:18–19 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (NIV)
Mark 10:21–22 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (NIV)
Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. (NLT)
3. The principle of life change
Matthew 6:19–20 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. (NLT) Edmond testimony video: 4. The principle of tithe and offering
Malachi 3:8–10 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
5. The principle of the seed
1. You reap what you sow 2. You reap after you sow 3. You reap more than you sow 4. You reap in proportion to what you sow
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
You Are Stuck In A Season You Shouldn’t Be In
Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (NLT)
Exodus 3:17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ (NIV)
1. They did not believe God’s word and God’s promises
Numbers 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? (Despise, reject me) How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? (NIV)
2. They grumbled and complained against the Lord
Numbers 14:26-29 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29 In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. (NIV)
Joshua 5:12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan. (NIV)
1. From manna to maturity
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (NKJV)
2. From manna to management
Deuteronomy 8:4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. (NIV)
3. From manna to movement
Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” (NIV)
4 Moves To Make So You Can Live In The Promised Land
1. You have to remove some things from your life
Joshua 5:6-8 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. (NIV)
2. You have to march around some walls
3. You have to fight some battles
Joshua 6:5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (NIV)
4. You have to give to God what belongs to him
Joshua 6:16–19 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.” (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Your Miracle Requires Movement
Mark 5:24–29 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. (NIV)
1. Press past pain
2. Press past disappointment
3. Press past religion
4. Press past people
1. Press past negative influences
2. Press past doubters
3. Press past haters
4. Press past yourself
- Worship is a COMMAND
2 Chronicles 20:18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD. (NLT)
Psalms 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; (NIV)
Psalms 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (NIV)
Psalms 100:2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 20:21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” (NLT)
2. Worship CREATES an atmosphere for the miraculous
2A. Worship creates an atmosphere where God shows up
2 Chronicles 20:22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves... (NLT)
2B. Worship creates an atmosphere where God shows off
2 Chronicles 20:22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. (NLT)
2C. Worship creates an atmosphere where the enemy is shut down
2 Chronicles 20:23-24 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. (NLT)
Psalm 8:2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (NIV)
2D. Worship creates an atmosphere for freedom
2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NLT)
2E. Worship creates an atmosphere for provision
2 Chronicles 20:25-26 King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 16 On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. (NLT)
3. Worship Must Be Continuous
2 Chronicles 20:27-28 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the LORD. (NLT)
Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (NIV)
Psalms 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)
Psalms 71:8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. (NIV)
3a. Don’t let the battle steal your worship
3b. Don’t let people steal your worship
3c. Don’t let pride steal your worship
3d. Don’t let feelings steal your worship
3e. Don’t let success steal your worship
2 Corinthians 12:8 - 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 12:9 - 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (NLT)
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NLT)
1. Trust Him
Prov. 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 - 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (ESV)
Romans 10:17 - Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (NIV)
2. Don’t miss all of the little miracles while waiting on your big one.
3. Keep praying and praising while He’s working.
Romans 8:28 - 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
MIRACLE IN MOTION
MARK 2:1-6 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT)
MARK 2:10 Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (NLT)
MIRACLES CREATE KINGDOM MOMENTUM THAT CANNOT BE CONTAINED
MARK 2:1-2 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. (NLT)
MATTHEW 4:24-25 From there He went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was His theme – that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government. He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got out around the entire province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them one and all, More and more people cam, the momentum gathering. (MSG)
MIRACLES HAPPEN WHEN THE HEALER FINDS A HELPER
MARK 2:3 …four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. (NLT)
JOHN 14:12-14“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
MIRACLES WILL REQUIRE YOU TO RAISE THE ROOF
MARK 2:4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (NKJV)
MIRACLES ARE PROOF THAT GOD CAN TURN PAIN INTO PURPOSE
MARK 2:5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT)MARK 2:10 Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (NLT) GENESIS 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (NLT)
- Pray for healing
1A. Pray to the Father in Jesus name
John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (NIV) (There is power and authority in the name of Jesus)
John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (NIV)
1B. Pray specifically
Matthew 20:32-34 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (NIV)
1C. Pray with faith
Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)
1D. Pray with other Christ Followers
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
2. The gift of healing
1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (NIV)
3. Command Healing
Luke 18:42-43 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV)
Acts 9:33-34 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. (NIV)
4. Instruct with an act of faith
Matthew 12:13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. (NIV)
Luke 17:12-14 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. (NIV)
John 9:6-7 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (NIV)
5. Rebuke any demons causing sickness
5A. Sin and sickness entered our world because of the fall of Adam and Eve
5B. Some sickness is because of sin
John 9:2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (NIV)
5C. Some sickness is so the glory of God can be revealed
John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (NIV)
5D. Some sickness is because of demonic influence
Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. (NIV)
Matthew 17:14–15 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. (NIV)
Matthew 17:18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. (NIV)
6. Laying hands on the sick
Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses. (NIV)
Matthew 8:3 Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (NIV)
Mark 1:41-42 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (NASB1995)
Mark 7:33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. (NIV)
Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. (NASB)
Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. (NIV 1984)
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. (NIV)
7. Anoint with oil
James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV)
8. Pray again
Mark 8:23-25 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (NIV)
Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (NIV).
Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; (NIV) (the blind received their sight miracle!)
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (NIV).
Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV)
Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (NIV)
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (NIV)
1. You have faith in God when it’s accompanied with action
James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV) 2. You are saved through faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
3. You cannot please God without faith
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
4. You have been given a measure of faith
A. Every Christ follower has been given a measure of faith at salvation.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (NKJV)
5. You can develop your faith by hearing God’s word
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)
6. You can develop your faith by withstanding tests
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (NIV)
7. You fight by faith
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (NIV)
8. You are protected by faith
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (NIV)
9. You are called to live by faith
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. (NIV)
10. You can miss out on miracles by having a lack of faith
Mathew 13:58- And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (NIV)
11. You can move mountains with small faith
Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (NIV)
James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (NIV)
6 Reasons We Don’t Ask God
1. Because God already knows my needs
Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (NIV)
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (NIV)
1a. You don’t believe God will help you
Mark 6:5–6 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. (NLT)
1b. Pride
2 Chronicles 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. (NIV)
1c. Unworthy feelings
Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)
1d. Disappointment
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV)
2. Asking is Biblical
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)
Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (NIV)
Matthew 7:11- If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)
Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (NIV)
Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (NIV)
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
3. Ask with the right motives
James 4:3-4 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (NIV)
3A. Motived by selfishness and worldliness
3B. Motivated by your will
1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)
4. Ask with Faith
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. (NIV)
Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” (NIV)
Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (NIV)
Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; (NIV)
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (NIV).
Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV)
Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (NIV)
REVIEW:
1. You don’t receive a miracle because you don’t ask God
1a. God already knows my needs 1b. You don’t believe God will help you 1c. Pride 1d. Unworthy feelings 1e. Disappointment
2. Asking is biblical
3. Ask with the right motives
4. Ask with faith
The One Ingredient You Need For A Miracle
1. Humanity needed a home
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NIV)
2. Abraham and Sarah needed a son
Genesis 21:1-2 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (NIV)
3. Moses needed God’s clarity on his calling
Exodus 3:2- There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. (NIV)
4. The Israelites needed deliverance
5. The Israelites needed divine direction
6. The Israelites needed food and water
7. The Israelites needed victory over their enemy
8. Jonah needed radical repentance
Jonah 2:10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV)
9. A widow needed her resources multiplied
10. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego needed protection
Daniel 3:25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (NIV)
NEW TESTAMENT
1. People needed physical healing
1a. The deaf needed to hear and the mute to speak
1b. The blind needed to see
1c. A man had a withered hand
1d. A woman had a blood issue
1e. Lazarus needed to be raised from the dead
2. The disciples needed a miracle at their job
3. People were demon possessed
4. The disciples were in a storm
How to Recognize God’s Voice
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT) 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
3 Dangerous Voices:
1. Voice of the flesh
Galatians 5:17 – The sinful nature wants to do evil. – NLT
Proverbs 14:12 - You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead. CEV
2. Voice of the world
1 John 2:16 - For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. NIV
3. Voice of the devil
John 8:44 - He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. NLT
Romans 8:14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. NLT
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, NIV
John 16:13 - 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ESV
2 Ways the Holy Spirit speaks:
1. He speaks through God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. NIV
Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. NIV
2. He speaks directly to your heart.
a. Whisperb. Peace c. Check in your spiritd. Prophetically
The #1 Reason You’re Not Growing
1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (NIV)
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV)
Galatians 5:16–23 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
9 Characteristics Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
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Love:
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Joy:
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Peace:
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Patience:
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Kindness:
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Goodness:
Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV) Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (NIV) Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV) Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) 7. Faithfulness
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. (ESV)
Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (NIV)
Matthew 25:21 The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together”. (NLT)
- Gentleness
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! (NIV) Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV)
Titus 3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (NIV) 9. Self-Control
2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV)
Titus 2:11–12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (NIV)
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV)
John 15:1-10 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (NIV)
1 Peter 1:14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. (NLT) 9 Ways To Remain So Your Fruit Grows
- Remain in the word
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (NIV)
- Remain in prayer
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) 3. Remain in church
Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (NLT) 4. Remain in small groups
- Remain in serving
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV) 6. Remain in generosity
1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (NIV) 7. Remain in the love of God
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (NIV)
- Remain in the pruning process
John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (NIV)
- Remain in obedience
John 15:10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (NIV)
Are You Led By Flesh Or Fruit?
1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (NIV)
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV)
Galatians 5:16–23 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV) Illustration: Dirty water in a glass. 3 Interesting Facts About The Fruit Of The Spirit 1. Christ followers do not have all the gifts of the Spirit but do have all the fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. (NLT) 2. They are called the fruit of the Spirit not the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
- Your fruit matters to God and it should matter to you Matthew 7:17–20 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV)
Matthew 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. (NIV)
Luke 6:43–44 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. (NIV)
9 Characteristics Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
- Love
Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)
John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. (ESV)
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (ESV)
Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (ESV)
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)
- Joy
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV)
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Peace
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Patience
Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (NIV) 5. Kindness
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (ESV)
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (NIV)
The Fruit Evaluator: Rate yourself from 1 to 10 (1 being poor and 10 being great)
Love 1 to 10 Joy 1 to 10 Peace 1 to 10 Patience 1 to 10 Kindness 1 to 10
Baptized and Blessed
Matthew 3:13-17 - 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him. 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened[b] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” NLT
Reasons people don’t get baptized:
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They don’t see the importance of it.
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They allow pride to keep them from being baptized.
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They aren’t followers of Jesus.
Reasons you should be baptized:
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Make a statement to yourself.
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Make a statement to the world.
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Your next step is always your most important one.
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Jesus said you should.
Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NLT
Acts 2:38 - 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NLT
James 4:17 - 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. NLT
- God’s blessing follows obedience.
Matthew 3:16-17 – 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened[b] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” NLT
John 8:28-29 - I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” NLT
Acts 10:36-38 – 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. NLT
James 1:25 - 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. NLT
Revival : a unique season where the Spirit of God is helping you in a supernatural way.
Title: Get Close
The Verse - James 4:8 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NIV)
The Window - Matthew 15:29-37 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (NIV)
10 Close-up Takeaways 1. The Place 2. The People 3. The Volume 4. The Togetherness 5. The Healing 6. The Compassion 7. The Miracle 8. The Involvement 9. The Power 10. The Plenty
The Story - Mark 8:22-25 22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (NIV)
I want to leave you with a few values my first pastor helped me zoom in on:
• to be close I must spend TIME in prayer with God
• to be close live as an offering to God and for God.
• to be close to God is to impact others
Psalm 73:28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. (NLT)
What Is Speaking In Tongues? Revelation 3:15–16 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (NIV)
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (NIV)
Hebrews 6:11–12 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. (NLT)
- Step of salvation
- Step of baptism in water
- Step of baptism of the Holy Spirit
- Step of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit
- Step of growing in the fruit of the Spirit
- Step of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Step of daily prayer and bible reading
- Step of obeying God’s word
- Step of growing in sanctification
- Step of stepping out in faith
- Step of serving others
- Step of tithing and giving
- Step of attending a small group
Acts 1:4–5 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
John 20:21–22 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Acts 2:1–4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV)
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV) Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 14:4–5 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 14:12–19 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (NIV) Acts 19:1–5 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (NIV)
Acts 19:6–7 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (NIV)
Acts 8:13-18 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money (NIV)
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (NIV)
How To Receive The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
- Ask God to baptize you in the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (NIV)
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Worship and magnify God
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By faith receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
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Ask God to continually fill you with the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, (NIV)
Acts 19:2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (NLT)
23 Holy Spirit Life Hacks
- The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to you
John 16:13–15 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (NIV)
John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit is your seal
Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit convicts you
John 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit makes you holy
Romans 15:16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit produces fruit in you
Galatians 5:22–23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth
2 Timothy 3:16-All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV)
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit teaches you
1 Corinthians 2:13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (NIV)
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit leads your life
Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (NIV)
Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. (NLT)
Acts 10:19–20 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit restrains you
Acts 16:6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you power
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you boldness
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit helps you in your weakness
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit helps you to pray
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit comforts you
Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (ESV)
John 14:16 “If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you. (TLB)
- The Holy Spirit speaks to you
Hebrews 3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, (NIV)
Acts 2:17 “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit strengthens you
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you hope
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit guards your life
2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit brings unity
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7–11 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit gives you power over the devil
Matthew 12:28 But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. (NLT)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you freedom
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit gives you new life
John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Youth Takeover
Psalm 78:1-7 - 1 O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, 2 for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— 3 stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. 4 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. 5 For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, 6 so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. 7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. NLT
Psalm 78:7 - Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. NIV
Psalm 78:2-4 - I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— 3 stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. 4 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. NLT
Psalm 78:5-6 - 5 For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, 6 so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. NLT
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 - 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. NLT
Psalm 78:7 - THEN they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. NIV
3 John 1:4 - I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. NLT
Four ways to make a difference in this generation:
- Pray.
- Get your students to Epic and your children to PC Kids.
- Encourage them to use their gifts to serve God’s house.
- Join a Next Gen Dream Team.
Why Parenting is not Working
Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. (NIV)
Romans1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
1. Parenting isn’t working because we exchange biblical wisdom for worldly knowledge.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. (NASB)
3 Steps to root your parenting in the truth of God’s word
1a. Pray. Ask God for wisdom.James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)
1b. Read the Bible and gain wisdom. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV)
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. (NIV)
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. (NIV)
1c. Impress God’s word on your children.Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
2. Parenting isn’t working because we exchange being planted in God’s house for participating in recreation.
Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)
3. Parenting isn’t working because we exchange focusing on the Creator for focusing on created things.
Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT)
Dysfunctional: Why My Conversations With Difficult People Are Not Working
2 Timothy 2:23–26 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
1. You need to determine if you should engage a difficult person
2 Timothy 2:23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. (NLT)
1A. There are times you should not engage a difficult person
1 Timothy 1:4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. (NLT)
1 Timothy 4:7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. (NLT)
1 Timothy 6:20–21 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:16–18 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. (NLT)
1B. There are times you should engage a difficult person
Acts 18:4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. (NIV)
Acts 19:8–9 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. (NIV)
1C. There are times when you need to establish boundaries after engaging a difficult person
Titus 3:9–10 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. (NLT)
Romans 16:17–18 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. (NLT)
2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister. (NLT)
2 Timothy 3:4–5 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! (NLT)
2 John 1:10–11 If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. 11 Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. (NLT)
7 Principles For Engaging A Difficult Person
1. Be focused on solutions with difficult people not a fight
2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. (NLT)
Proverbs 29:11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. (NLT)
2. Be kind to difficult people
2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:31–32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (NLT)
3. Be patient with difficult people
2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. (NLT)
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)
Proverbs 14:29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (NLT)
4. Be gentle with difficult people
2 Timothy 2:25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. (NLT)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)
5. Be biblical with difficult people
2 Timothy 2:25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. (NLT)
6. Be for the difficult person winning in life
2 Timothy 2:25-26 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
7. Be aware the difficult person is in a spiritual battle
2 Timothy 2:26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (NKJV)
Why Communication Is Not Working
James 3:5–6 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (NIV)
Psalm 34:12–13 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. (NIV)
1 Peter 3:10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. (NLT)
4 Barriers That Lead To Bad Communication
1. Beginning with the wrong approach
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. (NLT)
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. (NIV)
Proverbs 25:15 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. (NLT)
2. Being quick to talk
Proverbs 18:13 To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:27–28 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (NLT)
Proverbs 10:19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (NLT)
3. Bringing the attack to the person instead of the problem
Proverbs 26:21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. (NLT)
4. Backing away from tough conversations
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
6 Ways To Build A Bridge Of Communication
B- Begin with me
Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV).
R- Relationship is my win
I- Initiate asking for forgiveness
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)
D- Discover where people are
Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (NIV)
G- Grow in my communication
Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV).
James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (NLT)
E- Ensure my communication aligns with the Bible
1. Go to the person first
2. Don’t gossip and slander
Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. (NIV)
3. Build people up with your communication
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV)
4. Be a person of peace
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
Dysfunctional: Why Marriage Is Not Working
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (NLT) Mark 10:7–9 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV) 1. Unresolved Conflict separates marriages and healthy Communication joins marriagesEphesians 4:26–27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV)
Healthy Communication Joins Your Marriage Together
1. Be honest
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (NIV) 2. Be honoring
2A. Be loving
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
2B. Bite your tongue
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV) 2C. Be a builder
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV)
2D. Be kind
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
2E. Be unifier and peacemaker
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
2. Selfishness separates marriages and Serving joins marriages
1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV)
Marriages aren’t working when selfishness creates a consumer relationship
Marriages aren’t working when selfishness creates a “You’re the problem” mentality.
Matthew 7:3-5 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV)
1. Shift from a fleshly perspective to a biblical perspective
Philippians 2:3–4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV)
2. Shift from trying to change your spouse to changing yourself
3. Shift from you need to understand me to I need to understand you
4. Shift from what makes me happy to what makes you happy
5. Shift from how you should serve me to how can I serve you
3. Indifference separates marriages and Investment joins marriages
Begin investing in your marriage even when you feel indifferent
Revelation 2:4–5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (NIV) Mark 10:7–9 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV)
Dysfunctional: Why Dating Is Not Working
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (NLT)
There’s the world ways and there’s the words way
4 Ways Of The World
1. If you’re not dating something is wrong with you
1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. (NIV)
2. Dating someone is going to make me whole
3. Dating is purely for fun
3A. You date people who are not Christ followers
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (NIV)
3B. You engage in sex
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)
4. You overlook the warning signs
4 Ways Of The Word
1. Have a dating plan
Psalms 20:4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. (NIV)
1A. Plan for when you will start dating
1B. Plan for who you will date
1C. Plan for how you will date
1D. Plan for the physical
Song Of Solomon 2:7 Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right. (NLT)
2. Go slow and get to know
Matthew 7:16-20 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV)
2A. Get to know the person
2B. Get to know their friends
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
2C. Get to know their family
2D. Get to know their money management
3. Focus on becoming the right person not finding the right person
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (NLT)
4. Surround yourself with wise people
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)
Dysfunctional: Seven Relationship Side Effects
7 Relationship Side Effects
1. We blame each other
Genesis 3:12-13 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done? ” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (NIV)
2. We deal with out of control angry
Genesis 4:5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (NIV)
Genesis 4:8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (NIV)
3. We deceive and lie to one another
4. We hold people’s past against them
Luke 15:28-30 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)
5. We are jealous of one another
6. We betray and hate one another
2 Timothy 3:3–4 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. (NLT)
7. We are not faithful to one another
7A. People are not faithful in marriage
7B. People are not faithful to their families
Malachi 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (NIV)
Matthew 10:21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. (NIV)
7C. People are not faithful in friendship
Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)
7D. People are not faithful to build God’s Kingdom together
2 Timothy 4:9–10 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (NIV)
The Best Day Ever
1. It was my best day ever because my sins were forgiven
Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (NIV)
Acts 8:38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (NIV)
Acts 9:18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, (NIV)
Acts 16:33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)
Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ (NIV)
2. It was my best day ever because I now had the power to overcome sin
Romans 8:2–4 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. (NLT)
3. It was my best day ever because of all the blessings that followed salvation
Romans 8:23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. (NLT)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
- He relied on his own strength
Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ (NIV)
Matthew 26:33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” (NIV)
Matthew 26:35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (NIV)
2. He reacted without thinking
Matthew 26:69–70 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. (NIV)
3. He caved to the crowd
4. He went backwards instead of forwards
John 21:3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (NIV)
4 Catalysts To A Comeback
1. Choose to reflect over regret
A part of reflecting is grieving
Matthew 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)
Reflecting is also how you learn from it
2. Choose community over isolation
John 20:2–3 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. (NIV)
3. Choose the voice of Jesus over the voice of the enemy
3A. I am not shocked by your setback
3B. I am praying for you
Luke 22:31–32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)
3C. I still believe in you and your comeback
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)
Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. (NIV)
ROMANS 12:17-18 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (NKJV)
I WISH I WOULD’VE KNOWN HOW DEAL WITH DYSFUNCTIONAL PEOPLEI WISH I WOULD’VE KNOWN HOW DEAL WITH DISTANT PEOPLEI WISH I WOULD’VE KNOWN HOW DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLEI WISH I WOULD’VE KNOWN HOW DEAL WITH DISCONNECTED PEOPLEI WISH I WOULD’VE KNOWN HOW DEAL WITH DELUSIONAL PEOPLE
PROVERBS 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression (NKJV)
COLOSSIANS 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (NLT)
#1 I WISH I WOULD’VE PRAYED FOR THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT ME PAIN
MATTHEW 5:44-45 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (NIV)
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
I WISH I WOULD’VE UNDERSTOOD THAT PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PROBLEMS IT’S THE PRESENCE AND PERSON OF JESUS
#2 I WISHI I WOULD’VE EXAMINED MY HEART EVEN WHEN I WAS HURT
PSALMS 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)
HEBREWS 12:14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. (NLT)
THE PERSON IS THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU AND THE PERSON BEHIND YOU
#3 I WISH I WOULD’VE ACCEPTED THAT GOD USES FRACTURES FOR A GREATER FUTURE
MATTHEW 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT)
#4 I WISH I WOULD’VE COMMITTED TO A ROUTE OF RECONCILIATION
ROMANS 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (NKJV)
MATTHEW 6:14-15 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NLT)
PROVERBS 16:7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies are at peace with him. (NKJV)
#5 I WISH I WOULD’VE EMBRACED THE GIFT OF GRACE SOONER
2 PETER 1:2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
Practical Steps to Spiritual Victories
Exodus 17:8-13 - 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (NIV)
1. You will win when you DO God’s Word.
James 1:22-25 - 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (NIV)
2. You will win when you trust God’s ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
3. You will win when you refuse to quit.
Galatians 6:9 - 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest IF we do not give up. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:58 - “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” (MSG)
10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. Acts 4:10 NLT
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. Acts 4:13 NLT
29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Acts 4:29 NLT
Make Me Bold
HOW AMAZED ARE PEOPLE BY YOUR BOLDNESS?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 NLT
18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” Acts 5:18-20 NLT
•ATTRIBUTES OF BOLDNESS
•Boldness almost always triggers spiritual opposition.
18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. Acts 5:18 NLT
•If you’re not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God, you’re not ready to be used by God.
•Boldness often releases God’s miracles.
19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Acts 5:19 NLT
•When you walk in obedience to God, you won’t be surprised by the miracles of God.
•Boldness always requires faith.
20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” 21 So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. Acts 5:20-21 NLT
I Wish I Would’ve Had Less Financial Stress
1. I wish I would’ve avoided stuffiitis
1 Timothy 6:6–10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich They fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (NIV) 1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (NIV)
6 Right Pursuits To Fewer Financial Regrets
1. Pursue tracking your spending
Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (NLT)
2. Pursue planning your spending
A. Good planning doesn’t just involve tracking your spending, it also involves planning your spending.Proverbs 27:23 Riches can disappear fast. And the king's crown doesn't stay in his family forever-so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds; (TLB)
3. Pursue attacking your debt
Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (NLT) 4. Pursue saving your money
Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (NLT)
5. Pursue a generous life
Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. (NLT)
6. Pursue getting started now
I Wish I’d Prayed More and Worried Less
Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV): Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.
1. Prayer Positions You for Provision
Matthew 6:11 (NKJV): Give us this day our daily bread.
Myth 1: Prayer is for professionals.Myth 2: Prayer needs to be significant.Myth 3: Prayer doesn’t produce.
2. Prayer Positions You for Power
Matthew 6:13 (NKJV) And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
3. Prayer Positions You for Freedom
Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (NKJV): And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV):For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matt. 6:13 (NKJV): For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (NIV)
Proverbs 27:8 A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest. (NLT)
•Time Matters
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (ESV)
•Moments Matter
Create Moments
•Learning Matters
Proverbs 9:9 “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning”
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT)
Galatians 5:24-25 “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (NLT)
•Attitude Matters
Acts 15:10–11 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither wenor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we aresaved, just as they are.” (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is thegift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Romans 6:1-2 1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of hiswonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? (NLT)
1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of Godkeeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. (NIV)
1 John 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been bornof him. (NIV)
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lordknows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away fromwickedness.” (NIV)
1 John 3:6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen himor known him. (NIV)
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; theycannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV)
PIC OF PASTOR HERBERT AND TIFFANY1 Samuel 15:35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned forhim. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. (NIV)
Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have foundDavid son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ (NIV)
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he wasburied with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
1. Saul had a prideful heart, but David had a humble heart
1 Samuel 15:17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become thehead of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. (NIV)
1 Samuel 13:9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered upthe burnt offering. (NIV)
1 Samuel 15:12 12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul hasgone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down toGilgal.” (NIV)
1 Kings 8:17 “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God ofIsrael. (NIV)
2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD,and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? (NIV)
2 Samuel 7:22 “How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, aswe have heard with our own ears. (NIV)
2. Saul feared man, but David feared God
1 Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and yourinstructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (NLT)
Psalm 34:9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. (NIV)
Psalm 34:11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (NIV)
Psalm 34:13-14 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it. (NIV)
3. Saul justified his sins, but David repented from his sins
1 Sam 15:15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of thesheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 15:19–20 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in theeyes of the LORD?” 20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. Icompletely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. (NIV)
2 Sam 12:13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord. ”Nathan replied, “The Lord hastaken away your sin. You are not going to die. (NIV)
Psalm 51:2–4 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, andmy sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so youare right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (NIV)
Psalm 51:10-11 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast mefrom your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV)
I Wish I Would’ve Known People Were Here For Me
Acts 16:25–26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. (NIV)
Acts 16:27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. (NIV)
1. Bad days are part of life
2. Don’t harm yourself on bad days
Acts 16:28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (NIV)3. We are all here Acts 16:28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (NIV)
3A. We are here for you during bad times
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:26–27 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)
Acts 2:44-46 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, (NIV)
3B. We are here for you during good times
Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (NIV)
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (NIV)
3C. We are here for you to experience community
Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (NIV)
3D. We are here for your faith to grow
Acts 16:32–33 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)
I Wish I Would’ve Put God First
Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added toyou. (NIV)
Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you needthem all. (ESV)
3 Truths I Wish I Would’ve Known About Putting God First
1. I wish I would’ve known that everything is more spiritual than I realize
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against theauthorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlyrealms. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking forsomeone to devour. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weaponswe fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolishstrongholds. (NIV)
2. I wish I would’ve known that it would be my best year ever if it was my best year spiritually
1. Faithfully pray and read God’s Word
A. Give God the first 15 minutes
B. Attend 21 days of prayer now and in August
2. Worship in God’s house faithfully
Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeperin the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)
Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen onme. (NLT)
3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully
A. Complete Growth Track
B. Serve on the Dream Team
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewardsof God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully
For One Year Run The Spiritual Play
1. Faithfully pray and read God’s Word
2. Worship in God’s house faithfully
3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully
4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully
3. I wish I would’ve gone all in with Jesus sooner
Luke 9:61-62 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for theKingdom of God.” (NLT)
Luke 9:62 Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off tilltomorrow. Seize the day.” (The Message)
I Wish I Would’ve Known Then What I Know Now
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. (NKJV)
1. I wish someone would’ve told me
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. (NIV)
Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Theirhonorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst. (NKJV)
2. I wish I would’ve pursued knowledge
2A. I wish I would’ve desired wisdom
Proverbs 4:5–8 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Donot forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning ofwisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she willexalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. (NIV)
2B. I wish I wasn’t a know it all
2C. I wish would’ve pursued getting feedback on my blind spots
Proverbs 15:14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. (NLT)
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom andinstruction. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:13–18 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is moreprofitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches andhonor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those whotake hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (NIV)
3. I wish I would’ve applied what I heard
3A I wish I spent more time changing instead of blaming & justifying
Proverbs 1:28–32 “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me,they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. 30 They rejected myadvice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of livingtheir own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Foolsare destroyed by their own complacency. (NLT)
Exodus 17:8-13 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalekattacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army ofAmalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in myhand.”10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek.Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses heldup the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, theAmalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer holdthem up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side ofMoses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshuaoverwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. (NLT)
1. Power in the Proper Perspective
Exodus 17:9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army ofAmalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in myhand.” (NLT)
2. Power in the Pursuit of God's Presence
Exodus 17:11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage.But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. (NLT)Romans 15:13 May the God of hope FILL you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by thepower of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV)
Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evilperson out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the ABUNDANCE of the heart his mouthspeaks. (ESV)
Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my headwith oil; MY CUP OVERFLOWS. (ESV)
3. Power in Partnership with God's People
Exodus 17:12-13 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaronand Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his
hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army ofAmalek in battle. (NLT)
Luke 2:8-11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks atnight. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they wereterrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy forall the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.(NIV)
Luke 2:8:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.(NIV)
1. It brings great joy
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause greatjoy for all the people. (NIV)
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; atyour right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)
2. A Savior was born
Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.(NIV)
Ephesians 2:1–5 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used tolive when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spiritwho is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time,gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were bynature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made usalive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.(NIV)
3. It’s for all people
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joyfor all the people. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:14–15 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all,we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receivehis new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and wasraised for them. (NLT)
Good God: I Will See The Goodness Of God
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. (NKJV)
Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
- I will see the goodness of God in spite of what I see
Psalm 27:2-3 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (NIV)
Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)
- I will see the goodness of God in spite of what I feel
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)
Psalm 27:3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)
Psalm 27:9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. (NIV)
- I will see the goodness of God in spite of what you do
Psalm 27:2-3 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (NIV)
Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (NIV)
Psalm 27:12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. (NIV)
1 Samuel 24:4–6 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ ” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (NIV)
- I will see the goodness of God because of my faith in God
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)
Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 27:7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. (NIV)
Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (NIV)
Psalm 27:11 Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. (NIV
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
Psalm 103:2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (NIV)
5 Consequences of Spiritual Amnesia
- We stop obeying God’s commands and laws
Deuteronomy 8:11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. (NIV)
- We become proud
Deuteronomy 8:12–14 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (NIV)
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We become ungrateful
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We become complainers
1 Corinthians 10:10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. (NIV)
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, (NIV)
- We worship idols
Exodus 32:3–4 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (NIV)
The Cure for Spiritual Amnesia
- Acknowledge the goodness of God
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
- Make a memorial so you remember the goodness of God
Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (NIV) Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. (NIV)
Joshua 4:21–23 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these
stones mean?’ 22 Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the LORD your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. (NLT)
- Thank God daily for His goodness
Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- Tell others about the goodness of God
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (NIV)
- Never stop celebrating the goodness of God
A. You need to daily celebrate and praise God for His goodness in your life.
Psalm 92:4 For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. (NIV)
Psalm 105:2 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. (NLT)
- Sunday Attendance (Fall Growth Season) (SLIDE ONE)
MWC Campus 2021vs 2022 35% increase
INDY Campus 2021 vs 2022 55% increase
OKC Campus 2021 vs 2022 67% increase
NW Campus 2021 vs 2022. 76% increase
- Giving (Tithe & Offerings) (SLIDE TWO)
2019 vs 2020. 12.6% increase
2020 vs 2021 8.9% increase
2021 vs 2022 13.6% increase
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (NIV)
- OKC, MWC, NW 2022 Dream Builder Update (SLIDE THREE)
Edmond Land/Building: $394,870.98 (Alta survey/civil/engineering/architectural/Admin/Land Payment)
Edmond Campus Launch: $50,000
OKC Parking Lot: $302,801.31 (Engineering/Admin/Repairs)
NW Parking Lot: $87,500.00 (Repairs)
- INDY 2022 Dream Builder Update: (SLIDE 4)
What INDY has given for a future building: $264,000
- 2022 Missions Giving Update (SLIDE 5)
1.1 million given to local, national & global missions
- 2022 Small Group Update (SLIDE 6)
304 small groups
- 2022 Baptism Update (SLIDE 7)
486 people went public for Jesus
- 2022 Salvations In person, Online & Mable Basset Correctional Facility (SLIDE 8)
8,164 have said yes to Jesus
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
James 1:16–17 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (NLT)
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (NIV)
Psalm 84:12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. (NIV)
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (NIV) Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (NIV)
4 Top Reasons People Are Reluctant To Tithe
- Tithing is under the law
Romans 6:14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (NIV)
Romans 6:1–2 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (NIV)
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (NIV)
Romans 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. (NIV)
Romans 7:12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. (NIV)
Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (NIV)
- Jesus didn’t talk about tithing
2A. Jesus did talk about tithing
Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (NIV)
Luke 11:42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. (NIV)
Luke 18:12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ (NIV)
Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)
- I don’t trust the church
2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. (NIV)
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
- I don’t trust God
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
- We doubt the goodness of God
James 1:16–17 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
- God is good
Psalm 119:68 You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. (NLT)
2A. God’s nature is goodness
Mark 10:17–18 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. (NIV)
1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 5:13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, (NIV)
2 Chronicles 7:3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV)
Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. (NIV)
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (NLT)
Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (NLT)
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (NLT)
Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (NIV)
Psalm 135:3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate his lovely name with music. (NLT)
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. (NIV)
2B. God’s actions are good
Psalm 13:6 I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. (NIV)
Psalm 16:2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” (NLT)
Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. (NLT)
Psalm 116:7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. (NIV)
Psalm 145:7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness they will sing with joy about your righteousness. (NLT)
Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. (NIV)
Isaiah 63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. (NIV)
- God is good all the time
3A. God’s existence is unchanging
Psalm 102:27 but you are the same, and your years have no end. (ESV)
3B. God’s character is unchanging
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (ESV)
3C. God’s truth is unchanging
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (NIV)
3D. God’s plans and purposes are unchanging
Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (NIV)
3E. God’s son is unchanging
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (NIV)
3 Ways To Respond To The Goodness Of God
1 Peter 2:1–3 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (NIV)
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Grow in purity
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Grow in worship
Psalm 13:6 I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. (NIV)
Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (NLT)
- Grow in generosity
1 Chronicles 29:12–14 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (NIV)
Genesis 1:14 Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. (NLT)
Genesis 8:22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (NIV)
Genesis 2:2–3 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (NIV)
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (NIV)
- The blessing of rest
Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (NIV) Exodus 31:16–17 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. 17 It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’” (NLT)
Matthew 11:28–30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)
- The blessing of priorities
Exodus 20:9-10 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. (NIV)
- The blessing of trust
Exodus 20:9-10 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. (NIV)
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (NIV)
3 Practical Applications About The Sabbath Day
- Avoid legalism
Matthew 12:9–14 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. (NIV)
Mark 2:27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (NIV)
- Be intentional
Proverbs 21:5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. (MSG)
- Remember the Lord
Exodus 20:10 “ but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. (NIV)
Exodus 16:25 Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today. 26 You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.” (NLT)
Deuteronomy 5:14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. (NIV)
Leviticus 19:30 “Keep my Sabbath days of rest, and show reverence toward my sanctuary. I am the LORD. (NLT)
Luke 4:16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. (NLT)
Matthew 6:31-32 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (NIV)
1 Kings 19:1-4 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
- Your past will keep you running
If you don’t make peace with your past it will show up in your present! - Wayne Dyer
T.D. Jakes - You can wreck your future running from your past.
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Your fear has you running
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Rest
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (NIV)
- Recharge
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (NIV)
1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (NIV)
Recharge your batteries in God’s presence
1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV)
YOU WILL BE RECHARGED WITH STRENGTH IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
YOU WILL BE RECHARGED WITH PEACE IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (ESV)
YOU WILL BE RECHARGED WITH JOY IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (NASB)
2 KINGS 5:1-4 (NIV)
Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.
3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria!
He would cure him of his leprosy.”
“Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.”
2 KINGS 5:9-14 (NIV)
9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.
13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!”
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)
“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”
Ephesians 4:26 NKJV)
““Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,”
2 KINGS 5:1 NAAMAN WAS COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE KING OF ARAM. HE WAS A GREAT MAN, HIGHLY REGARDED, VALIANT SOLDIER.
1) EVERYBODY’S GOT A SPOT
2) SERVANTS ALWAYS START MIRACLES
3) SIMPLE OBEDIENCE IS STRENGTH
Luke 4:27 (NLT)
“And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.””
Exodus 18:13-16 - 13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.” (NIV)
- Be real about your margin
Exodus 18:17-18 - 17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. (NIV)
- Get a plan
Exodus 18:19-22 - 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:15-16 - 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)
- Make the changes
Exodus 18:23-24 - 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. (NIV)
Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God! (NIV)
Exodus 18:13-16 - 13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.” (NIV)
- Be real about your margin
Exodus 18:17-18 - 17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. (NIV)
- Get a plan
Exodus 18:19-22 - 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:15-16 - 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)
- Make the changes
Exodus 18:23-24 - 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. (NIV)
Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God! (NIV)
Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
- The path heart distraction
Mark 4:13-15 13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. (NIV)
- The rocky heart distraction
Mark 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (NIV)
2A. Distracted because they have no root
Ephesians 3:16–17 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (NLT)
Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)
2B. Distracted by trouble and persecution
- The thorny heart distraction
Mark 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (NIV)
3A. Distracted by the worries of life
3B. Distracted by the deceitfulness of wealth
3C. Distracted by the desires for other things
- The good heart
Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” (NIV)
How To Cultivate Good Soil To Defeat The Weapons Of Mass Distractions
A: Admit You’re distracted
B: Be ready to make changes C: Come up with a plan D: Do the plan
Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
- The path heart distraction
Mark 4:13-15 13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. (NIV)
- The rocky heart distraction
Mark 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (NIV)
2A. Distracted because they have no root
Ephesians 3:16–17 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (NLT)
Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)
2B. Distracted by trouble and persecution
- The thorny heart distraction
Mark 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (NIV)
3A. Distracted by the worries of life
3B. Distracted by the deceitfulness of wealth
3C. Distracted by the desires for other things
- The good heart
Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” (NIV)
How To Cultivate Good Soil To Defeat The Weapons Of Mass Distractions
A: Admit You’re distracted
B: Be ready to make changes C: Come up with a plan D: Do the plan
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Creates stress
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Cancels joy and peace
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Crushes productivity
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Corrodes connection
Luke 10:38–42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
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We believe busy is better
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People lie
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Performance lie
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Production lie
OnMyGrind #CantStopWontStop #Grinding #DailyGrind #RiseAndGrind #WorkingLate #WorkHard
WorkIsLife #NoDaysOff
- We compare ourselves to others
1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT)
Galatians 6:4–5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (NLT)
- We are easily distracted from what really matters
Luke 10:41–42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
5 Stages to Sabotaging Your Success
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Hubris
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Life mismanagement and bad habits
Proverbs 17:24 An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions. (GNT)
- Indulgence and compromise
Luke 21:34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, (NLT)
- Isolation and secrecy
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. (NLT)
- Self-deceived
Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (NIV)
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Creates stress
-
Cancels joy and peace
-
Crushes productivity
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Corrodes connection
Luke 10:38–42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
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We believe busy is better
-
People lie
-
Performance lie
-
Production lie
OnMyGrind #CantStopWontStop #Grinding #DailyGrind #RiseAndGrind #WorkingLate #WorkHard
WorkIsLife #NoDaysOff
- We compare ourselves to others
1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT)
Galatians 6:4–5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (NLT)
- We are easily distracted from what really matters
Luke 10:41–42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
5 Stages to Sabotaging Your Success
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Hubris
-
Life mismanagement and bad habits
Proverbs 17:24 An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions. (GNT)
- Indulgence and compromise
Luke 21:34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, (NLT)
- Isolation and secrecy
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. (NLT)
- Self-deceived
Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (NIV)
2 Kings 13:14 Elisha came down sick. (MSG)
2 Kings 13:14 It was the sickness of which he would soon die. (MSG)
When God Doesn’t Do It For You
KEEP POUNDING
2 Kings 13:14-15 14 Elisha came down sick. It was the sickness of which he would soon die. So Jehoash king of Israel paid him a visit. When he saw him he wept openly, crying, “My father, my father! Chariot and horsemen of Israel!” 15 Elisha told him, “Go and get a bow and some arrows.” …
2 Kings 13:18-20 18 “Now pick up the other arrows,” said Elisha. He picked them up. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Pound the ground.” The king struck the ground three times and then quit. 19 The Holy Man became angry with him: “Why didn’t you hit the ground five or six times? Then you would beat Aram until he was finished. As it is, you’ll defeat him three times only.” 20 Then Elisha died and they buried him. (MSG)
Don’t stop when you see God stop. Stop when God says stop.
KEEP IT REAL
2 Kings 2:12-13 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. 13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water [again], it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. (NIV)
2 Kings 2:14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. (NIV)
God is not afraid of your authenticity; He’s after it.
KEEP READING
2 Kings 13:20-21 Then Elisha died and they buried him. (MSG)
2 Kings 13:20-21 Sometime later, raiding bands of Moabites, as they often did, invaded the country. One day, some men were burying a man and spotted the raiders. They threw the man into Elisha’s tomb and got away. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came alive, stood up, and walked out on his own two feet. (MSG)
Wait till you see what God does, with what He didn’t do.
2 Kings 13:14 Elisha came down sick. (MSG)
2 Kings 13:14 It was the sickness of which he would soon die. (MSG)
When God Doesn’t Do It For You
KEEP POUNDING
2 Kings 13:14-15 14 Elisha came down sick. It was the sickness of which he would soon die. So Jehoash king of Israel paid him a visit. When he saw him he wept openly, crying, “My father, my father! Chariot and horsemen of Israel!” 15 Elisha told him, “Go and get a bow and some arrows.” …
2 Kings 13:18-20 18 “Now pick up the other arrows,” said Elisha. He picked them up. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Pound the ground.” The king struck the ground three times and then quit. 19 The Holy Man became angry with him: “Why didn’t you hit the ground five or six times? Then you would beat Aram until he was finished. As it is, you’ll defeat him three times only.” 20 Then Elisha died and they buried him. (MSG)
Don’t stop when you see God stop. Stop when God says stop.
KEEP IT REAL
2 Kings 2:12-13 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. 13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water [again], it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. (NIV)
2 Kings 2:14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. (NIV)
God is not afraid of your authenticity; He’s after it.
KEEP READING
2 Kings 13:20-21 Then Elisha died and they buried him. (MSG)
2 Kings 13:20-21 Sometime later, raiding bands of Moabites, as they often did, invaded the country. One day, some men were burying a man and spotted the raiders. They threw the man into Elisha’s tomb and got away. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came alive, stood up, and walked out on his own two feet. (MSG)
Wait till you see what God does, with what He didn’t do.
Judges 6:1 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. (NIV)
Judges 6:6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. (NIV)
- God always chooses and uses people
Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV)
Judges 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (NIV)
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, (NIV)
Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love (NIV)
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV)
- God’s chosen people always have to overcome their excuses
3 Top Excuses You Have To Overcome
- The Lord is not with me
Judges 6:12–13 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” (NIV)
A. I would see more evidence that God is with me
B. I would have a better life if God was with me
C. I would not have this bondage in my life if God was with me
- My family is too weak
Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)
- I am too weak
Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)
A. I do not have the talent B. I am not spiritual enough C. I am not a leader D. I do not have enough experience
4 Declarations You Need To Make To Overcome Your Excuses
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I am mighty Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV)
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I have enough Judges 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (NIV)
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My God is with me Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV)
Judges 6:16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (NIV)
- It’s bigger than me Judges 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (NIV)
Judges 3:15 Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. (NIV)
3 Lessons From A Left Handed Deliverer
- God wants you to embrace your uniqueness
Genesis 1:27 God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (NIV)
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV)
Romans 12:4–5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (NIV)
- God qualifies the unqualified
1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” (NIV)
Exodus 15:6 Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy. (NIV)
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NASB1995)
Psalm 17:7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. (NIV)
Psalm 44:3 It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. (NIV)
Psalms 110:1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (NIV)
Luke 22:69 “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (NASB)
Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)
- God displays His power in our weakness
Judges 3:16-23 16 Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. 17 He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man.
18 After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. 19 But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. 20 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. 22 Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. 23 Then Ehud went out to the porch; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them. (NIV)
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (NIV)
2 Critical Components To A Comeback
- God specializes in comebacks
Exodus 3:1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. (NIV)
Exodus 3:2-4 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up." 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." (NIV)
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (NIV)
- You need to encounter the presence of God
Exodus 3:3-4 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up." 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." (NIV)
Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (NIV)
- Standing in God’s presence
Exodus 33:10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. (NIV)
- Singing in God’s presence
Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)
- Clapping in God’s presence
Psalm 47:1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (NKJV)
- Dancing in God’s presence
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. (NIV)
- Kneeling in God’s presence
Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; (NIV)
- Lifting your hands in God’s presence
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. (NIV)
Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV)
- Responding to the presence of God will reveal God’s character to you when you need it most Exodus 3:6-7 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (NKJV)
- Responding to the presence of God will help you discover God’s plan
Exodus 3:8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey--the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. (NIV)
- Responding to the presence of God will give you direction
Exodus 3:10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (NIV)
- Responding to the presence of God will give you confidence to move forward
Exodus 3:11–12 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 28:43-48a (NLT) 43 “The foreigners living among you will become stronger and stronger, while you become weaker and weaker. 44 They will lend money to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, and you will be the tail! 45 “If you refuse to listen to the LORD your God and to obey the commands and decrees he has given you, all these curses will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed. 46 These horrors will serve as a sign and warning among you and your descendants forever. 47 If you do not serve the LORD your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, 48 you will serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything.
Romans 12:11 (NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Romans 12:11 (MSG) Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us [a] —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
“One of the greatest things you can do is to get excited about your life and start to live enthusiastically day after day; your whole world will improve. If you wait to get joy until some lucky outer event happens – guess what? If you wait, what does life do? It waits. And if you hold back until a more appropriate time to get excited and fire up what does life do!? It holds back. You’re going to hold back on enthusiasm, develop lots of patience, because you’re going to wait a long time for an exciting life.” – John Maxwell
Enthusiasm is … * An Energizer * * An Elevator * * An Eliminator*
How Do You Live Out Enthusiasm
1. It’s a Choice.
“Being fired up is not a personality type but a type of obedience”
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Hang around with enthusiastic people.
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Pray and invite God to come live within you.
1 Samuel 17:4 Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! (NLT)
1 Samuel 17:8–11 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” 10 Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” 11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. (NIV)
5 Strategies To Overcome Your Giant Problem
- Face your giant
1 Samuel 17:16 For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army. (NLT)
1 Samuel 17:23–24 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel. 24 As soon as the Israelite army saw him, they began to run away in fright. (NLT)
1 Samuel 17:32 “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” (NLT)
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Lead your emotions and don’t let them lead you
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Emotions of fear
1 Sam 17:23-24 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. (NIV)
- Emotions of discouragement
1 Sam 17:28 When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (NIV)
- Emotions of feeling overwhelmed
1 Samuel 17:38–39 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. (NIV)
- Emotions of feeling inadequate and intimidated
1 Samuel 17:41–44 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. (NLT)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
- Do the little things like they are big things
Luke 16:10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (NLT)
- Be faithful with your work
1 Samuel 16:11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” (NLT)
- Be faithful with your serve
1 Samuel 16:13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. (NLT)
1 Samuel 16:21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. (NLT)
- Be faithful with authority
1 Samuel 17:17 One day Jesse said to David, “Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers. (NLT)
1 Samuel 17:20 So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. (NLT)
- Be faithful with what you have
1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him.” (NLT)
- Remember how God has helped you overcome giants in the past
1 Sam 17:34-36 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God (NIV)
- Realize the blessings that come from overcoming giants
1 Samuel 17:26 David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” (NLT)
1 Sam 17:25 Now the Israelites had been saying, "Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel." (NIV)
- Our way is never better than God’s way
Jonah 1:1-4 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. NIV
Proverbs 14:12-13 There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. MSG
- God is always making a way for us to get back to His way.
Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. NIV
2 Corinthians 5:21For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. NLT
3. God’s way is a grace and mercy way
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV
Genesis 37:5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. (NIV)
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (NLT)
5 Obstacles That Stand In Between You And Your Dream
- Details stand between you and your dream
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. (NKJV)
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Adversity stands between you and your dream
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Temptation stands between you and your dream
Genesis 39:6-12 So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" 8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. (NIV)
- Selfishness stands between you and your dream
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
- Haters stand between you and your dream
Genesis 37:17-18 So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. 18 But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. (NIV)
Genesis 37:19-22 "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. 20 "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." 21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. "Let's not take his life," he said. 22 "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. (NIV)
The Power of a Moment
Generation Z: Born 1995-2015 – Currently ages 7-27
74% of teens say they experienced loneliness.
66% experienced high anxiety.
60% of them experienced depression.
35% of US teens reported suicidal ideation.
We believe that Gen Z will be set free
2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (NIV)
The Power of a Moment
In His presence is where we receive His promises.
Acts 2:1-4 “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (NLT)
- Moments will unlock More
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, through Judea, in Samara and to the ends of the earth.” (NLT)
Ephesians 4:14-15 “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever, they sound like the truth. 15. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way MORE and MORE like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church (NLT)
Jesus wants to do more!
- Moments will unlock a Movement
Acts 2:41 “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day –about 3,000 in all.” (NLT)
Acts 2:47b “And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (NLT)
A YOUTH MOVEMENT THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!
I see a youth movement where students Experience the power of the Holy Spirit.
I see a youth movement that is diverse and for Everyone.
Acts 2:17 “In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams” (NLT)
I see a youth movement where scripture Engagement is a priority.
Acts 2:42 “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (NLT)
I see a youth movement that will make every Effort to help students Know God, Grow in God, Discover their Purpose, and Make a Difference.
2 Peter 1:12-15 “So, I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you have.13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made it clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” (NIV)
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Pray for this generation.
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Prioritize Church with your kids and grandkids.
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Participate in reaching the next generation.
In this world the pursuit of more will always leave you with less.
Luke 10:25–37 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (NIV)
4 Ways We Bring Hope To The Hurting
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Don’t pass by
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Inconvenience
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Prejudge
James 2:15-17 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV)
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We don’t believe in people
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It’s not my responsibility
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Have pity
Luke 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. (NIV)
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (NIV)
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV) God wants us to have compassion on the lost, prodigal sons and daughters.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)
- Heal people don’t hurt people
Luke 10:34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. (NIV)
- Do what you can with what you have
Luke 10:34-35 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ (NIV)
Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
Acts 15:1–2 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. (NIV)
4 Reasons We Celebrate Diversity
- We celebrate diversity because God celebrates diversity in His Church
Acts 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. (NIV)
Acts 11:17–18 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (NIV)
- We celebrate diversity because God’s heart is for us to be one
Acts 15:8–9 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. (NIV)
John 17:21–23 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (NIV)
Romans 12:5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (NIV)
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; (NIV)
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We celebrate the different generations
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We celebrate the different races and cultures
Galatians 3:26–28 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- We celebrate the different gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4–5 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (NIV)
- We celebrate diversity because it shows we have the love of God in our hearts
1 John 2:9–10 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. (NIV)
1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. (NIV)
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)
- We celebrate diversity because it builds bridges and tears down walls
Acts 15:19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (NIV)
Luke 15:8-10 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin." 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (NIV)
What Must We Do The Next 20 Years To See More Changed Lives
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We are a place that must care about the one
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We must be committed to going after the one
1 Corinthians 9:22–23 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (NIV)
- We are a place that celebrates the one who is found
3 Reasons Why We Are A Place Where It’s Ok Not To Be Ok
- Because Jesus pursues us while we are not ok
Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)
Luke 5:27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, (NIV)
Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)
John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (NIV)
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)
- Because Jesus desires to be a part of our lives while we are not ok
Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)
Matthew 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, (NIV)
Luke 15:1–2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV)
Luke 19:6–7 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” (NIV)
Luke 5:29–30 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (NIV)
Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (NIV)
- Because Jesus cleans up what’s not ok
Matthew 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. (NIV)
Luke 5:31-32 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (NIV)
Luke 19:5–10 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)
Acts 2:42–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)
3 P’s We Are Devoted To
- We are a place of principle
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV)
Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV)
Acts 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. (NIV)
Acts 14:25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (NIV)
Acts 11:19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. (NLT)
John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. (NIV)
- We live by God’s Word
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV)
Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (NIV)
- We preach God’s Word
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV)
Romans 16:17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. (NLT)
2 Peter 2:1–2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. (NLT)
1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you. (NIV)
- We are a place of prayer
Act 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (NIV)
Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (NASB) Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (NASB) Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
- We are a place of power
Acts 2:43 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (NIV)
John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)
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Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life
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Real Life comes only through Christ:
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; (NIV)
1 John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
- New life comes only through Christ:
Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” (NIV)
Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)
- Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life in the Spirit
Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 3:6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. (NLT)
Romans 8:1–2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (NLT)
John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (NIV)
3. Jesus bounced back to life so you can have eternal life
1 John 5:11–12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)
John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (NIV)
John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)
Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. (NIV)
1. Jesus purchased our salvation
Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (NLT)
Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. (NLT)
- Jesus purchased our relationship with God
Romans 5:10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)
1 Timothy 2:5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. (NLT)
- Jesus purchased our freedom
1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT) He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
- Jesus purchased our purity
Hebrews 10:14 It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. (The Message)
Hebrews 13:12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. (NLT)
- Jesus purchased our peace
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)
- Jesus purchased our healing
1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)
- Jesus purchased our blessings Galatians 3:13–14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (NIV)
8. Jesus purchased our victory
- You have victory over death
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT)
- You have victory over the devil
Colossians 2:14–15 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (NLT)
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 11:23–25 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” (NLT)
John 19:28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” (NIV)
Genesis 3:7–10 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (NIV)
Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (NLT)
- Fear of being hurt
Psalm 32:3-5 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God. Suddenly the pressure was gone. (MSG)
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)
- Fear of rejection
Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (NIV)
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Fear of our image
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Be vulnerable and transparent with God
Genesis 3:9–12 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” (NLT)
- Be vulnerable and transparent with some friends
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)
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Family friends
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Small group friends
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Church friends
2 Corinthians 4:2 We refuse to wear masks and play games...Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see. (MSG)
Matthew 27:45–46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”. (NIV)
3 Right Responses When You Feel Abandoned By God
- Remind yourself God loves you and is with you
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (NIV)
- Because God is with you, you’re not alone
Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
- Because God is with you, take your hard questions to God
Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)
- Because God is with you, this season is a part of your story not the entire story
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)
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Turn why God? Into What God?
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Ask God what do you want to teach me?
Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)
- Ask God what do you want to do in me?
2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)
- Ask God what do you want to do through me?
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
- When you can’t trace God’s hand trust God’s heart
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)
Hebrews 13:5,"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you,"
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (KJV)
1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. (ESV)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)
Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)
John 19:25-27 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, Dear woman, here is your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is your mother. And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (NLT)
When you’re having a bad day, you can either breakdown or bounce back.
1 John 2:5-6 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus. (NLT)
John 19:26-27 Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, Dear woman, here is your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (NLT)
John 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (NLT)
Jesus on his bad day could have focused on his pain – but he chose to show love to his family.
John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave them the right to become children of God. (NLT)
Love when you don’t’ feel like it.
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. (NLT)
- WE LOVE BIG.
we don’t fight back we love back.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT)
1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love (NLT)
1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (NLT)
Romans 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)
John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)
- WE GIVE BACK.
When you give back it will help you bounce back.
John 3:16-17 For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (NLT)
Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive (NLT)
Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (NLT)
Helping others, helps you.
Luke 10:37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy, Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same. (NLT)
Your bounce back can come from helping others.
- WE DON’T’ GIVE UP.
Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under thesame sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But thisman has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
I want to show you three things we can learn from this statement from Jesus’ final words. Three things that if we do them, they help us to get through a bad day.
- Remember why you’re still here. Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
- Think Long term Luke 23:43 (NIV) 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Psalm 30:5 (NIV) Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
James 4:14 (NIV) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) 27-28 Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever.
- Make the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise… 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
- Betrayal
- False accusations
- Rejection
- Abuse
- Humiliation
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)
4 Things Forgiveness Is Not
- Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did
- Forgiveness is not reconciliation
- Forgiveness is not about doing what's fair
- Forgiveness is not impossible
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
4 Forgiveness Lessons from Jesus 1. Pray for them Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)
- Bless them Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)
- Do good to them
Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)
Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV)
Romans 12:17–21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)
- Do good to you
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 9:24 - Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! NLT
Ecclesiastes - 5:18-19 – 18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. NLT
Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. NIV
Genesis 2:15 - The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. NIV
Genesis 2:19-20 - Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. NIV
3 Keys to Winning at Work
- See your career as your calling.
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV
Psalm 139:13-16 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. NIV
- See your work as worship.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
- See your workplace as your mission field.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that [a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
Winning in Marriage
I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Defined my role as a wife and fulfilled it
I Realized that My Spouse is not My God
I Stopped Sweating the Small Stuff
I placed a value on covenant
I began to see her how God sees her
We got around other couples who had strong marriages
I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 Ways To Win In Dating
- Do not play the dating game Judges 15:1-2 Later on, at the time of wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. He said, "I'm going to my wife's room." But her father would not let him go in. 2 "I was so sure you thoroughly hated her," he said, "that I gave her to your friend. Isn't her younger sister more attractive? Take her instead.(NIV)
Judges 16:1 One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. (NIV)
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV)
- Do not sleep around 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 6:18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. (NLT)
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (NLT)
- Take time to get to know the person Judges 16:4-5 Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5 The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, "See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver." (NIV)
DATING CHECKLIST
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Are they a Christ Follower? 2 Corinthians 6:14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? (NLT)
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Do you share the same core values?
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Can you negotiate differences?
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How does the person handle conflict?
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How do they handle challenging or difficult relationships?
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How do they handle suffering, loss and grief?
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How do they interact and treat their family and friends?
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How do they handle money?
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How do they respond when they’re hungry, angry, tired, hurting and lonely?
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What is their daily outlook on life?
Winning Advice When Getting To Know Someone
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Do not ignore the red flags
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Do not believe issues will automatically work themselves out over time
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Do not believe that you will change the person
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Seek out godly and wise counsel
Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. (NIV)
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. (NIV)
Judges 16:15-16 Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. (NIV)
- Be it so you can receive it Numbers 6:5-6 "During the entire period of his vow of separation no razor may be used on his head. He must be holy until the period of his separation to the Lord is over; he must let the hair of his head grow long. 6 Throughout the period of his separation to the Lord he must not go near a dead body.
Judges 14:8-9 Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion's carcass. In it was a swarm of bees and some honey, 9 which he scooped out with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion's carcass. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (NLT)
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
Proverbs 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (NIV)
3 Qualities of a Winning Friend Mark 2:2–5 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT)
- Winning friends help you through challenges Proverbs 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NLT)
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (NIV)
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (NIV)
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Winning friends make you better
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They make you better because they believe in you
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They make you better because they give you wise counsel Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (NLT)
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They make you better because they sharpen you Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)
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They make you better because they will speak the truth to you in love Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (NIV)
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They make you better because they will pick you up when you fall down Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (NIV)
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Winning friends keep bringing you to be closer to Jesus
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV) Proverbs 22:24–25 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (NLT)
Romans 7:15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (NLT)
Romans 7:24-25 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (NLT)
- Start small Luke 16:10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (NLT)
Zechariah 4:10 “do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand” (NLT)
- Start with a plan Proverbs 21:5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. (MSG)
2 Techniques To A Winning Plan
- Habit switching Ephesians 4:28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (NLT)
Ephesians 5:18-19 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. (NLT)
- Habit stacking Colossians 4:2–3 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. (NLT)
Matthew 28:19–20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)
- Start with somebody Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (NLT)
- Start and stay steady Proverbs 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (NLT)
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you (NKJV)
Hosea 4:6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. (NIV)
4 Strategies To Thinking Like A Winner
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You must identify unhealthy thought patterns
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Doubting thoughts James 1:6-8 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (NIV)
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Anxious and worried thoughts Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
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Critical thoughts Matthew 9:3-4 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? (NIV)
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Sinful thoughts Romans 8:6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)
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Selfish thoughts James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)
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Capture unhealthy thoughts
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
- Renew unhealthy thoughts
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
- Set your thinking on healthy thoughts
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (NIV)
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (NLT)
Judges 6:1-5 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. 4 They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 5 They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count them or their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. (NIV)
Judges 6:12-13 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” (NIV)
Judges 6:14-15 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)
4 Ways To Winning in 2022
- Winning in 2022 requires crying out to God
Judges 6:6-7 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, (NIV)
- Winning in 2022 requires a commitment to God’s Word
Judges 6:10 I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me.” (NIV)
Judges 6:1 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. (NIV)
James 1:22–25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (NIV)
- Winning in 2022 requires believing what God says about you
Judges 6:12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV)
Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)
The following list is not for YouVersion. It is for lower thirds only, split into several slides. I am a mighty warrior. I am more than a conqueror. I am new creation. I am Child of God. I can do all things through Christ. I am a friend of God. I am Justified. I am Redeemed. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am Chosen. I am Forgiven. I am Made alive in Christ. I am God’s workmanship. I am a citizen of heaven. I am a person of purpose. I am anointed. I am powerful. I am the salt of the earth. I am a world changer. I am successful. I am a WINNER!
- Winning in 2022 requires you to go
Judges 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (NLT)
THIS IS THE YEAR FOR BREAKTHROUGH!
Matthew 6:25-34 NIV 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life [a] ? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But SEEK FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
SEEK FIRST
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
- PRAY BOLD PRAYERS.
You are one bold prayer away from a breakthrough.
Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.
Mark 9:22-23 NLT “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can. What do you mean if I can? Jesus asked, “Anything is possible if a person believe.”
- PRAY SPECIFIC PRAYERS.
Mark 10:51-52 NLT “What do you want me to do for you? Jesus ask, “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see.” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.”
Matthew 7:9-11 NLT “You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Of if you ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked.
- PRAY PERSISTENT PRAYERS.
Matthew 7:7-8 NLT “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask, receives, everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be open.”
UNTIL YOU GET AN ANSWER, KEEP CIRCLING IT IN PRAYER.
- PRAY CONSISTENT PRAYERS.
Mark 1:35 NLT “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “ Never stop praying.” NLT “Pray continually.” NIV “Pray without ceasing.” NKJV “Pray all the time.” MSG “Make your life a prayer.” TPT
Acts 2:42 NLT, “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Colossians 4:2 NLT “Devote yourselves to prayer with an apart mind and a thankful heart.”
BREAKTHROUGH WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU SEEK GOD FIRST.
- Peace comes from surrendering to Christ
Eph 2:13-14 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, (NIV)
Rom 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (NIV)
Acts 10:36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (NIV)
- You maintain the peace of God through prayer
Phil 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; and don't forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (TLB)
- You maintain the peace of God by maintaining peace in your relationships
Romans 12:18-19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV)
- You maintain the peace of God by honoring God with your life
Romans 8:5–6 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)
Isa 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV) John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (NIV)
Colossians 1:16–17 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (NIV)
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (NIV)
John 8:58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (NIV) Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (NLT)
4 Reasons Jesus Is A Good Good Everlasting Father
- Jesus cares about you
Luke 12:6–7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)
- Jesus loves you
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)
Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
- Jesus disciplines you
Proverbs 3:11–12 My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (NLT) 4. Jesus provides for you
Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
- CRY OUT TO THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Matthew 20:29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. (NIV)
Matthew 20:30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (NIV)
Matthew 20:30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (NIV)
Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
- IGNORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CROWD Matthew 20:31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (NIV)
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- COMMUNICATE YOUR NEED TO THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Matthew 20:32-33 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” (NIV)
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
- FOLLOW THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Matthew 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (NIV)
Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV) Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)
- Jesus is mighty to save
1 Timothy 1:15–16 - This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin [b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)
- Jesus is mighty to heal
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (NKJV)
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. (NKJV)
- Jesus is mighty to set you free
John 8:32 - 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (NIV) John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (NIV)
- Jesus is mighty to provide
Philippians 4:19 - 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Philippians 4:15–17 - 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. (NIV)
Ridiculous Trust
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
Your peace of mind is dependent on your trust in God
Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
Your safety is dependent on your trust in God
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (NIV)
Your strength in God is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV)
Overcoming your fears is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (NIV)
Your blessings are dependent on your trust in God
Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. (ESV)
Your prosperity is dependent on your trust in God
Proverbs 28:25 The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. (NIV)
Your dreams coming to pass is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” (ESV)
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
- Trust God with all your heart
Psalm 63:8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (NLT)
- Lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (ESV)
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In all your ways Acknowledge God
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Let God direct your paths
2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV) Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
Your peace of mind is dependent on your trust in God
Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
Your safety is dependent on your trust in God
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (NIV)
Your strength in God is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV)
Overcoming your fears is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (NIV)
Your blessings are dependent on your trust in God
Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. (ESV)
Your prosperity is dependent on your trust in God
Proverbs 28:25 The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. (NIV)
Your dreams coming to pass is dependent on your trust in God
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” (ESV)
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
- Trust God with all your heart
Psalm 63:8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (NLT)
- Lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (ESV)
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In all your ways Acknowledge God
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Let God direct your paths
2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)
Matthew 14:13-14 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (NIV)
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (NLT)
Matthew 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (NIV)
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (NIV)
Luke 7:13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. (NLT)
John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. (NIV)
- Give your attention to God’s priorities
Colossians 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. (NLT)
Philippians 3:19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. (NLT)
Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (NIV)
- Give your life to God’s priorities
Matthew 14:15–16 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” (NLT)
Matthew 14:17 “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. (NLT)
- Give your resources to God’s priorities
Matthew 14:17-18 “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. 18 “Bring them here,” he said. (NLT)
- When you give your resources to God first, He blesses them
Matthew 14:19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. (NLT)
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. 11 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. (NIV)
- God takes what you give Him first and blesses you in return
Matthew 14:19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. (NLT)
Malachi 3:10-12 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. 11 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. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (NIV)
- When you give away what God gives to you, God multiplies it
Matthew 14:19 -21 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. 20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! (NLT)
2 Corinthians 9:10–11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)
Proverbs 11:24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)
Isaiah 54:2–4 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. 4 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. (NIV)
43 percent of Oklahomans attend church regularly
57 percent of people don’t attend church
1.6 million people don’t attend church
OKC metro over 800,000 who don’t attend church.
Indiana only 37 percent attend church regularly
4.2 million don’t attend church
INDY metro over 1.3 million don’t attend church
100,000 of the 384,000 in America close their doors
Isaiah 54:2–4 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, STRENGTHEN your stakes. (NIV)
Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)
- Strengthen your knowledge of God’s word
Matthew 7:24–27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (NLT) James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
- Strengthen your prayer life
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray continually, (NIV)
Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
January 9-29 is 21 days of prayer
- Strengthen your commitment to God’s house
1 in 3 Christians have stopped going to church in person or online.
Weekly church attendance has declined from 45% in 1993 to 29% in 2020
Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)
- Strengthen your generosity
Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (NIV)
4 Ways To Lengthen Your Generosity
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Lengthen your generosity by going from giving nothing to giving something
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Lengthen your generosity by going from giving something to tithing
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
- Lengthen your generosity by going from tithing to giving to Dream Builders
Malachi 3:8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. (NIV)
- Lengthen your generosity by going from giving to Dream Builders to giving ridiculously to Dream Builders
2 Corinthians 8:2–5 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 8:13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. (NIV)
Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back;
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
James 1:6 But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; (NRSV)
Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. (NIV)
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Faulty faith
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Fresh faith
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Fake faith
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Fading faith
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Flourishing faith
James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV)
- You move forward afraid
Exodus 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (NIV)
Exodus 4:1 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?” (NIV)
Exodus 4:10 Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (NIV)
Exodus 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (NIV)
- You move forward when it’s risky
Exodus 5:20–23 As they left Pharaoh’s court, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who were waiting outside for them. 21 The foremen said to them, “May the LORD judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. You have put a sword into their hands, an excuse to kill us!” 22 Then Moses went back to the LORD and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? 23 Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” (NLT)
- You move forward without all the details
Hebrews 11:8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. (NLT)
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You move forward when it does not make sense
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You move forward in spite of your inadequacies
1 Samuel 17:32–33 “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” 33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” (NLT)
3 Things The Giants Of Life Want You To Believe
- Giants want you to believe there’s no way God can do big things through your life
1 Samuel 17:33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”” (NLT)
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
- Giants want you to believe that you can’t win
1 Samuel 17:33 33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” (NLT)
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
- Giants want you to believe that you don’t have what it takes
1 Samuel 17:33 33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” (NLT)
3 Steps To See God Do Ridiculously Big Things In Your Life
- You must keep believing in spite of what you see and hear
1 Samuel 17:34 But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, (NLT)
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
- You must never forget what God has done for you in the past
1 Samuel 17:34-35 But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, 35 I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. (NLT)
- You must understand battles always precede breakthrough
1 Samuel 17:35-36 I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. 36 I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” (NLT)
2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (NKJV)
4 Ways We Must Fight As A Church:
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Ridiculous prayers
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Ridiculous faith
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Ridiculous commitment
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Ridiculous generosity
LUKE 8:1-3 He continued according to plan, traveled to town after town, village after village, preaching God’s kingdom, spreading the Message. The Twelve were with him. There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s manager; and Susanna—along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company. (MSG)
GOD ALWAYS USES PEOPLE TO FULFILL HIS PLANS HELP WANTED
MATTHEW 4:18-20 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him. (NLT)
EPHESIANS 2:10 God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. (MSG)
ACTS 13:36 “ Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
HANDS OPEN
MATTHEW 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NLT)
MATTHEW 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ (NLT)
MATTHEW 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (NLT)
WHEN YOU LIVE AN OPEN-HANDED LIFE GOD WILL KEEP YOUR HANDS FULL HEARTS SOFT
MATTHEW 9:35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” (MSG)
IF OUR HEARTS ARE NOT MOVED WITH COMPASSION, OUR HANDS & FEET WILL NOT MOVE TO ACTION
HISTORY ACCEPTED
LUKE 8:1-3 He continued according to plan, traveled to town after town, village after village, preaching God’s kingdom, spreading the Message. The Twelve were with him. There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s manager; and Susanna—along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company. (MSG)
YOUR PAST WAS ALWAYS A PART OF GOD’S PLAN
Ways to Praise
Genesis 4:1-5 - Now Adam[a] had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced[b] a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. NLT
Matthew 15:8-9 - “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ NIV
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. NIV
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. NIV
8 Ways to Praise
- We praise God with singing.
Psalm 47:6 - Sing praises to God, sing praises to our King, sing praises. NIV
- We praise God by lifting our hands.
Psalm 63:4 - I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. NIV
- We praise God by clapping our hands.
Psalm 47:1 - Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. NIV
- We praise God with instruments.
Psalm 150:2-5 - 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. NIV
- We praise God with shouting.
Psalm 100:1-2 - Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. NLT
- We praise God with dancing.
Psalm 149:3 - Let them praise his name with dancing. NIV
- We praise God by bowing before Him.
Psalm 95:6 - Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. NIV
- We praise God with our lives.
Romans 12:1 - And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. NLT
BUILDING ALTARS
Exodus 20:24 (NLT) Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me—your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you.
Significance of Altars • Altars were built for future generations – our kids need to see • Altars were built to take territory for a deity – our altars make spiritual conquest • Altars were built in significant moments - so I don’t forget • Altars were built to sacrifice something on – wherever there’s an altar, there’s sacrifice
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Build altars in moments of transition
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Build altars in moments of truth
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Build altars in moments of tragedy
Job 1:20 (NLT) Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
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Build altars in moments of trial
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Build altars in moments of triumph
Exodus 17:14-15 (NLT) After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”).
How do you build an altar?
- Tear down idols
- Build an altar of earth
- Prepare a sacrifice
Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (NIV)
1 John 5:21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (NIV)
Matthew 15:8-9 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. (NIV)
Psalm 103:1-2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. (NIV)
Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! (ESV)
Psalm 103:1 O my soul, bless GOD. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! (The Message)
Psalm 103:1 Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. (NLT)
11 Reasons You Should Worship And Praise God With Your Whole Heart
- You should worship and praise God because He forgives all your sins
Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)
Psalm 103:11-12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)
Luke 7:47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” (NLT)
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You should worship and praise God because He heals you Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)
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You should worship and praise because he rescues you Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)
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You should worship and praise God because He gives you good things Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
- You should worship and praise God because he renews your strength
Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)
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You should worship and praise God because He is full of righteousness and justice Psalm 103:6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. (NIV)
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You should worship and praise God because He is gracious to you Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (NIV)
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You should worship and praise God because He is merciful to you
Psalm 103:10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (NIV) Lamentations 3:22–23 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV)
- You should worship and praise God because He blesses your children and grandchildren
Psalm 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (NIV)
- You should worship and praise God because He is Lord of all
Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. (NIV)
- You should worship and praise God because God commands you to worship him Psalm 103: 20-22 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. (NIV)
Lean on Me
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
C.A.R.E
- Commit to pray for them.
James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (ESV)
- Acknowledge their pain.
Romans 12:15 - Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
- Remember your role.
A. Listen
James 1:19 - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (NIV)
B. Assure them of hope.
Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
C. Stay connected
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)
D. Don’t give up
- Erase the stigma.
1 Kings 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
- Physical health must be a priority
1 Kings 19:4–8 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (NIV)
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)
6 Practices To Help You Wisely Number Your Days
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Unplug daily
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Sleep nightly
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Exercise consistently
1 Tim 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV)
- Sabbath weekly
Exodus 20:8-11 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (NIV)
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Vacation yearly
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Say no frequently
1 Corinthians 10:23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. (NLT)
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Press into the presence of God
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Press into God’s presence with realness
1 Kings 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (NIV)
Psalm 120:1 I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. (NLT)
Psalm 61:1–2 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (NIV)
- Press in by pursuing God’s presence
1 Kings 19:11–13 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV)
- Press in by positioning yourself in God’s presence
1 Kings 19:13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV)
- Pursue your purpose
3 C’s That Will Help You Pursue Your Purpose
- Commands
1 Kings 19:15 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. (NIV)
1 Kings 19:19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. (NIV)
- Calling
1 Kings 19:15–18 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” (NIV)
- Companions
1 Kings 19:19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. (NIV)
Jeremiah 15:10 I wish I had never been born! I’m always in trouble with everyone in Judah. I never lend or borrow money, but everyone curses me just the same. (CEV)
6 Ways You Get In The Cave Of Depression
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Out of control lifestyles
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Out of control emotions
1 Kings 19:2-4 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
- Out of control schedules
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. (NIV)
- Comparing yourself to others
Galatians 6:4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. (NLT)
- Negative self-talk
1 Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (NIV)
Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (NIV)
- Inability to process pain in a healthy way
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (NIV)
- Isolation
I Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, (NIV)
- Spiritual warfare
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
2 Reasons Why I Haven’t Given Up On The Church
- Jesus I saw in people.
Mark 2:1-5 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (NIV)
- I became a Christ Follower
Mark 2:6-12 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (NIV)
3 Things I’ve Learned From Following the Life and Words of Jesus
- If an imperfect church was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. (NIV)
- The goal outweighs the grief.
Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- Choose to be a part of the solution not part of the problem.
Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), [a] and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell [b] will not conquer it. (NIV)
2 Main Behaviors Of A Hypocritical Lifestyle
- Hypocrites are actors
Matthew 23:1-3 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. (NIV)
- Hypocrites live to impress people
Matthew 23:5-7 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. (NIV)
Matthew 6:1-2 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (NIV)
Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (NIV)
Matthew 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (NIV)
2 Negative Effects Of Living A Hypocritical Life
- Trust is broken
Matthew 23:3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. (NIV)
- It puts heavy burdens on people’s shoulders
Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (NIV)
2 Lifestyle Changes That Bring Hope Instead Of Hurt
- Be inward focused more than outward focused
Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (NIV)
Matthew 6:3–4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
Matthew 6:17-18 “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
- Be real instead of fake
Matthew 23:11–12 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (NIV)
7 Biblical Practices To Guard Your Heart From Church Hurt
- Don't expect the church to be perfect
Ecclesiastes 7:20 Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. (NLT)
- Don't put pastors on a pedestal
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. (NLT) Acts 10:25-26 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” (NLT)
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NASB)
- Don’t put all your hope in people
Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul. Find rest in God, my hope comes from Him. (NIV)
- Extend the same grace and mercy that you want to receive
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (NIV)
James 2:13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (NLT)
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Don't judge all churches by the actions of one church
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Don't get caught up in the offenses of others
Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (NIV) 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. (NIV)
- Do not give up on the church
Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (NIV)
Act 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:3–4 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? (NIV)
James 4:1-2 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? (NIV)
1 Corinthians 11:17-18 But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. 18 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. (NLT)
2 Timothy 4:9-10 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:14–18 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
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Acknowledge the hurt
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Be confident that the Lord will deal with those who hurt you
2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. (NIV)
Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV)
- Do not confuse God’s people with God
2 Timothy 4:17-18 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
- Do not give up on all people because of some people
2 Timothy 4:9 Do your best to come to me quickly (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (NIV)
- Do not forfeit your purpose because of the pain
2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. (NIV)
Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (NLT)
Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Steps
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Just Start
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Join a Team
2 Values
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Spread the love of God all over the place
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Watch Jesus Move with your More
Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. (NIV)
Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (NIV)
Romans 15:19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self- discipline. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (NIV)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
3 Ways The Power Of The Holy Spirit Helps You Be A Witness
- The Holy Spirit’s power cleans us up
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. (NLT)
Romans 15:16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (NIV)
1 Peter 1:2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. (NLT)
Ezekiel 36:26–27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit’s power fills us up
Acts 11:24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (NIV)
Acts 6:3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them (NIV)
Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! (NIV)
Acts 13:9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. (NLT)
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (NIV)
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit’s power pours us out
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 1:5–6 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (NIV)
Romans 15:19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:7–11 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (NKJV)
6 Purposes of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit comforts you
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (NIV)
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)
2. The Holy Spirit leads your life
Romans 8:4–5 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (NIV) Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (NLT)
- You speak what the Spirit says to speak
1 Corinthians 2:13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. (NLT)
- You go where the Spirit says to go
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (NIV)
Acts 11:11-12 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. (NIV)
- You don’t go where the Spirit says not to go
Acts 16:6-7 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (NIV)
- You let the Spirit speak to you through God’s people
1 Corinthians 2:12–15 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. (NLT)
- You let the Spirit speak to you about your daily decisions
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (NIV)
3. The Holy Spirit unifies the church
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (NIV) Ephesians 2:21–22 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (NKJV) Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
4. The Holy Spirit empowers you
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
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The Holy Spirit convicts you
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He convicts lost people to be saved
John 16:7-8 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (NLT)
- He convicts saints to be sanctified
6. The Holy Spirit changes you
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)
Hebrews 3:7–8 7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, (NIV)
Acts 19:1–2 NIV - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 Myths About the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is junior varsity
Acts 5:3-4 NIV - Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
- Holy Spirit is eternal
Hebrews 9:14 NIV - How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
- Holy Spirit is all-powerful
Luke 1:35 NIV - The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Romans 8:11 NLT - The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
- Holy Spirit is omnipresent
Psalm 139:7 ESV - Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
- Holy Spirit is omniscient
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 NASB - For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
- Holy Spirit is creator
Genesis 1:1–2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:26 NIV - Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Job 33:4 NLT - For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Matthew 28:19 NIV - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Luke 3:22 NIV - and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
John 15:26 NIV - “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
Acts 2:33 NIV - Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Acts 10:38 NIV - how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
1 Peter 1:2 NIV - who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
- The Holy Spirit is scary and weird
1 Corinthians 14:32-33 NIV - The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
John 14:16 NIV - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
Romans 8:26 NIV - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:14 NIV - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Luke 9:38–39 NIV - A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him.
Galatians 5:18 NIV - But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:16 NLT - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Acts 2:4 NIV - All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
- The Holy Spirit is an optional part of my faith
Galatians 3:3 NLT - How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
- Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV - Do not quench the Spirit.
- Desire more of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 NLT - Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
Luke 11:13 NIV - If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Deuteronomy 11:1 You must love the Lord your God and always obey his requirements, decrees, regulations and commands. NLT
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside of you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorpost and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors as long as there is sky over the earth. MSG
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THIS GENERATION HAS BEEN MARKED BY THE WORLD. We’ve all been marked by this world and marred by sin. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. NLT
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THIS GENERATION IS MARKED BY GOD.
Ephesians 4:24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and Holy. NLT Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. ESV
1 John 3:1 See how very much our father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! NLT
Ephesians 1:13-14 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God possession –to the praise of his glory. NIV
Psalm 78:4-7 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. NLT
Psalm 145:4 Let each generation tell it’s children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. NLT
Psalm 92:13 Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. NIV
2 Wrong Ingredients About Sex
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Sex is dirty
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Sex is good because God created it
Gen 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (NIV)
Gen 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day. (NIV)
- Sex before marriage is best
Proverbs 8:29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. (NIV)
- Sex was created for marriage
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:1–2 Now, getting down to the questions you asked in your letter to me. First, Is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly—but only within a certain context. It’s good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. (Message)
1 Corinthians 7:8–9 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. (NLT) 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (NLT) 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. (NLT)
- Sex was created for procreation
Gen 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (NIV)
- Sex was created for enjoyment
Proverbs 5:18–19 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. (NLT)
- Sex was created for needs to be fulfilled
1 Corinthians 7:3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. (NLT)
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Communicate about needs
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Communicate about frequency
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NLT)
- Communicate about boundaries
Acts 9:26-27 - When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. NLT
Acts 12:25 - 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from [a] Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. (NIV)
Acts 13:13 - Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. (NLT)
Acts 15:36-40 - 36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. NLT
2 Timothy 4:11 - Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (NIV)
1 John 4:20-21 - 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, [c] that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers. NLT Matthew 5:23-24 - 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. NIV
Keys to a Relational Comeback:
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Understand that all relationships will have conflict. James 4:1 - What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? (NLT)
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Own what you can own.
Romans 12:17-18 - 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. NIV
- Speak the truth in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16 - 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. NLT
A. Right Place B. Right Time C. Right Tone
- Be more committed to reconciliation than to resolution. Ephesians 4:2-3 - Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. NLT
2 Corinthians 5:16-20 - 16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, [e] so that we could be made right with God through Christ. NLT
3 Steps To Overcoming Silent Frustrations
- Get emotionally healthy
Matthew 7:3–5 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (NLT)
- The Blindness log removed
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)
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The Emotional unhealth log removed
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Trust issues from my dysfunctional upbringing
Emotionally unhealthy people deny the impact the past is having on their present
- Rejection and abandonment issues from my childhood
Psalm 34:18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. (Message)
3. The Pride log removed
Proverbs 16:18 First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (Message)
Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
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Remove The Victim Mentality Log
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Remove The Shame Log
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Remove The Living in Isolation Log.
2. Attack the Issue and not each other.
- Keep Jesus at the center
When Jesus is at the center:
We continually change and grow because we’re on the potter’s wheel
We follow God’s word instead of our flesh or secular advice
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
We humble ourselves before our spouse
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Don’t use God to run from God
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We have to live to out serve each other instead of out selfish each other.
Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT)
- We Forgive, forgive, forgive.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
Genesis 12:1–3 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (NIV)
Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning.
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed? (MESSAGE).
Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Luke 17:1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no [a] offenses should come,” (NKJV)
2 Samuel 16:5-14 5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. 6 He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. 7 As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!” 9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” 11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” 13 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. 14 The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. (NIV)
- Assume the best.
2 Samuel 16:11-12 Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”
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Refuse to receive the offense.
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Be quick to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. MSG
2 Samuel 19:18-23 When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19 and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” 21 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD’s anointed.” 22 David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath. NIV
Ephesians 4:2-3 2 Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another. (TLB)
- Allow God to defend you.
1 Kings 2:44-46 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the LORD will repay you for your wrongdoing. 45 But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.” 46 Then the king gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down and he died. (NIV)
Romans 12:17-19 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [d] says the Lord. NIV
- Position yourself for a blessing.
2 Samuel 19:12 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” (NIV)
Prov 19:11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. NIV
Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (NIV)
3 Wrong Expectations Of Marriage
- You complete me
Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (NIV)
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV)
2 Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (NKJV)
Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (NIV)
- You are my purpose
Genesis 2:15 the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (NIV)
Genesis 2:19–20 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. (NIV)
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
Your purpose is to live for God
2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (NIV)
Genesis 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (NIV)
Your purpose is to live out God’s unique purpose for your life
- You are here for my happiness
Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (NIV)
Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (NIV) Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
- Music
Jeremiah 7:8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. (NIV)
- Hollywood
Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. (NIV)
- Family
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (ESV)
- Friends
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)
- Our past experiences
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. (NIV)
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (NIV)
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)
PICTURES: Golden Gate Bridge
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (NIV)
3 Barriers That Keep People From Crossing The Bridge
- Satan
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (NLT)
- Self
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
- Shame
John 3:16–17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)
1. Pray for God to open doors to share Jesus Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (NIV)
3 Reasons People Miss Open Doors
- People think open doors are for others but not for them
Matthew 5:14–15 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (NLT)
Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT)
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People get so consumed with their life
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People get so focused on earth they lose sight of heaven
Philippians 1:21–24 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. (NLT)
2. Pray I am clear as I share my faith
Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (NIV)
- Clearly know what lost people are thinking
Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (NKJV)
4 Discoveries About Lost People
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Most people have a wrong picture of God
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Most people have a wrong picture of Christians
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Most people want to know God. But they don’t know that they want to know God.
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Most people will come to church on Easter if they are asked
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Clearly build relationships and maximize opportunities
Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV)
- Clearly share your story
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV)
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (NLT)
Psalm 66:5 Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! (NLT)
John 1:39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. (NLT)
John 4:29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (NLT)
John 4:39–42 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” (NLT)
“NO CROWN”
John 3:22-30 (NIV)
“After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.””
Revelation 4:9-11 (NIV)
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.””
CRITICISM REJECTION ADVICE PRAISE
Colossians 2:7 NLT Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
When we are rooted, we don’t just survive, we can thrive.
Colossians 3:1-2 NLT Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Colossians 3:17 NLT And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Represent Jesus in all we do and all that we say!
Who are you wearing?
Colossians 3:5-9 NLT So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
When you are rooted in Jesus, then the fruit of your life represents Jesus.
How can we represent Jesus?
- To represent Jesus, we need to put to death the old life.
If we don’t put sin to death, sin will put us to death.
James 1:14-15 NLT Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
When we are rooted in Jesus we will look more like Jesus.
Colossians 3:10-11 NLT Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
- To represent Jesus, we need to put on the new life.
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:14-15 NLT Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
John 13:35 NLT Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
As followers of Jesus, we don’t dress to impress, we dress to make an impact.
Matthew 7:20 NLT Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces [a] of this world rather than on Christ. NIV
Colossians 1:16 - 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. NIV
Colossians 1:17 - 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. NIV
Colossians 1:19 - 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, NIV
Colossians 1:20 - 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. NIV
Colossians 1:28 - 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. NIV
Four Benefits of Being Rooted IN HIM:
- In Him we are saved.
Colossians 2:13-14 - 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you [d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. NIV
- No other way can save us.
John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV
- No other work can save us.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV
- In Him we find wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3 - 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NLT
John 1:1-4 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. NIV
John 1:14 – The Word became flesh. NIV
- In Him we are complete.
Colossians 2:9–10 - 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. NLT
- In Him we have victory.
Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. NIV
1 John 5:4 - For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. NIV
Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” NIV
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. NIV
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV
Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)
3 Outcomes Of A Rooted Life
- Rooted people see life through eyes of faith
Colossians 1:3–4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people (NIV)
Mark 9:21-25 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (NIV)
- Rooted people have a heart of love
Colossians 1:4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people (NIV)
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (NIV)
John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (NIV)
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV) Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:2–3 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (NLT)
- Rooted people have an attitude of hope
Colossians 1:5 “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel (NIV)
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV) 1. Deny yourself Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV) Luke 9:24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (NIV) 2. Pick up your cross Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV) Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV) Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus h ave crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (NIV) Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (NIV) Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. (NIV) Hebrews 11:25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. (NLT) 3. Follow Jesus Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV) 1. Follow Jesus, not you Luke 9:57–62 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” 59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” 62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)
- Follow Jesus, not excuses
- Follow Jesus, not people
- Follow God’s word instead of people’s opinions Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)
- Follow God’s voice instead of people’s voices John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)
Exodus 34:7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations. (NLT)
- Give Thanks for God’s Patience
“I don’t know who needs to hear this but if the house is 73 and you want it to be 68 turning the thermostat down to 60 doesn’t make it happen any quicker.” “And by I don’t know who, I mean my wife, but I can’t tell her because she is pregnant and scares me.”
Jonah 4:1-2 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. (NLT)
- Be Patient with Yourself
1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (NLT)
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (NIV)
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (NKJV)
Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (NIV)
Genesis 16:1-2 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named
Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. (NIV)
4 Wise Ways To Wait
- Wait with trust
Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)
Proverbs 3:5–7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (NIV)
- Wait with a quiet soul
Psalm 37:7–9 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9 For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. (NLT)
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Be still verses being restless
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Be still verses worrying about others
Luke 12:25–26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (NIV)
- Be still verses being angry
James 1:20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (NIV)
- Wait with action
Psalm 37:23–24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (NLT)
Psalm 37:27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. (NLT)
Psalm 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (ESV)
- Wait with commitment
Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)
Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (NLT)
Romans 4:18–21 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (NIV)
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
- Don’t despise the day of small beginnings
1 Samuel 16:11-12 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” (NIV)
- Do small things in a big way
1 Samuel 17:17–18 Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (ESV)
4 Benefits Of Passing The Small Things Test
1. Grows your character
1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.” (NIV)
- Grows your skill
1 Samuel 16:17–18 “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him here.” 18 One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him.” (NLT)
- David grew his warrior skills before facing a humongous giant
1 Samuel 17:34–35 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. (NIV)
- David grew his slingshot skills before he fought Goliath
1 Samuel 17:38–40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)
- Grows your confidence
1 Samuel 17:32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” (NIV)
4. Grows your opportunities
1 Samuel 18:5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well. (NIV)
Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (NIV) Your most important step is your next step
James 1:2-3 (NIV) - 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) - 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) - 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) - 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Belt of Truth
2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT) - Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) - 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
- Breastplate of Righteousness
Romans 12:9 (NIV) - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Ephesians 6:14-15 (NLT) - 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Romans 5:8 (NIV) - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) - 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
- Shield of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17 Put on salvation as your helmet,
- Helmet of Salvation
Romans 8:31-39 (NIV) - 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Sword of the Spirit
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword,
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (NIV) Deuteronomy 8:2–5 Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. (NLT)
3 Wrong Responses In The Wilderness
- Complaining and blaming
Numbers 21:4–5 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (NIV)
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (NLT)
- Mocking your miracles
Exodus 16:2–3 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (NIV)
Numbers 11:4-6 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” (NIV)
Exodus 16:8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.” (NIV)
- Hustling backwards
Exodus 14:11–12 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (NIV)
Exodus 16:3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (NIV)
Exodus 17:3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (NIV) Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. (NIV)
Numbers 14:2–4 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” (NIV)
Numbers 20:4–5 Why did you bring the LORD’s community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” (NIV)
Numbers 21:5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (NIV)
Numbers 14:11 The LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? (NIV)
Exodus 7:16 Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened. (NIV)
Philippians 3:12–14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
James 1:2–4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)
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Problems are a place of opportunity
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Problems are a place of testing
James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (ESV)
- Problems are a place for promotion
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
Psalm 119:156 LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. (NLT)
Psalm 119:25 I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. (NLT)
Psalm 85:6 Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? (NLT)
Psalm 80:18 Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. (NLT)
4 Revival Stoppers
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A fading faith Revelation 2:3-4 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. (NIV)
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A compromising faith
Revelation 2:13-14 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. (NIV)
Revelation 2:19-20 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. (NIV)
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Compromising God’s Word
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Compromising sexually
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Compromising relationships
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A faking faith
Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. (NIV)
- A lukewarm faith
Revelation 3:15-17 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (NIV)
2 Revival starters
- A repenting faith
Revelation 2:5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (NIV)
Revelation 2:22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (NIV)
Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (NIV). Revelation 2:16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (NIV)
Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (NIV) Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (NIV)
Isaiah 1:27 Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will be revived by righteousness. (NLT)
Isaiah 57:15 The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. (NLT)
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NIV)
- A Spirit dependent faith
Revelation 2:7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (NIV)
Revelation 2:11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. (NIV)
Revelation 2:17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. (NIV)
Revelation 2:29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (NIV)
Revelation 3:6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (NIV)
Revelation 3:13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (NIV)
Revelation 3:22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (NIV)
- We must be filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (ESV)
- We must live by the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)
- We must be led by the Spirit
Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (NIV)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. (NIV)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, (NIV)
- God loves
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, (NIV)
1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (NIV)
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. (NIV)
- God loves you
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, (NIV)
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)
Romans 8:37–39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
- God loves you so much He gave
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, (NIV)
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)
1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (NIV)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
Luke 1:30–31 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (NIV) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
Hebrews 6:18–19 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (NLT)
7 Reasons You Lose The Anchor Of Hope
- You become gripped by fear
Luke 1:30-31 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (NIV)
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Your life seems out of control
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You feel alone or abandoned
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You are grieving a loss
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You don’t have what you need
Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (NIV)
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You have been deeply wounded by someone
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You feel defeated
6 Ways You Keep The Anchor Of Hope
- God is always with me
Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (NIV)
- God’s favor is greater than any problem
Luke 1:30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. (NIV)
- God fits everything into His plan
Luke 1:30–33 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (NIV
- God has a greater purpose for my life
Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)
- God has promised to help me
Luke 1:35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (NIV) Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible. (NKJV)
- With God this is not the end of the story
Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail. (NIV)
Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV)
Acts 3:1-10 NLT Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!
- Christmas reminds us our hope is in Jesus.
1 Peter 1:6-8 NLT
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Colossians 1:3-5 NLT
3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.
- Christmas reminds us we can trust His plan.
Isaiah 7:14 NIV 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Jeremiah 23:5-6 NIV “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
Zechariah 9:9 NIV Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 13:54-57 NIV 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.
Matthew 6:25-33 NIV 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- Christmas reminds us that God wants us to share his hope. Luke 2:15-18 NIV – 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6 (NIV)
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain.24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”
27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
3 Labels That Limit You
- The label of the past
Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. (NIV)
Joshua 6:22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.” (NIV)
Joshua 6:25 But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day. (NIV)
James 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? (NIV)
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (NIV)
Matthew 1:5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, (NIV)
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (NKJV)
- The label of loser
Judges 6:12-15 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (NIV)
- The label of not enough
1 Kings 17:10-12 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (NIV)
- She gave first
1 Kings 17:13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:24–25 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
- She went to work with what she had
1 Kings 17:14-15 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. (NIV)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us, (MEV)
Matthew 14:15-16 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” (NLT)
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God wants to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond through you
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You need examine what you have
Mark 6:37-38 But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” 38 “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” (NLT)
- You need to bring what you have to Jesus
Matthew 14:17-18 “But we have only five loaves of br ead and two fish!” they answered. 18 “Bring them here,” he said. (NLT)
- What you give to God, He multiples
Matthew 14:19-21 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! (NLT)
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)
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Spontaneous
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Systematic
Leviticus 27:30 “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. (NIV)
- Strategic
2 Corinthians 9:6-10 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV)
- Sacrificial
2 Corinthians 8:2–5 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. (NLT)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (NASB)
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)
4 Truths About Surrender
- Surrender is a test
Genesis 22:1–2 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (NIV)
- Surrender is giving up what you love for what you love more
Genesis 22:2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (NIV)
- Surrender is worship
Genesis 22:5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” (NIV)
- Surrender leads to supernatural provision
Genesis 22:12-14 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” (NIV)
Genesis 22:15-18 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (NIV) 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. 11 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. (NIV)
4 Reasons People Don’t Surrender The Tithe
- It’s under the law
Genesis 14:20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (NIV)
Genesis 28:22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” (NIV)
Matthew 23:23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. (NLT)
- I already tithe
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
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The church doesn’t need my money
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I can’t afford to tithe
Beyond: Exceedingly, Abundantly, Beyond
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us, (MEV)
1. God is able
2. God does exceedingly, abundantly, beyond
3. God can do more than you can ask or think
6 Limitations That Keep You From Living Exceedingly, Abundantly, Beyond
- Get beyond your past
Exodus 2:11-14 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” 14 The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” (NIV)
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Get beyond your pain
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Get beyond your problems
Exodus 4:10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (NIV)
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Get beyond your patterns
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Get beyond your perspective
Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (NIV)
- Get beyond your power
Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you. (NIV)
Exodus 4:2–3 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. (NLT)
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— (NIV)
- Pray for all people
1 Timothy 2:2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (NLT)
Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (NLT)
Luke 6:27–28 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (NLT)
Luke 6:35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. (NLT)
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (NLT)
- Give thanks for all people
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. (NLT)
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
6 Healthy Benefits
- A peaceful and quiet life
1 Timothy 2:2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (NLT)
- A life marked by godliness and dignity
1 Timothy 2:2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (NLT)
- A good life
1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, (NLT)
- A life that pleases God
1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, (NLT)
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "To the person who pleases God, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness. But to the sinner, He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth, to hand it over to the one who pleases God." (NIV)
- A life that changes your world
1 Timothy 2:4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NIV)
- The devil wants us to antagonize instead of evangelize
1 Corinthians 9:19–22 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (NIV) 2. The devil wants to divide the church so we ruin our witness
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (NIV) Ephesians 4:2–3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
- A life that keeps God in His proper place
1 Timothy 2:5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Guess Who’s Coming For Dinner - Pastor Earl McClellan
2 Samuel 4:4 (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.) (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:2 Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “At your service,” he replied. (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:3 The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” (NIV)
Romans 2:4 “… God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:4 “Where is he?” the king asked. Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.” (NIV)
Lo Debar = No thing
He’s in the middle of nowhere
2 Samuel 9:5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. (NIV)
Luke 14:21-23 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 “ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. (NIV)
God isn’t intimidated by the depth of your sin and shame because He understands the breadth of His glory and goodness
2 Samuel 9:6-8 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “At your service,” he replied. 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” (NIV)
Who’s welcome at the king's table?
Hagioscope = Leper window
Is this your table or the King’s table?
Are you willing to make room at the table of the king?
2 Samuel 9:11b “... sat like one of the king's sons.” (NIV)
Who brought him to the table?
1 Kings 19:4b-5 He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. (NIV)
- Your physical health is a spiritual priority.
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NIV)
- Your physical health is a part of your spiritual worship.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV)
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
- Your physical health will affect your spiritual impact.
1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (NLT)
John 5:6 Do you want to get well (NIV) (Don’t include in the bible app notes – just screens)
- Eat healthy
1 Corinthians 6:12-13 12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. (NLT)
- Rest well
Ex 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (NIV)
Psalm 127:2 – In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to [a] those he loves. (NIV)
Psalm 127:2 It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest. (TLB)
- Get some exercise
1 Tim 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (NLT)
- Guard your schedule
Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (ESV)
Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT)
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)
5 Steps To Wipe Out Worry
- Take it to the Lord in prayer
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Psalm 55:22 Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will keep you going. He will never let godly people be shaken. (NIRV)
- Thank God for all he has done
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)
- Take cover in God’s peace
Philippians 4:7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
- Think Godly thoughts
Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
- Tap the repeat button
Philippians 4:9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (NLT)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
- Cause of fear
1 Samuel 17:9-11 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” 10 Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” 11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:23-24 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear. (NIV)
- Consequences of fear
3 Consequences of Fear
- Fear paralyzes progress
1 Samuel 17:16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:24 Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear. (NIV) 2. Fear paralyzes potential
1 Samuel 17:25 Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his family from taxes in Israel.” (NIV) 3. Fear paralyzes perspective
- Fear’s perspective of the giant
1 Samuel 17:32–33 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (NIV) 2. Faith’s perspective of the giant
1 Samuel 17:26 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:46–47 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (NIV)
- Cure of fear
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
1 Samuel 17:37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
1 Samuel 17:40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)
1 Kings 19:1-4 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
4 Don’ts When Facing Depression
- Don’t listen to your fears
1 Kings 19:1-3 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there (NIV)
- Don’t isolate yourself
1 Kings 19:3-5 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
EXACT PIC OF SMALL CURRICULM THAT’S ON THE APP (IT’S A PICTURE OF HERBERT WITH TEXT)
- Don’t have a superhero complex
1 Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (NIV)
- Don’t neglect your health
1 Kings 19:5 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (NIV)
Hungry Angry Lonely Tired
4 Do’s When Facing Depression
- Do be honest with God
1 Kings 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV)
Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (NIV)
Psalm 120:1 I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. (NLT)
Psalm 61:1–2 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (NIV)
- Do get a touch from heaven
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (NIV)
1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV)
1 Kings 19:11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. (NIV)
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Do establish healthy habits
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Do be committed to your God given purpose
1 Kings 19:15–16 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. (NLT)
Proverbs 13:20 Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. (The Message)
Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV)
3 Fruits of Fools
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Fools tear down
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Tear people down by constantly arguing and fighting Proverbs 18:6–7 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. (NLT)
Proverbs 20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (NIV)
- Tear people down with lies, slander, strife and gossip
Proverbs 10:18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (NLT) 2. Fools are life draining
Proverbs 29:11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (NLT)
Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. (NIV)
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog eats its own vomit, so fools recycle silliness. (The Message)
- Fools live unwisely
Proverbs 13:19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. (NLT)
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” (NLT)
Proverbs 14:7 Escape quickly from the company of fools; they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words. (The Message)
3 Fruits of the Wise
- Wise people build you up
Proverbs 12:18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)
- Wise people are honest with you
Proverbs 27:5–6 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! 6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
- Wise people push you
Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. (NIV)
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)
“DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER”
Mark 8:14-21 (NIV) The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV) So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
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YOU’RE CALLED TO PROBLEMS BECAUSE YOU’RE CALLED TO PEOPLE
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COMPASSION ACTIVATES THE MIRACULOUS
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ALWAYS ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION
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MULTIPLICATION HAPPENS THROUGH INTERACTION
WORRY IS OFTEN THE BYPRODUCT OF ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS
HOW MANY LOAVES DO YOU HAVE?
“THE POWER OF PRAYER IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO YOUR WILLINGNESS TO BE A PART OF GOD’S ANSWER” HOWARD THURMAN
1 Kings 17:7-16 (NIV) 7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
- She had a word from the Lord.
1 Kings 17:9 (NIV) 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
Romans 12:13 (NLT) 3 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. (NLT)
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) … in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
- She did what she could with what she had.
1 Kings 17:10-15 (NIV) 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. Romans 12:7-9 (NLT) 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
- Her healing came through helping.
1 Kings 17:15-16 (NIV) 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Luke 6:38 (NIV) 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (NLT)
John 10:12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. (NLT)
2 Dangers Of Scattered Sheep
- Scattered sheep get lost
Psalm 23:1–3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV)
A. Some of you are lost because you’re following their own way
Isaiah 53:6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. (NLT)
B. Some of you are lost because you’re following the wrong shepherd
Jeremiah 50:6 “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. (NLT)
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Scattered sheep get isolated
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Isolated sheep carry all of their burdens
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
- Isolated sheep have no one to help them up when they fall
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (NIV)
- Isolated sheep get attacked
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 4:11–12 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
- Isolated sheep get weird
Genesis 2:18 GOD said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” (The Message)
2 Healthy Next Steps For Scattered Sheep
- Follow the Good Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (NKJV)
Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
- Get connected with other sheep
Daniel 9:1-4 It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians. 2 During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years.[. (NLT) 1. Recognize we are in a spiritual battle
Daniel 9:3-4 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (NIV)
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT)
- Spiritual battles are fought with spiritual weapons
Daniel 9:3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. (NLT)
Daniel 9:5-6 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land (NIV)
Daniel 9:8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. (NIV)
Daniel 9:20-23 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision: (NIV)
- God will fulfill His promises to His people Daniel 9:4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. (NLT)
Daniel 9:25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. (NLT)
Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (NLT)
3 Key Focuses to God Building His Church
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People’s Church is focused on accomplishing God’s vision for our church
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Know God
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (NIV)
- Grow in God
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
September 20 Small Group Launch
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Discover purpose
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Make a difference
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People’s Church is focused on being diversified and unified
Ephesians 4:3–4 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. (NLT)
John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (NLT)
- People’s Church is focused on helping your life flourish
Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)
Last Days: Hell
3 Major Questions About Hell
- Is hell real?
Revelation 21:8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars— their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (NLT)
2 Thessalonians 1:9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (NIV)
Jude 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. (NIV)
Revelation 20:13–14 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (NIV)
Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister , will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (NIV)
Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (NIV)
Matthew 8:12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (NIV)
Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (NIV)
Matthew 13:42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (NIV)
Matthew 18:8-9 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. (NIV)
Matthew 23:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? (NIV)
Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (NIV) 2. What is hell like?
2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (NIV)
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Darkness
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Fire
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Gnashing of Teeth
Luke 10:12 I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day. (NLT)
Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (NIV)
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (NIV)
- Does a loving God send people to hell?
Psalm 19:1–4 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. (NLT)
Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (NLT)
2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. (The Message)
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)
Refreshed
Proverbs 11:25 (ISV): A generous person will prosper, and anyone who gives water will receive a flood in return.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV): A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Psalm 107:35 (NIV): He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs
AMOS 9:11 (NIV): In that day “I will restore David’s fallen shelter— I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins— and will rebuild it as it used to be
2 Applications
WHEN YOU RE-FRESH OTHERS IT WILL RE-CHARGE YOU
- WHEN YOU RE-FRESH OTHERS JESUS IS RE-VEALED TO YOU
MATTHEW 25:40 (NKJV): The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Heaven
Revelation 21:1-4 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)
- Where is heaven?
1 Kings 8:23 - “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. (NLT)
Deuteronomy 26:15 - Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey (NIV)
Psalm 102:19 - The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth. (NIV)
Mark 16:19 - After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. (NIV)
- What is heaven like?
A. It’s a city like no other.
Revelation 21:1-2 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (NIV)
Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (NIV)
Revelation 22:1-5 - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:9 – “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (NLT)
B. It’s the presence of ultimate good and the absence of anything bad. Revelation 21:4 - ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)
Revelation 21:23-27 - The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (NIV)
C. It’s an eternal place.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
D. Angels are there.
Mark 13:32 - 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven (NIV)
E. Our treasures are there.
Matthew 6:19-21 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)
F. God lives there.
Psalm 103:19 - The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. (NIV)
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)
- What will we do in heaven?
A. Be rewarded for service
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)
B. Be reunited with loved ones
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)
C. Meet our Savior
John 14:1-3 - “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)
D. Worship our amazing God
Revelation 19:6-7 -Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! (NIV)
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Great White Throne Judgment
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Judgment Seat of Christ
Romans 14:10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:8-9 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (NIV)
3 Truths About Your Building
- Everyone is building
1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. (NIV)
- Everyone’s building will be tested
1 Corinthians 3:12-13 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (NIV) Job 34:21 “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. (NLT)
Proverbs 5:21 For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. (NLT)
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (NIV)
- You will or will not be rewarded based on what you build
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)
2 Major Differences Between The Rapture And The Second Coming Of Christ
- The Rapture happens before the tribulation. The Second Coming of Christ happens after the tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Revelation 7:14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (NIV)
Revelation 22:12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (NIV)
- During the Rapture we meet Jesus in the air. During the Second Coming we return to earth with Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:16– 17 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (NIV)
Revelation 19:14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. (NIV)
Two Reasons Why Jesus Is Coming Back To Earth A Second Time
- He’s Coming to Judge Sin
1 John 3:5 “you know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin” (ESV)
Psalm 110:6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. (NIV)
- He’s coming from the sky and every eye will see him
Matthew 24:30 “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (NIV)
Revelation 1:7 “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him” (ESV)
- He’s coming on a white horse
Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. (NIV)
- He’s coming with a sword
Revelation 19:15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty (NIV)
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)
- He’s Coming to Reign
Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)
Jude 1:14-15 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (NIV)
Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (NIV)
- Let the sword cut you now instead of cutting you later
Hebrews 4:12–13 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (NIV)
Matthew 6:27 “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (NIV)
Negative effects of worry:
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Worry affects us physically.
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Worry affects us emotionally.
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Worry affects us mentally.
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Worry affects us spiritually.
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (NLT)
3 Practices to Overcome Worry:
- Come to Jesus.
Matthew 11:28a Jesus says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens” (NLT)
3 Ways to Come to Jesus.
- Come to His word.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (NLT)
- Come to Him through prayer.
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)
- Come to Him through worship.
Romans 13:14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (NLT)
- Swallow your pride.
Matthew 11:28a Jesus says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens” (NLT)
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
- Rest
Matthew 11:28-29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (NIV)
Genesis 2:2-3 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested[a] from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. (NLT)
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (NLT)
Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. (NIV)
Acts 17:26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. (NIV)
Psalm 102:13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. (NIV)
Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie.If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (ESV)
How do we trust God’s tempo?
Faith
Patience
Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (NIV)
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
Psalm 27:13-14 I remain confident of this! I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 23 Though I walk through the shadow of death- I will not be afraid… You’re gonna take care of me for your name’s sake! It’s for His glory! He’s goodness & mercy shall follow you all the days of your life! (NIV)
Job 19:25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth (NIV)
Phil. 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Isaiah 14:24 The Lord of Armies has taken an oath:“It will happen exactly as I’ve in tended. It will turn out exactly as I’ve planned. (GW)
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (NIV)
2 Cor. 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. (NIV)
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (NIV)
Psalms 31:15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)
- What is the rapture
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Revelation 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (NIV)
- What will happen during the rapture
1 Thessalonians 4:15–18 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)
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. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. (NIV)
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first (NIV)
John 5:25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)
- Encourage you to pray
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. (NIV)
- Encourage you to love people
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (NIV)
- Encourage you to help people
1 Peter 4:9-10 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (NIV)
Seven Ways the Church Gets Ready for the End – Part 2
- Return to your first love - (Ephesus)
- Remain Faithful – (Smyrna)
- Resist Compromise - (Pergamum)
Revelation 2:14-15 - Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (NIV) Romans 12:9 - 9 Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (NIV) John 4:4 - If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. (MSG)
- Repent of Sin - (Thyatira)
Revelation 2:18-19 - 18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (NIV) Revelation 2:20-22 - Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (NIV)
Romans 2:4 - His kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. (TLB)
- Refuse Hypocrisy - (Sardis)
Revelation 3:1- To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. (NIV)
Matthew 15:8 - These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (NIV)
- Respect the Bible – (Philadelphia)
Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (NIV)
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 - “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. (NIV)
- Radically follow Jesus - (Laodicea)
Revelation 3:15-17 - I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (NIV)
Revelation 3:20 - Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (NIV)
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The church age
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The rapture of the church
Rev 4:1-4 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. (NIV)
- The tribulation period
Rev 7:3-4 Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. (NIV)
Rev 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (NIV)
Rev 7:14 I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (NIV)
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The millennial reign of Christ
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Judgment day
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A new heaven and earth
7 Ways the Church Gets Ready for the End
- Return to your first love
Rev 2:4-5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (NIV)
- Remain faithful
Rev 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NIV)
- Restore balance
Rev 2:14-15 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.(NIV)
- Remove impurity
Rev 2:20-22 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (NIV)
- Renew your zeal
Rev 3:1-2 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. (NIV)
- Respect the Bible
Rev 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (NIV)
- Recommit to Christ
Rev 3:15-17 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (NIV)
Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (NIV)
Is This the Beginning of The End?
6 Signs This is the Beginning of The End
- Deception is increasing
Matt 24:4-5 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. (NIV)
Matt 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (NIV)
- Disaster is increasing
Matt 24:6-8 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. (NIV)
- Difficulty is increasing
Matt 24:9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (NIV)
- Denial is increasing
Matt 24:10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (NIV)
Matthew 13:20–21 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (NIV)
- Darkness is increasing
Matt 24:12-13 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (NIV)
- Dominance is increasing
Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (NIV)
Matthew 24:33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (NIV)
Acts 2:17–18 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. (NIV)
- People of the spirit are full of the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, (NIV)
- People of the spirit are full of the Word
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)
- People of the spirit are full of power
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
- People of the spirit are full of mission
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
Today I want to talk to you about Good News From The Storm.
- You don’t have to be afraid of the storm
Mark 4:38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (NIV)
Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (NIV)
A. Get us through with his presence
Mark 4:36 After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him. (BSB)
B. Get us through with this word. Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practiceis like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)
C. GET US THROUGH WITH HIS POWER
Mark 4:40-41 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (NIV)
- Jesus is developing your faith through storms.
Mark 4:40-41 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (NIV) James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, [a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
- Jesus will get you to the other side of the storm
Mark 4:35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” (NIV)
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV)
How you view things will determine how you do things!
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
Six 50/20 Lessons During Difficult Seasons
- Attitude is everything
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (NKJV)
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (NKJV)
- No matter what, do the right thing
Genesis 39:9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (NIV)
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Pain is the pathway to the promise Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
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Forgive what hurt you but don’t forget what it taught you
Genesis 50:21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (NIV)
Learn from it, don’t lean on it
- No weapon formed against you will prosper
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD. (NKJV)
- It’s all about saving lives
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Good News: Live Again
- God doesn’t always come when you want him to but He’s always right on time
John 11:3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick. (NIV)
John 11:5–6 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, (NIV)
Job 30:20 “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. (NIV)
Psalm 22:1–2 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 28:1 To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. (NIV)
3 Reasons God is Silent
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He has already spoken, but you aren’t listening
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You haven’t responded to the last thing God said
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You’re not ready to hear God’s answer
John 16:12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. (NLT)
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV)
- You will rise again
John 11:23-26 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV)
- Jesus deeply cares for you
John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
- Jesus brings dead things back to life again
John 11:39-41 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. (NIV)
John 11:4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (NIV)
John 11:14-15 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (NIV)
6 “So That’s”
- To get your attention
Deuteronomy 4:34–35 Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? 35 You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. (NIV)
- To get your affection
Acts 17:26-27 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. (NIV)
- To give you direction
Leviticus 26:13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. (NIV)
- To provide correction
Psalm 119:71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. (NIV)
- To provide you protection
Exodus 14:17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. (NIV)
Exodus 14:25 He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” (NIV)
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (NIV)
Ephesians 6:13-14 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (NIV)
- To lead others to salvation
Psalm 51:12–13 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)
Psalm 91:1-12 (NIV) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Shelter In Place
SHADOW = SHOW AD
Luke 4:9-11 (NIV) The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
TRAP T - RUSTING GOD R - EMOVES A - LL P - ROBLEMS
Psalm 91:15-16 (NIV) “He will call on me and I will answer him; I WILL BE WITH HIM IN TROUBLE, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
John 3:3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)
John 3:4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” (NLT)
John 3:5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. (NLT)
- Being born again is a spiritual birth
John 3:6–7 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ (NLT)
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (NLT)
4 Characteristics of Being Born Again
- Confession
1 John 4:2–3 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (NKJV)
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV)
- Change
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV)
- Compassion
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (NIV)
1 John 4:20–21 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (NIV)
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (NIV)
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)
- Conquerors
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (NIV)
Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:55–57 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Matthew 22:36-38 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.” (NIV)
4 Ways To Live A Life Of Worship
- A life of worship sits at the feet of Jesus
Luke 8:35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. (NIV)
Luke 10:38–42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
- A life of worship is a changed life
Luke 8:35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. (NIV)
Luke 8:27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. (NIV)
- A life of worship is an obedient life
Luke 8:38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)
Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV)
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A life of worship is a soul winning life
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We need to witness with our life
Luke 8:35-36 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. (NLT)
- We need to witness with our words
Luke 8:39-40 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. 40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. (NIV)
Encounter: What Is Stealing Your Praise?
Isaiah 43:21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. (NIV)
Psalm 113:1–3 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. 2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. (NIV)
Psalm 148:5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. (NLT)
Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (NIV)
Luke 19:37-40 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (NIV)
Luke 19:40 But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.” (The Message)
5 Praise Stealers
- Position
2 Samuel 6:14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, (NIV)
- Pride
2 Samuel 6:16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. (NIV)
- People
2 Samuel 6:20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (NIV)
2 Samuel 6:22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” (NIV))
- Perspective
2 Samuel 6:21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)
- Pain
2 Samuel 6:6-8 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. (NIV)
Psalm 69:29-30 But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me 30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (NIV)
Acts 27:13–15 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. (NIV)
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (NIV)
4 Strategies To Maintain A Healthy Heart In The Middle Of The Storm
- Have a faithful heart in the middle of a storm
Acts 27:29-31 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. (NIV)
- Stay on the Jesus ship
Luke 22:31–32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)
Matthew 13:18–23 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (NIV)
- Stay on the church ship
Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
- Stay on the serving ship
Acts 8:3-4 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV)
- Stay on the relationSHIP
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV) Care@peopleschurch.tv 2. Have hopeful heart in the middle of a storm
Acts 27:33-34 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” (NIV)
Acts 27:36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. (NIV)
Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Romans 8:24–25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV) Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
- Have a thankful heart in the middle of a storm
Acts 27:35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- Have a persistent heart in the middle of a storm
Acts 27:43-44 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. (NIV)
4 Right Responses During Difficult Times
- Choose faith over fear
Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (NIV)
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
Psalm 91:1–7 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (NIV)
Psalm 91:9–11 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (NIV)
Psalm 46:1–3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (NIV)
- Choose prayer over panic
Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
- Choose worship over worry
Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (NIV)
Luke 12:25–26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (NIV)
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)
- Choose service over selfishness
Acts 16:27–34 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (NIV)
Secret Weapon of Worship
2 Chronicles 20:1-4 (NIV)
After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites[a] came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,[b] from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
- Know where to go before the battle hits.
2 Chronicles 20:5-15 (NIV)
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ 10 “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. 14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
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God fights some battles with you and others He fights FOR you.
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Your worship is your weapon.
2 Chronicles 20:16-17 (NIV)
16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
A. He worshiped God before he went into battle. – vv. 18-19
2 Chronicles 20:18-19 (NIV)
18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
B. He worshiped God as he went into the battle. – v. 20-25
2 Chronicles 20:20-25 (NIV)
20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his[c] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing[d] and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.
C. He worshiped God after he won the victory. – vv. 26-28
2 Chronicles 20:26 (NIV) 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah[e] to this day.
Ephesians 6:12 - 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)
Psalm 22:3 - Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. (NLT)
Psalm 134:2 - Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 63:4 - I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV)
Psalm 47:1 - Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (NKJV)
Encounter – More Of God’s Presence
Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (KJV)
Psalm 22:3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. (NLT)
Jeremiah 23:24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord. (NLT)
Psalm 139:7–10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (NIV) Exodus 3:2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. (NIV)
Acts 2:1–4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV)
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)
James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NIV)
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 5:4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, (NIV)
Psalm 22:3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. (NLT)
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NKJV)
Exodus 33:14–16 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (NIV)
8 Ways To Praise
- Standing
1 Chronicles 23:30 They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening (NIV)
Exodus 33:10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. (NIV)
- Singing
Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)
Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. (NIV)
- Clapping
Psalm 47:1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (NKJV)
- Shouting
Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)
Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. (NIV)
- Dancing
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. (NIV)
Psalm 150:4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. (NIV)
- Bowing
Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; (NIV)
2 Chronicles 29:29 When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. (NIV)
- Lifting Hands
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV)
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. (NIV)
- Instruments
Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (NIV)
Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV)
Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (NIV)
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
3 Areas Where We Cannot Be Afraid From the Life of Noah
- Do not be afraid to stand up for God
Genesis 6:5–9 The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7 And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” 8 But Noah found favor with the Lord. 9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. (NLT)
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor with the Lord. (NIV)
- Do not be afraid to make a difference
2 Peter 2:5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; (NIV)
1 Peter 3:20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. (NLT)
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Noah made a difference for his family
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Noah made a difference for the animals
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Noah made a difference for every human being
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When you are faithful to build the boat even when it’s messy you will make a big difference! Don’t quit in the mess!
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Do not be afraid to step out in faith
Hebrews 11:7 It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith. (NLT)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
This House – Jimmy Rollins
2 KINGS 4:1-7 One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” 2 “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. 3 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. 4 Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” 5 So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. 6 Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. 7 When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” (NLT)
1 THIS HOUSE IS ABOUT OTHERS
2 KINGS 4:1 “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” (NLT)
MATTHEW 25:35-40 For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in, 36 and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.’ 37 “Then the godly will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and give you food and something to drink? 38 When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did we see you poorly clothed and cover you? 39 When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.’ (TPT)
2 THIS HOUSE IS ANOINTED
2 KINGS 4:2 “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. (NLT)
ISAIAH 10:27 It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. (NKJV)
LUKE 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners, ‘You are set free!’ I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun.” (TPT)
THE OIL IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN OUTPOUR!
3 THIS HOUSE NEEDS MY HOUSE
2 KINGS 4:3-4 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. 4 Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” (NLT)
THE POWER OF THE CHURCH IS IN GODS HANDS BUT THE POTENTIAL OF THE CHURCH IS IN OUR HANDS
PROVERBS 11:25 Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor. (TPT)
GOD NEVER ASKS FOR ANYTHING THAT HE DOESN'T PLAN TO FILL
4 THIS HOUSE IS WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN
2 KINGS 4:5-6 “So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. 6 Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing.” (NLT)
LEGACY IS DOING SOMETHING THAT OUTLIVES YOU!
IF IT’S GOING TO KEEP FLOWING WE’VE GOT TO KEEP SOWING
5 THIS HOUSE WILL BE ABOUT KINGDOM BUSINESS
2 KINGS 4:7 “When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” (NLT)
KINGDOM BUILDERS ARE ABOUT KINGDOM BUSINESS!
Not Today Satan: Hairstyles And Haircuts
Judges 16:17-21 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man." 18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. 20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you! "He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him. 21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? (NLT)
5 Blessings Satan Wants To Steal From Your Life Little By Little
- The blessing of vision
Judges 16:21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. (NIV)
- The blessing of strength
Judges 16:19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. (NIV)
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. (NIV)
- The blessing of freedom
Judges 16:21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. (NIV)
John 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. (NIV)
- The blessing of productivity
Judges 16:21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. (NIV)
- The blessing of God’s anointing
Judges 16:20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you! "He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him. (NIV)
3 Important Truths After A Bad Haircut
- Your hair can grow again
Judges 16:22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. (NIV)
Lamentations 3:21–23 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV) 2. You can always turn back to God
Judges 16:28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (NIV) 3. God will bless you again
Not Today Satan: Satan, You Can’t Have My Vision
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
Proverbs 29:18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (NLT)
- Know God
Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV)
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (NIV)
- Grow in God
Hebrews 3:12–13 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)
Proverbs 24:6 Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. (NIV)
- Discover your purpose
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (NLT)
- Make a difference
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)
Psalm 39:4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. (NLT)
Only 3 Things Matter
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God matters
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People matter
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Eternity matters
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God’s Vision or Your Vision?
Know God Vs Know Me
Grow in God Vs Grow in Fame
Discover Purpose Vs Discover a Platform
Make a Difference Vs Make a Dollar
Not Today Satan: Wake Up
Ephesians 5:14–16 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (NIV)
Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (NLT)
3 Spiritual Snooze Buttons You Need To Watch Out For
- Watch out for the spiritual snooze button of comfort
Luke 9:57-58 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” (NIV)
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)
- Watch out for the spiritual snooze button of complacency
Luke 9:59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” (NLT)
- Watch out for the spiritual snooze button of convenience
Luke 9:61-62 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (NIV)
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife! (NIV)
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Not Today Satan: Voices
4 Signs Of Negative Voices
- Negative voices ridicule you when you try to do God’s will
Nehemiah 4:1-2 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” (NIV)
- Negative voices create fear and doubt
Nehemiah 4:10-12 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” 11 Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” (NIV)
- Negative voices distract you from God’s plan
Nehemiah 6:1-2 When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates— 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; (NIV)
- Negative voices manipulate you
Nehemiah 6:5-7 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king 7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.” (NIV)
6 Signs Of Positive Voices
- Positive voices help you overcome fear and doubt
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (NIV)
- Positive voices remind you to remember the Lord (focus us on God)
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)
- Positive voices tell you to fight for God’s promises
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV)
Nehemiah 4:22–23 At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” 23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water. (NIV)
- Positive voices tell you to fight together
Nehemiah 4:16-18 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, 18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. (NIV)
Nehemiah 4:19–20 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” (NIV)
- Positive voices tell you to pray
Nehemiah 6:9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” (NIV)
- Positive voices tell you to stay on the wall until the work is completed
Nehemiah 6:2–4 (NIV) Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; 3 so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. (NIV)
Nehemiah 6:15–16 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. (NIV)
Not Today Satan: When The Devil Turns Up The Heat
Daniel 3:9–12 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” (NIV)
3 Responses When The Devil Turns Up The Heat
- Respond with conviction
Daniel 3:16–17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. (NIV)
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Respond with courage
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When you are under fire, you do not go into panic mode
Daniel 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. (NIV)
- When you are under fire, trust God’s power to deliver
Daniel 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. (NIV)
- When you are under fire, trust God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, even if He doesn’t deliver
Daniel 3:18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV)
Ephesians 6:13–14 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (NIV)
- Respond with commitment
Daniel 3:19–20 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. (NIV)
4 Benefits Of Staying Committed To God When The Devil Turns Up The Heat
- You will experience God’s presence
Daniel 3:24–25 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (NIV)
- You will experience God’s protection
Daniel 3:26–27 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. (NIV)
- You will experience God’s power
Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (NIV)
- You will experience God’s promotion
Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. (NIV)
Not Today Satan: Press Into Jesus
1 John 4:4b because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
Mark 5:24–33 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (NIV)
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Press past pain
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Press past disappointment
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Press past religion
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Press past people
INSTRUMENT RATED
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NIV)
Overcome temptation
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (NIV)
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
2) Win the battle in my mind
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)
Isaiah 61:1-3 he Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (NIV)
3) In spite of my past
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (NIV)
‘Tis the Season – Christmas Lights
John 1:6–9 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (NLT)
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
- Light invades darkness
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," (NIV)
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)
- Light pushes back the darkness
John 8:11-12 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
- Light directs your life
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. (NIV)
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It is scary to walk around in darkness
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Walking around in darkness is messy and painful
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Walking in the light brings direction to your life
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (NLT)
Tis The Season: Presents
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
- For God so loved
1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)
- The world
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)
- He gave His one and only Son
1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (NIV)
1 Peter 3:18 Christ suffered[a] for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. (NLT)
- Whoever believes
A. You can inspect the gift
B. You can reject the gift
C. You can open the gift
- Will not perish but have eternal life
‘Tis the Season – The Candy Cane
1.The candy canes shape reminds us that Jesus is our shepherd
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (NIV)
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— (NIV)
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (NIV)
- The Good Shepherd leads us
A. Leads us with peace
Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (NIV)
B. Leads us down the right paths
Psalm 23:3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (NIV)
C. Leads us with His voice
John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (NIV)
- The Good Shepherd protects and cares for us
Psalm 23:4-5 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (NIV)
- The white stripes remind us of Jesus’ sinless life
Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
1 Peter 2:22-25 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[ (NIV)
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The red stripes remind us of the blood Jesus
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You are redeemed through the blood of Jesus
1 Peter 1:18–19 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (NLT)
- You have cleansing through the blood of Jesus
1 John 1:7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (NLT)
- You have fellowship with God through the blood of Jesus
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (NIV)
- You have power over the devil through the blood of Jesus
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
- The flavor reminds us that Jesus is sweet savior
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (NLT)
‘Tis the Season – The Perfect Tree
Genesis 2:15-17 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (NIV)
Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (NIV)
Mark 6:3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph,[1] Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. (NIV)
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. (ESV)
- We choose a beautiful tree - God’s tree was brutal.
Acts 2:23 - Jesus was handed over to you, and you killed him. With the help of evil men, you nailed him to a cross. But God knew all this would happen. It was his plan—a plan he made long ago. (ERV)
- We look for a straight tree – God needed a strong one.
Colossians 2:13-14 - 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (NLT)
- We cover our trees with lights – the cross was covered by THE light.
John 8:12 - 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” “NLT”
- We put our trees by the window for neighbors to see – God’s tree was on display for all mankind to see.
Matthew 4:16 - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (NIV)
Matthew 4:16 - People sitting out their lives in the dark saw a huge light; Sitting in that dark, dark country of death, they watched the sun come up. MSG
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Joshua 6:1–3 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. (NIV)
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March around the wall
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March when you don’t understand everything God is doing
Joshua 6:2–4 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:30 It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. (NLT)
- March with the Presence of God
Joshua 6:6–7 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.” (NIV) Joshua 6:8 After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the rams’ horns started marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the horns as they marched. And the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind them. (NLT)
- March together
Joshua 6:9 Some of the armed men marched in front of the priests with the horns and some behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns. (NLT)
- March when there is no shout
Joshua 6:10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (NIV)
- March extra
Joshua 6:14–15 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 5 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. (NIV)
- March and shout when the walls are still standing
Joshua 6:5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (NIV)
My Wall Will Fall
As I “march” in faith, I’m believing God is going to knock down the wall of _______.
- March in and take the city
Joshua 6:20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. (NIV)
Joshua 1:6 NIV Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
Numbers 13:30 NIV 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
- We is greater than me.
Numbers 14:8-9 NIV 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
- God’s dreams are greater than our means.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Numbers 13:30 NLT 30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
- Walking is better than talking.
James 2:26 NIV As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Taking Ground: Don’t Take It
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (NIV)
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We are making preparations to start a 6th People’s Church location in 2020.
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We are looking to purchase property or a building near the area where we’re starting our 6th location.
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We are aggressively looking to buy land or a building for our Indianapolis campus.
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Keep meeting needs through our local, national and global missions
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Visit BUILDTHEDREAM.TV to see all projects
Joshua 6:16-19 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.” (NIV)
- To live in the promised land you cannot take the devoted things
Joshua 7:11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. (NIV)
Joshua 7:20–21 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” (NIV)
Genesis 3:3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ (NIV)
Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (NIV)
Malachi 3:8–9 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. (NIV)
3 Things You Must Know About the Tithe
- Tithing is giving 10 percent of our income to the local church where we worship
Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
- The tithe belongs to the Lord
Leviticus 27:30 “ ‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. (NIV)
- We give the tithe first
Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. (The Message)
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)
Malachi 3:8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. (NIV)
5 Life Changing Truths About Giving Offerings
- You’re not giving your money away, you’re sowing it into your future
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
- You decide the amount of your harvest by the amount of seed you sow
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
- God meets your needs by sowing seeds
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
- Giving is a cheerful decision
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
- God meets the needs of others when you sow seed
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. (NIV)
- The results of taking the devoted things
You negatively impact your life and the lives of others
Joshua 6:18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. (NIV)
Genesis 3:23 So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. (NLT)
Malachi 3:9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. (NIV)
- Surrendering the devoted things to God brings blessings into our lives
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. 11 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. (NIV)
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Taking Ground: Be Strong And Courageous
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— (NIV)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (NKJV)
Numbers 14:1–4 That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” (NIV)
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (NIV)
- We are making preparations to start a 6th People’s Church location in 2020
- We are looking for property or a building to buy near the area where we’re starting our 6th location
- We are aggressively looking to buy land or a building for our Indianapolis campus
- Keep meeting needs through our local, national and global missions
- Buildthedream.tv to see all projects
Two Qualities We Must Possess to Take The Promise Land
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (NIV)
3 Critical Statements Attached to Be Strong and Courageous
- Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (NIV)
- Be strong and courageous to obey God’s Word
Joshua 1:7-8 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV)
3 Areas We Must Obey God’s Word to Take The Promise Land
- Pray like never before
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
- Serve like never before
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
- Give like never before
Proverbs 11:24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. (The Message)
- Be strong and courageous instead of afraid and discouraged
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
Problems don’t erase the promise
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Don’t be afraid of the water
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Don’t be afraid of the walls
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Don’ be afraid of the walk
The Beauty of Being Stuck
Acts 3:1-10 NIV
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 4:7-14 NIV
7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.
This Is How I Fight My Battles
2 SAMUEL 5:17-21 When the Philistines heard that’d David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. 18 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 19 So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
20 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).21 The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them. (NLT)
MESSAGE TITLE: THIS IS HOW I FIGHT MY BATTLES
PURSUE WHAT HAS BEEN PURSUING YOU
2 SAMUEL 5:17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. (NLT)
2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (NKJV)
1 SAMUEL 17:8 Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! (NLT)
PSALMS 18:37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. (NLT)
STAY IN THE PLACE OF PRAYER
2 SAMUEL 5:18-19 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 19 So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.” (NLT)
PRAYER IS OUR GREATEST WEAPON
PRAYER IS TAKING WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HANDS AND PLACING IT IN GOD’S HANDS AND TAKING WHAT GOD HAS IN HIS HANDS AND PLACING IT IN YOUR HANDS!
WHEN I RELINQUISH POWER GOD RELEASES POWER
BOLDNESS IS A BEHAVIOR BORN OUT OF BELIEF
START CALLING IT BREAKTHROUGH
2 SAMUEL 5:20-21 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). 21 The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them. (NLT)
MARK 11:22-25 “Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. (NLT)
I DON'T NEED A BREAK FROM IT - I NEED TO BREAK THROUGH IT
Like A Boss: The IT Factor
- The hustle factor
Genesis 39:2–3 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, (NIV)
Genesis 39:23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (NIV)
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (NIV)
Psalm 128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. (NIV)
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. (NIV)
Proverbs 20:4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. (NIV)
- The character factor
Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master (NIV)
Genesis 39:9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (NIV)
Genesis 39:20–21 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (NIV)
- The knowledge factor
Genesis 39:3–4 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. (NIV)
Genesis 39:21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. though it cost all you have, get understanding. (NIV)
- The results factor
Genesis 39:3-5 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. (NIV)
Genesis 39:22–23 (NIV) So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (NIV)
- The growth factor
Proverbs 22:29 Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— (NIV)
Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. (NKJV)
Like A Boss: Working Myself To Death
Exodus 16:29-30 They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.” 30 So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. (NLT)
6 Gifts The Sabbath Provides For Your Life
- The gift of obedience
Exodus 31:14 Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people. (NIV)
Exodus 16:27–28 Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. 28 The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? (NLT)
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (NIV) 2. The gift of blessings Genesis 2:2–3 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (NIV)
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (NIV)
Exodus 16:22-26 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. 23 He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.” 24 So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor.25 Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today. 26 You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.” (NLT)
- The gift of refreshing
Exodus 31:16–17 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. 17 It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’” (NLT)
- The gift of time management
Exodus 16:22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. (The Message)
- The gift of priorities
Luke 4:16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. (NLT)
- The gift of worship
Exodus 20:8–11 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (NIV)
Ezekiel 20:12 And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy. (NLT)
Doing Good Work in a Tough Place
Genesis 29:18-28 (NLT)
18 Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll work for you for seven years if you’ll give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife.” 19 “Agreed!” Laban replied. “I’d rather give her to you than to anyone else. Stay and work with me.” 20 So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days. 21 Finally, the time came for him to marry her. “I have fulfilled my agreement,” Jacob said to Laban. “Now give me my wife so I can sleep with her.” 22 So Laban invited everyone in the neighborhood and prepared a wedding feast. 23 But that night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. 24 (Laban had given Leah a servant, Zilpah, to be her maid.) 25 But when Jacob woke up in the morning—it was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob raged at Laban. “I worked seven years for Rachel! Why have you tricked me?” 26 “It’s not our custom here to marry off a younger daughter ahead of the firstborn,” Laban replied. 27 “But wait until the bridal week is over; then we’ll give you Rachel, too—provided you promise to work another seven years for me.” 28 So Jacob agreed to work seven more years. A week after Jacob had married Leah, Laban gave him Rachel, too.
Genesis 30:25-28 (NLT)
25 Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Please release me so I can go home to my own country. 26 Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them by serving you, and let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you.” 27 “Please listen to me,” Laban replied. “I have become wealthy, for[i] the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”
Genesis 31:38-41 (NIV) 38 “For twenty years I have been with you, caring for your flocks. In all that time your sheep and goats never miscarried. In all those years I never used a single ram of yours for food. 39 If any were attacked and killed by wild animals, I never showed you the carcass and asked you to reduce the count of your flock. No, I took the loss myself! You made me pay for every stolen animal, whether it was taken in broad daylight or in the dark of night. 40 “I worked for you through the scorching heat of the day and through cold and sleepless nights. 41 Yes, for twenty years I slaved in your house! I worked for fourteen years earning your two daughters, and then six more years for your flock. And you changed my wages ten times!
Be Faithful
- God is with you.
Genesis 31:5(NLT)
5 He said to them, “I have noticed that your father’s attitude toward me has changed. But the God of my father has been with me.
- God is your protector.
Genesis 31:6-7 - 6 You know how hard I have worked for your father, 7 but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. NLT
- God is your provider.
Genesis 31:6-9 6 You know how hard I have worked for your father, 7 but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. 8 For if he said, ‘The speckled animals will be your wages,’ the whole flock began to produce speckled young. And when he changed his mind and said, ‘The striped animals will be your wages,’ then the whole flock produced striped young. 9 In this way, God has taken your father’s animals and given them to me.
Colossians 3:23-24 - 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ESV
- Be Influential
Genesis 30:25-28 (NLT) 25 Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Please release me so I can go home to my own country. 26 Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them by serving you, and let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you.” 27 “Please listen to me,” Laban replied. “I have become wealthy, for[a] the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”
Like A Boss: Work Has A Purpose
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NIV)
Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
4 Purposes of Work
- Provide for you and your family
Ruth 2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” (NLT)
2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” (ESV)
1 Timothy 5:8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NIV)
- Develop you
Ruth 2:8-9 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” (NLT)
Colossians 1:10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. (NLT)
- Bless you
Ruth 2:12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (NIV)
Ruth 2:19–20 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. 20 “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers. ” (NIV)
Proverbs 13:4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. (NLT)
- Use you
Ruth 2:11–12 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (NIV)
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)
Like A Boss: Identity Crisis
- Work existed before sin entered
Genesis 1:27-28 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created the male and female he created them 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (NIV)
Genesis 2:19-20 "Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he could name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals." (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. (NLT)
- Sin has distorted work and relationships
4 Things That Challenge Your Identity
- Family
1 Samuel 17:28-29 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” (NIV)
- Leaders and people we respect
1 Samuel 17:32-33 David said to Saul “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (NIV)
- Enemies
1 Samuel 17:42–44 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” (NIV)
- Finding your identity in the wrong things
1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:45–47 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (NIV)
God Can’t Lose
Mark 14:32-34 - 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” NIV
Mark 14:35-36 - 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” NIV
Matthew 26:47 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. NIV
Matthew 26:56 - Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. NIV
Matthew 26:67-68 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” NIV
John 19:1-3 - Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. NIV
John 19:16 - 16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. NIV
2 Kings 6:15-17 - 15 Elisha’s servant got up early, and when he went out, he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh, my master, what can we do?” 16 Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.” The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ERV
God Can’t: God Can’t Break His Promises
Hebrews 6:18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)
1 Kings 8:56 “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. (NLT)
Joshua 21:45 Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. (NLT)
Joshua 23:14 “Soon I will die, going the way of everything on earth. Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed! (NLT)
Hebrews 6:15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. (NLT)
5 Roadblocks That Will Keep You from Receiving God’s Promises
- We don’t know God’s promises
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (NLT)
- We give up on God’s promises
Hebrews 6:15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. (NLT)
Hebrews 10:35–36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV)
Romans 4:18–21 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. (NLT)
- God’s answer to His promises don’t always look like what we expect
Genesis 15:7–8 He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.” 8 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” (NIV)
- We don’t realize many of God’s promises are conditional
Genesis 12:1–2 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NKJV)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Philippians 4:17–18 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (NIV)
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)
Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (NIV)
- We don’t take steps of faith
Genesis 12:4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. (NIV)
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (NIV)
God Can’t – God Can’t Be Tempted
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (NIV)
- God cannot be tempted because God is holy
1 Peter 1:15–16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (NIV)
1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (NIV)
Exodus 17:2 Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” (NKJV)
Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (NIV)
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (NIV)
Where does temptation come from?
- The devil
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (NIV)
Matthew 4:3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (NIV)
John 13:2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (NIV)
- The world
2 Timothy 4:10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (NIV)
1 John 2:15–16 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (NIV)
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
- The flesh
James 1:13–15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (NIV)
How Do We Overcome Temptation?
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (NIV)
- Resist with your word
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)
- Resist with your will
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
- Resist with your way
2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (NLT)
- Resist with your worship
Hebrews 4:15–16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (NIV)
God Can’t – God Can’t Lie
Colossians 1:16–17 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. (NLT)
Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. (NLT)
Psalm 102:27 But you are always the same; you will live forever. (NLT)
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (NIV)
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (NLT)
Titus 1:2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. (NLT)
Hebrews 6:18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. (NLT)
4 Reasons Why Some People Believe God Lies
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God lies because the Bible isn’t true
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God lies because humans lie
Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV)
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God lies because their experience doesn’t lineup with what they think God should do
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God lies because the devil is a liar
Genesis 3:1–5 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (NIV)
John 14:6 “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” (NIV)
3 Things You Can Trust About God
- You Can Trust God’s Promises
2 Corinthians 1:18-20 “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (NIV)
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You Can Trust God’s Character
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God is love
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)
- God is compassionate and gracious
Exodus 34:6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, (NIV)
- God is just
Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (NIV)
- God is good
Psalm 25:8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. (NLT)
Psalm 118:1 “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His faithful love endures forever.” (NIV)
- You Can Trust God’s Motives
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV) Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
1 Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of truth.” (NIV)
Luke 15:1-7 (NIV)
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
*Production Team Note: The two numbers below should each be a separate slide
5093
1 x 5093
3 Values to Remember
Every number has a name. Every name has a story. Every story matters to God.
3 Life Applications from Luke 15
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All are equally loved but the lost are the priority.
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You are never lost in the audience of humanity.
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God reserves Heaven’s loudest noise when one is receives the Gospel.
Let’s be heavens party starters!!
Getting Over It – How Do I Forgive Others?
Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
3 Reasons Why We Should Forgive
- Because God has forgiven me Matthew 18:33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ (NIV)
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (NIV)
Luke 7:47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” (NLT)
2. Resentment makes me miserable Matthew 18:33-34 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NIV)
Bitterness imprisons life: Love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life: Love empowers it. Bitterness sours life: Love sweetens it Bitterness sickens life: Love heals it. Bitterness blinds life: Love opens its eyes
- I’m going to need forgiveness again Matthew 18:35 “This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (NIV)
Matthew 6:14–15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)
- Release the person entirely
A. Determine what they owe you
B. Cancel their debt
- Recognize God’s purpose in the process
Genesis 50:19–20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
- Reestablish as much as possible
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
- Repeat the process
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
11 Forgiveness Myth Busters
- Forgiveness is a feeling
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)
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Forgiveness means you will no longer feel the pain of their offense
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Forgiveness means forgetting
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Forgiveness means pretending it didn’t happen
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Forgiveness is a one-time, climactic event
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Forgiveness is a sign of weakness
Matthew 26:53–54 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? (NIV)
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Forgiveness means condoning or excusing a wrong
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Forgiveness is the same as reconciling
Matthew 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (NLT)
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Forgiveness is conditional
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Forgiveness means you always have to tell the person they are forgiven
Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (NLT)
- Forgiveness includes justice
Romans 12:19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. (NLT)
How Do I Forgive Myself?
Matthew 26:75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. (NLT)
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Disconnects you from God
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Depresses you
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Dominates your mind
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Destroys your progress
3 Requirements to Forgive Yourself
- Forgiving yourself begins with understanding how God has forgiven you
Mark 16:5-7 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,[b] who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” (NLT)
4 Characteristics of God’s Forgiveness
- Forgives instantly
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
- Forgives completely
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
- Forgives repeatedly
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
- Forgives freely
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
- Leave your baggage with Jesus
John 21:7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)
- Move forward to what God has next
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
STORIES – Persevering Through Pain
- Spend time with the Healer.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
- Refuse to waste your pain.
John 16:33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. NIV
- Keep your eyes on the long-game.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. NIV
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. NIV
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. 8 Three different times I begged God to make me well again. 9 Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. 10 Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him. TLB
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. MSG
Discipline | Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. (NIV)
Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. (NLT)
4 Wrong Ways to Discipline
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Threatening your kids
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The repeating parrot
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The bribing parent
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Misusing compassion
5 Important Insights to Effective Discipline
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (NKJV)
- First time obedience
Hebrews 12:7–11 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (NLT)
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Limit choices early on
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Train your child's heart through non-conflict instruction
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)
- The type of correction depends on the motives
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. (NLT)
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. (NKJV)
Four Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Discipline Your Children
How frequent is the offense?
What’s the context of the moment?
What is your child's age?
What is the overall characterization of your child's behavior?
- Show them don’t tell them
1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (NIV)
The Two Values | Herbert Cooper
Deuteronomy 6:6-8 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (NIV)
1. Choose honesty
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)
1 John 1:8–9 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (NLT)
2. Choose honor
- Honor everyone
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (NKJV)
Philippians 2:3–4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
- Honor authority
Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. (NLT)
- Honor spiritual leaders
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. (NLT)
- Honor your elders
Leviticus 19:32 “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord. (NLT)
1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (NIV)
- Honor your parents
Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (NIV)
- Honor God
Psalm 29:1-2 Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. 2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (NLT)
6a. Honor God daily by giving Him the first 15 minutes
6b. Honor God weekly by worshipping at church
Hebrews 10:25 … not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (The Message)
6c. Honor God monthly by tithing
Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. (The Message)
6d. Honor God annually by fasting
THE PHASES OF PARENTING
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (NKJV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (NIV)
- Discipline Phase (0-5)
Hebrews 12:5-11 - And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a] 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. (NIV)
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Training Phase (5-12)
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Negative training
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Positive training
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (NIV)
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” Bob Talbert
1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (NIV)
- Coaching Phase (12-18)
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
- Friendship Phase (19 and beyond)
Parenting Hacks: THE GOAL OF PARENTING
- The goal of parenting is to mine the treasure out of your kids
Proverbs 15:6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. (NIV)
Psalm 127:3–5 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. 4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. 5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. (NLT)
3 Parenting Philosophies
- The Authoritarian Style
Colossians 3:21 Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits. (The Message)
1 Samuel 20:30-34 Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan. "You stupid son of a whore!" he swore at him. "Do you think I don't know that you want him to be king in your place, shaming yourself and your mother? As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!”32 “But why should he be put to death?” Jonathan asked his father. “What has he done?” 33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.34 Jonathan left the table in fierce anger and refused to eat on that second day of the festival, for he was crushed by his father’s shameful behavior toward David. (NLT)
- The Permissive Style
1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord (NLT) (The thing that I want you to notice as we continue to read about Eli’s sons is how Eli was permissive. He allowed it. He was a passive parent)
1 Samuel 2:17 So the sin of these young men was very serious in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt. NLT)
1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. (NLT)
I Samuel 3:11-13 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. 12 I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. 13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. (NLT)
- The Biblical Style
Ezekiel 36:26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. (NLT)
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)
The Blood | Herbert Cooper
Hebrews 9:11–12 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (NLT)
1. It was personal
Hebrews 9:12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (NLT)
Leviticus 17:11 for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible. (NLT)
Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (NIV)
Romans 3:25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, (NLT)
2. It was permanent
Hebrews 9:12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (NLT)
Leviticus 16:34 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses. (NIV)
3. It was powerful
Fish Eyed Fool | Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 3:35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. (NIV)
4 Top Foolish Behaviors of a Fool
- Fools settle for complacency
Proverbs 1:32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; (NIV)
Proverbs 19:24 Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. (NLT)
Proverbs 21:25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. (NLT)
Proverbs 22:13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!” (NLT)
Proverbs 13:4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. (NLT)
- Fools have an unteachable heart
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. (NIV)
- Fools are quick tempered
Proverbs 20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (NLT)
Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. (NIV)
- Fools remain in their sin
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. (NIV)
Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. (NKJ)
Proverbs 10:23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. (NKJV)
Proverbs 17:12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. (NLT)
A Spiritual Heart Attack | Herbert Cooper
Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)
Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (NIV)
Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. (NIV)
- Guard your heart with the Word of God
Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. (NIV)
Proverbs 22:17-18 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. (NIV)
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
- Guard your mouth
Proverbs 4:24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. (NIV)
- Guard your eyes
Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, (NIV)
Matthew 6:22–23 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! (NLT)
- Guard your steps
Proverbs 4:26–27 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:10–12 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:14–15 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:19-21 Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: 20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Trust God’s Wisdom | Scotty Gibbons
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. (NIV)
Proverbs 28:26 - Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. (NIV)
Three Rewards for Trusting in God:
- A Long, Prosperous Life
Proverbs 3:1-2 - My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:16 - Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:7-8 - Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (NIV)
Proverbs 28:25 The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. (NIV)
- Favor with God and Man
Proverbs 3:4 - Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:20 - Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. (NIV)
- Peace
Proverbs 3:17 - Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:23-24 - Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (NIV)
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (NIV)
GET SMART - Why Wisdom and Knowledge?
1. What is a Proverb?
Proverb – Short pithy saying, stating a general truth.
2. What is the point of the book of Proverbs?
- We learn how to think.
Proverbs 1:1-3a - These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings.3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. (ERV)
- We learn how to live.
Proverbs 1:1-3 - These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings.3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. (ERV)
- It will make the foolish wise and the wise wiser.
Proverbs 1:4-5 - 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned.5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. (ERV)
Proverbs 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes. (NIV)
Proverbs 26:12 – Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with the wise grows wise. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:23 – A wise man’s heart guides his mouth. (NIV)
Proverbs 19:11 – A man’s wisdom gives him patience. (NIV)
Proverbs 24:5 – A wise man has great power. (ICB)
Proverbs 8:35 – Whoever finds me finds life. (NIV)
Proverbs 8:11 – Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you desire can compare with her. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. (NIV)
- Ask God for wisdom.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)
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Read a chapter of Proverbs each day.
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Be wise and come each week to learn more!
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Fill Up The Tank | Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (NIV)
1 John 3:18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (NLT)
- Love by learning your spouse’s needs
Proverbs 10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. (NLT)
- Love is meeting your spouse’s needs
Philippians 2: 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
- Love with your words
Proverbs 18:20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. (NLT)
Proverbs 16:24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (NLT)
- Love with acts of service
Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (NLT)
- Love with your time
Ephesians 5:16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)
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Love with your touch
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Love with gifts
Proverbs 18:16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! (NLT)
Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)
WEDGES
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” NIV
John 17:11;22 “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” NIV
Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For God’s People to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.3 … For there the Lord commands the blessing—Life forevermore.” NKJ
James 3:16 “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” NLT
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” NIV
• Really forgive and refuse to become offended.
Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another…Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” NIV
Proverbs 19:11 “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” NIV
Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” NIV
Luke 17:1 “Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” NKJV
Proverbs 18:19 “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” NIV
Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” NIV
1. Bring their balance to zero.
Matthew 18:34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tormented, until he should pay back all he owed. NIV
2. The forgiven forgive.
Matthew 10:8 “Freely you have received; freely give.” NIV
3. Fight for unity.
Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict...” NIV
Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” NIV
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” NIV
4. We do life together.
Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” NKJV
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” NIV
Growing Up | Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:11 It’s like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things. (TLB)
A. Put away childlike thinking
James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)
Philippians 2:3–4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
B. Put away childlike speaking
Four Ways to Overcome Childish Communication
- Don’t attack the person, attack the problem
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (NLT)
- Listen to understand more than you talk to be understood
Proverbs 18:13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. (NLT)
Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (NIV)
- Be honest and honorable
Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
- Talk to resolve the problem and to maintain peace, not to win the battle
Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. (NLT)
Proverbs 20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (NIV)
C. Put away childlike reasoning
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (NLT)
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. (NLT)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
The Right Place | Herbert Cooper
2 Kings 5:10–14 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” 11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. (NIV)
Acts 1:4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (NIV)
Exodus 3:10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (NIV)
Joshua 6:2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. (NIV)
Jonah 1:1–3 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. (NIV)
Four Insights About The Right Place
- The right place is a place of provision
1 Kings 17:2–6 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 5 So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. (NIV)
- The right place is where you experience next level relationships
1 Kings 17:8–9 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” (NIV)
- The right place is a place of blessing
1 Kings 17:15-16 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. (NIV)
- The right place isn’t always an easy place
Two Right Places To Build Your Life On
- The secret place
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (NIV)
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
- The church
Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (NLT)
Psalm 92:13–14 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, (NIV)
**The Right People | Herbert Cooper
Four Benefits of Having the Right People in Your Life**
- The right people help scales fall off your eyes
Acts 9:8–9 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. (NIV)
Acts 9:17-18 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (NLT)
- The right people will help you grow closer to God
Acts 9:17-18 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (NLT)
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
- The right people give you direction
Acts 9:6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (NIV)
- The right people see potential in you that you can’t see
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. (NLT)
Acts 22:12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. (NIV)
Acts 9:19–22 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. (NIV)
The Right Plan | Herbert Cooper
Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. (NLT)
Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (NLT)
Three components of a good plan:
- The right plan involves getting on the right path
Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. (NLT)
- The right plan includes having the right priorities
Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. (NLT)
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)
- The right plan involves having the right perspective
Ask & Pray with Confidence
Luke 11:1-4 1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (NKJV)
- Adore
Luke 11:2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (NKJV)
Galatians 3:26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, (NIV)
- Confess A DORE C ONFESS
Luke 11:4 (NKJV) And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
- Thanks A DORE C ONFESS T HANKS
Luke 11:2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- Supplication A DORE C ONFESS T HANKS S UPPLICATION
Luke 11:2-3 2 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
Mark 9:28–29 28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (NKJV)
Acknowledging Prayer | Lynn Wheeler
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, (NIV)
Progression of communication:
A. Small talk
B. Sharing what we know
C. Sharing feelings
D. Sharing who you are
Acknowledging Prayer:
- Acknowledges my relationship with God.
Hebrews 4:15-16 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
- Acknowledges my reliance on God.
"I never pray more than 20 minutes, but I never go 20 minutes without praying" (Smith Wigglesworth)
Miracle = Something that requires divine intervention
James 5:13-15 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV)
Anointing = An impartation of God’s spirit into my spirit to help me accomplish the task He has called me to do
Matthew 5:44 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)
Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
- Acknowledges my need to remain in God.
John 15:4-5 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)
Daniel 6:10 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (NIV)
Christ-Mess: Messy Emotions
Luke 2:10–11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (NIV)
- Jesus first
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (NIV)
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, (NIV)
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
- Others second
Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (NIV)
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (NIV)
- Yourself third
The Mess of The Unexpected | Herbert Cooper
Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (NIV)
Two Important Lessons on Dealing with The Mess of The Unexpected
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You should expect the unexpected
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Your unexpected situation can create confusion
Luke 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
Luke 1:34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" (NIV)
Three Great Responses During Unexpected Seasons
- Trust God during unexpected seasons
Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (NIV)
Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)
- Find a godly and encouraging friend
Luke 1:39–45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV)
- Replace worry with worship
Luke 1:46–50 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. (NLT)
Messy Relationships | Scotty Gibbons
Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
- Be realistic with your expectations.
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV)
- Be guarded with your emotions.
Matthew 1:19 - Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:16 – A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (NLT)
Proverbs 19:11 – Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (NLT)
- Be intentional with your interaction.
Matthew 1:19 - Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. (NLT)
Matthew 1:20-23 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT)
Colossians 3:12-13 - 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Matthew 6:14-15 - 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Philippians 2:1-4 - Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT)
Romans 12:18 - 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
Messy Christmas | Herbert Cooper
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God shows us up in the middle of messes
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Your mess has a message from God
Matthew 1:20-21 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (NIV)
- God turns messes into miracles
a. The miracle of joy
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (NIV)
b. The miracle of peace
Luke 2:13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
c. The miracle of salvation
Luke 2:10–11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (NIV)
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (NLT)
Faith Over Fear: Divine Protection
1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (NIV)
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
5 Ways Tithing Protects Your Life
1. Protects your heart from drifting from God
Malachi 3:6-8 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. (NIV)
Matthew 6:21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (NLT)
2. Protects you from the consequences of disobedience
Malachi 3:9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. (NIV)
Malachi 3:11 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. (NIV)
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
3. Protects you from trusting in yourself
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
4. Protects you from blocking God’s blessings
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it (NIV)
5. Protects your influence
Malachi 3:12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)
11-11-18 - Faith Over Fear - That Your Hand Would Be With Me - Scotty Gibbons1 Chron 4:9-10 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV)
Galatians 3:9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. (NLT)
Galatians 3:14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. (NLT)
Genesis 12:1–3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT)
- Supernatural guidance
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. (NIV)
- Supernatural blessings
Genesis 12:2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
- Supernatural intervention
a. Fully surrendered people listen to God’s voice.
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. (NIV)
b. Fully surrendered people go when God says go.
Genesis 12:4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. (NIV)
c. Fully surrendered people go where God says go.
d. Fully surrendered people give when God says give.****
11-4-18 - Faith Over Fear - Enlarge My Territory - Herbert Cooper1 Chron 4:9-10 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV)
Galatians 3:9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. (NLT)
Genesis 12:1–3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT)
3 Steps to Experience God Enlarging Your Territory 1. You must step out on God’s word
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” (NLT)
Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. (NLT)
Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (NLT)
- You must leave your comfortable surroundings
Genesis 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.” (NIV)
- You must step out and live by faith
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (NIV)
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. (NKJV)**
Faith Over Fear: God, Bless Me Indeed,
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV)
1. God wants to bless your life
Galatians 3:9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. (NLT)
Galatians 3:14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. (NLT)
Genesis 12:1–3 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT)
1. I will make you into a great nation
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. (NIV)
2. I will bless you
Genesis 13:2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. (NIV)
3. Make your name great
4. You will be a blessing to others
5. I will bless those who bless you
6. I will curse those who curse you
7. All families on earth will be blessed through you
3 Keys to Being Blessed Indeed
1. You must believe God wants to bless you
Romans 4:3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NIV)
Galatians 3:5–7 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (NIV)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (NKJV)
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (NIV)
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (NIV)
2. You need to ask God to bless you
James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (NIV)
Matt 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
3. You must have the right motives when you ask God to bless you
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV)
1. When you ask God to bless you, so you can bless others
1 Timothy 6:17–18 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (NLT)
- When you ask God to bless you, so you can advance his kingdom**1 Timothy 2:3–4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (NIV)
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV)
1. God wants to bless your life
Galatians 3:9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. (NLT)
Galatians 3:14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. (NLT)
Genesis 12:1–3 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT)
1. I will make you into a great nation
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. (NIV)
2. I will bless you
Genesis 13:2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. (NIV)
3. Make your name great
4. You will be a blessing to others
5. I will bless those who bless you
6. I will curse those who curse you
7. All families on earth will be blessed through you
3 Keys to Being Blessed Indeed
1. You must believe God wants to bless you
Romans 4:3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NIV)
Galatians 3:5–7 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (NIV)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (NKJV)
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (NIV)
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (NIV)
2. You need to ask God to bless you
James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (NIV)
Matt 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
3. You must have the right motives when you ask God to bless you
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV)
1. When you ask God to bless you, so you can bless others
1 Timothy 6:17–18 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (NLT)
2. When you ask God to bless you, so you can advance his kingdom
1 Timothy 2:3–4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (NIV)**
10-21-18 - Kill The Spider - Anger - Scotty Gibbons
Genesis 4:1-5 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth[c] a man.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. (NIV)
- Anger is always a heart issue.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)
Genesis 4:6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (NIV)
Genesis 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (NIV)
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Anger is the fruit that comes from bad seeds.
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Anger left unchecked is destructive.
Genesis 4:8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (NIV)
Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (NIV)
How to Kill The Spider of Anger:
- Know the difference in good anger and bad anger.
Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin" (NIV)
James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV)
- Deal with your anger right away.
Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. (NIV)
Psalm 109:1-5 My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, 2 for people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. 3 With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. 4 In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. 5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
Psalm 109:4 but I am a man of prayer. (NIV)
- Don’t give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)
10-14-18 - Kill The Spider - Getting Over Gluttony - Scotty Gibbons
Gluttony - habitual greed or excess in eating.
- The diet of your life reveals the god you worship.
Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (ESV)
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 6:12-13 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. (NLT)
- Physical health is a spiritual priority.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. (NIV)
- Let your cravings work for you not against you.
Proverbs 16:26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger drives him on. (TLV)
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (ESV)
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. (MSG)
How to Kill The Spider of Gluttony:
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Evaluate your health.
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Prioritize your health.
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Get a friend to go with you on the journey.
Kill The Spider: Envy
1. Envy robs you of peace and joy
1 Samuel 18:7-8 As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” (NIV)
Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV)
2. Envy causes you to complain
3. Envy creates conflict in your relationships
1 Samuel 19:10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. (NIV)
1 Samuel 20:32–33 “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David. (NIV)
James 3:14–16 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)
Titus 3:3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. (NLT)
4. Envy distracts you from God’s purpose
1 Samuel 18:9 And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. (NIV)
3 Ways You Kill The Spider Of Envy
James 3:14–15 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (NIV)
1. Stop playing the comparison game
Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (NLT)
2. Celebrate other people’s successes
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)
3. Focus on the good instead of the bad
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
10-07-18 - Kill The Spider - Lust - Herbert Cooper
Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 but I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (NLT)
3 Stages Of Lust
- Interest
2 Samuel 11:2-3 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful,3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” (NIV)
- Indulgence
2 Samuel 11:4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her...Then she went back home. (NIV)
- Infection
2 Samuel 11:5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” (NIV)
James 1:14-15 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)
How to Kill The Spider of Lust
- Choose love over lust
1 John 5:2–3 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (NIV)
Psalm 51:1–2 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (NIV)
Psalm 51:10–12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV)
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Have a plan for pressure (A.C.T.)
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Admit your struggle
James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (NLT)
- Cut off access
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)
a. Run Away
b. Keep Away
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. (NLT)
- Trust God’s plan for purity
09-30-18 - Kill The Spider - How To Slay Sloth - Scotty Gibbons
Sloth = The avoidance of physical or spiritual work.
- What does the bible say about sloth?
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. (ESV)
Romans 12:11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 3:10 If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. (ESV)
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (ESV)
- Why is this sin so destructive?
Proverbs 10:4 A slack hand causes poverty, (ESV)
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
- How do we slay the sin of sloth?
A. Establish priorities.
B. Take the right steps in the right direction.
C. Be a hard worker.
Colossians 3:23 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (NIV)
D. Be diligent.
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. (ESV)
Kill The Spider: Greed
Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (NIV)
1. They believe more is the answer to happiness
Luke 12:16-18 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. (NIV)
Philippians 4:11–13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
2. They believe they are an owner instead of a steward
Luke 12:17–18 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. (NIV)
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; (NIV)
1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
3. They are consumers
Luke 12:19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." (NIV)
Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (NLT) (Shower at the end of the day)
Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (NIV)
4. They don’t make God their number one priority
Luke 12:20-21 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (NIV)
Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (ESV)
09-09-18 - Kill The Spider - The Silent Killer - Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 26:15 And he built structures on the walls of Jerusalem, designed by experts to protect those who shot arrows and hurled large stones from the towers and the corners of the wall. His fame spread far and wide, for the Lord gave him marvelous help, and he became very powerful. (NLT)
2 Chronicles 26:16 But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. (NLT)
- Pride puts distance between you and God
2 Chronicles 26:16 But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. (NLT)
Psalm 138:6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. (NLT)
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (NIV)
- Pride keeps you from wise counsel
2 Chronicles 26:17–19 Azariah the high priest went in after him with eighty other priests of the Lord, all brave men. 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is the work of the priests alone, the descendants of Aaron who are set apart for this work. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned. The Lord God will not honor you for this!” 19 Uzziah, who was holding an incense burner, became furious. But as he was standing there raging at the priests before the incense altar in the Lord’s Temple, leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead. (NLT)
a. Pride makes you a know it all
b. Pride causes you to have a negative response to correction
c. Pride blames others for your sins
- Pride deteriorates your life
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (NIV)
The Antidote To Kill The Spider Of Pride:
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NIV)
Proverbs 18:12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:5-6 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (NIV)
- Give God all the credit for all of your successes
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (NLT)
1 Chronicles 29:10–14 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
- Serve others selflessly
Matthew 23:11–12 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (NIV)
- Become more like Jesus daily
Philippians 2:3–7 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV)
Sticks and Stones – No More Biting
Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. (NASB)
The Recognition Of Gossip:
- Gossip is when you share information someone asked you not to share
Proverbs 20:19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. (NLT)
Proverbs 26:22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. (NASB)
The Recognition Of Slander
- Slander is when you speak something false about someone to hurt them
Proverbs 10:18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. (NIV)
- Slander is when you speak something true about someone to hurt or damage them
Psalm 35:15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. (NIV)
The Problem With Gossip And Slander
- They separate close friends
Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. (NIV)
Proverbs 25:23 As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! (NLT)
- They contaminate your life
Proverbs 18:8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? (The Message)
3. They cause church problems
2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. (NIV)
Matthew 18:15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (NLT)
- They hurt other people
Leviticus 19:16 “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord. (NIV)
- They reveal you are not a trustworthy person
Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV)
- They will keep you from God’s presence
Psalm 15:1–3 Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. (NLT)
The Cure For Gossip and Slander
- Stay out of other people’s business
1 Timothy 5:13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. (ESV)
- Don’t associate with gossipers and slanderers
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (NIV)
Proverbs 20:19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. (NLT)
- Be a part of the solution not the problem
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
08-19-18 - Sticks and Stones - Talk Is Cheap? - Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
- Your tongue will direct your life
James 3:2–4 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. (NIV)
Mark 11:23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. (NIV)
- Your tongue has the power to set your life on fire
James 3:5-6 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (ESV)
- You don't have the power to tame your tongue
James 3:7-8 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV)
Three God Keys To Controlling Your Tongue
- Get your heart healthy
Matthew 15:18-19 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (NIV)
Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (NIV)
- Get a muzzle on your mouth
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (NIV)
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (NIV)
Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (ESV)
Proverbs 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity (NIV)
T - Is it True?
H - Is it Helpful?
I - Is it Inspiring?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it Kind?
- Get God’s help through prayer
Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)
08-12-18 - Sticks and Stones - The Power of Words - Herbert Cooper
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
- Your tongue is powerful
a. The tongue has power to physically move people
b. The tongue has power to ignite emotions
c. The tongue has the power to start wars
- Your tongue has the power to bring death
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
a. The tongue kills people’s self esteem
Proverbs 15:4 Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (The Message)
b. The tongue kills people’s dreams
Psalm 52:2 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. (ESV)
c. The tongue kills reputations
Proverbs 15:4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (NLT)
d. The tongue kills relationships
Proverbs 18:21 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (The Message)
Proverbs 15:4 Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (The Message)
- The tongue has power to bring life
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
a. Your tongue can bring healing
Proverbs 12:18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (NIV)
b. Your tongue can defuse anger
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. (The Message)
c. Your tongue can build up others
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
- Your tongue is so powerful it will determine the direction of your life
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV)
08–05-18 - Foodies - Plenty To Go Around - Dino Rizzo
Mark 6:30-44 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[a]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. (NIV)
Three Attitudes We See In This Scripture:
1) The attitude of human needs.
Prayer - Lord, help us take on the responsibility to meet the needs of others.
2) The attitude toward our resources.
Jesus wants us to start with what we already have.
3) The attitude that God has more than enough for us and others.
When you place it in God’s hands, it becomes unlimited - Do not make God small today!
07-29-18 - Foodies - Family Dinner - Scotty Gibbons
Acts 10:11-16 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. (NIV)
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. (NIV)
Acts 10:44-45 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. (NIV)
- God’s grace is for everyone.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (NIV)
- Our differences are meant to distinguish us not divide us.
1 John 4:19-21 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (NIV)
- God wants His diverse people to live with a unified mission.
07-22-18 - Foodies - Thirsty - Herbert Cooper
John 4:14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (NIV)
John 7:37–39 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (NIV)
Matthew 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (NIV)
John 3:34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, (NLT)
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Acts 6:3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them (NIV)
3 Major Benefits Of Being Filled With The Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit will develop your character
Galatians 5:19–23 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
- The Holy Spirit will develop Christian gifts in you
1 Corinthians 12:8–10 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:1–4 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. (NIV)
1 Cor 14:18-19 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (NIV)
Romans 12:6–8 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit will help you change the world
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)
Acts 11:24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. (NLT)
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (NIV)
07-15-18 - Foodies - True Worship - Herbert Cooper
Top 5 Old Testament Sacrifices
- Burnt Offering
Leviticus 1:3 “‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. (NIV)
- Grain Offering
Leviticus 2:1-2 ‘When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it 2 and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. (NIV)
- Fellowship Offering
Leviticus 7:11-12 “‘These are the regulations for the fellowship offering anyone may present to the Lord:12 “‘If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in. (NIV)
Leviticus 7:15 The meat of their fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; they must leave none of it till morning. (NIV)
- Sin offering
Leviticus 4:2-3 “Say to the Israelites: ‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands—3 “‘If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. (NIV)
- Guilt Offering
Leviticus 5:15 “When anyone is unfaithful to the Lord by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the Lord’s holy things, they are to bring to the Lord as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering. (NIV)
Hebrews 10:12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. (NLT)
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
How we should offer ourselves as a sacrifice to God:
- As a living sacrifice
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
- As a holy sacrifice
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
- As a pleasing to God sacrifice
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (NIV)
- As true worship
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
07-08-18 - Decoding: How to Know God’s Will - Pass The Test - Herbert Cooper
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (NLT)
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. (ESV)
- Does it agree with the Bible?
1 Peter 1:23-25 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. (NIV)
- Am I in a right relationship with God?
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
- Does it make me more like Christ?
Love people more
Forgive people more
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (NIV)
- Serve people more
Mark 9:35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (NIV)
- Give to people more
Acts 20:35 remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV)
- Have I sought godly counsel?
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (NKJV)
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)
3 Prerequisites Before Seeking Godly Counsel
Do they live a godly life that is producing godly fruit?
Do they have experience?
Do they have proven results?
- Do I have God’s peace?
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)
2 Thess 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. (NIV)
- Am I pursuing God’s will?
Everybody falls into one of three categories:
I want what I want.
I want what you want, BUT…
I want what you (God) want.
Luke 22:41-42 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (NIV)
07-01-18 - Decoding: How to Know God’s Will - God Has A Plan - Beau Doré
God has a plan, and His plan is always the best plan.
1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (NIV)
God’s plan is not a secret.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)
- God speaks through people.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
Proverbs 24:6 For with wise guidance, you can wage a successful war, and with a council of many advisors, you will be victorious! (VOICE)
- God speaks through pain.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
- God speaks through your passion.
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (NIV)
Psalm 37:23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; (NIV)
06-24-18 - Decoding: How to Know God’s Will - How to Know God’s Will - Scotty Gibbons
- God has a plan for each of our lives, and His plan is ALWAYS the best plan.
Psalm 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (NIV)
- God’s will is not a secret.
John 10:3-5 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. (NIV)
- A commitment to discovering the will of God.
Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)
Psalm 119:105 By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. (MSG)
- A true desire to DO the will of God.
Psalm 40:8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. (NIV)
A. It’s God’s will for you to be saved.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)
B. It’s God’s will for you to be spirit-filled.
Ephesians 5:15-18 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (NIV)
- It’s God’s will for you to be set apart.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified. (NIV)
- It’s God’s will for you to be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
05-05-18 - The Comeback - What Do You Do When A Comeback Is Not Possible? - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
- Remember God knows right where you are.
1 Kings 17: 9 Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” (NIV)
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (NIV)
- Give Jesus your last meal.
Psalm 71:1–5 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)
- Keep obeying God’s word.
1 Kings 17:13-15 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (NIV)
- God will give you grace for every season.
1 Kings 17:15-16 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:7–9 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
05-05-18 - The Comeback - What Do You Do When A Comeback Is Not Possible? - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
- Remember God knows right where you are.
1 Kings 17: 9 Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” (NIV)
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (NIV)
- Give Jesus your last meal.
Psalm 71:1–5 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)
- Keep obeying God’s word.
1 Kings 17:13-15 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (NIV)
- God will give you grace for every season.
1 Kings 17:15-16 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:7–9 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
04-29-18 - The Comeback - Comeback From Failure - Scotty Gibbons
PDF NOTES
- He Failed.
Matthew 26:69-74 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” 74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” (NIV)
Matthew 26:31-35 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (NIV)
- He Fled.
Matthew 26:74-75 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)
- He was Forgiven.
Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples AND PETER. “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (NIV)
John 21:1-8 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. (NIV)
04-29-18 - The Comeback - Comeback From Failure - Scotty Gibbons
PDF NOTES
- He Failed.
Matthew 26:69-74 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” 74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” (NIV)
Matthew 26:31-35 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (NIV)
- He Fled.
Matthew 26:74-75 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)
- He was Forgiven.
Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples AND PETER. “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (NIV)
John 21:1-8 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. (NIV)
04-22-2018 - The Comeback - When Your Dreams Are Dashed - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
- Set a new goal.
Genesis 39:1-4 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. (NIV)
- God will go the distance with you.
Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (NIV)
Genesis 39:20-21 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (NIV)
- When God gives you a comeback it’s about someone else’s salvation story.
Genesis 45:3-5 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (NIV)
Genesis 50:19–20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
04-22-2018 - The Comeback - When Your Dreams Are Dashed - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
- Set a new goal.
Genesis 39:1-4 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. (NIV)
- God will go the distance with you.
Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (NIV)
Genesis 39:20-21 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (NIV)
- When God gives you a comeback it’s about someone else’s salvation story.
Genesis 45:3-5 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (NIV)
Genesis 50:19–20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
04-15-2018 - The Comeback - Coming Back From Mistakes - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
4 Steps To Come Back From A Mistake
- Come to your senses.
Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (NIV)
To make a comeback we have to come to our senses and have an honest evaluation of our life.
To make a comeback we have to come to our senses and evaluate who we are in Christ.
Luke 15:17–18 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV)
- Take responsibility for what you can change.
Luke 15:18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV)
- You don’t play the blame game.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (NLT)
- You don’t live in the mistake, you learn from the mistake.
Luke 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. (NIV)
- You focus on what you can change not on what you can’t change.
- Get up.
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)
- Go back to your Father.
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)
04-15-2018 - The Comeback - Coming Back From Mistakes - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
4 Steps To Come Back From A Mistake
- Come to your senses.
Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (NIV)
To make a comeback we have to come to our senses and have an honest evaluation of our life.
To make a comeback we have to come to our senses and evaluate who we are in Christ.
Luke 15:17–18 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV)
- Take responsibility for what you can change.
Luke 15:18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV)
- You don’t play the blame game.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (NLT)
- You don’t live in the mistake, you learn from the mistake.
Luke 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. (NIV)
- You focus on what you can change not on what you can’t change.
- Get up.
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)
- Go back to your Father.
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)
04-01-2018 - The Comeback - The Greatest Comeback Of All Time - Herbert Cooper
Jesus made a comeback so YOU could make a comeback
PDF NOTES
- Forgiveness
Colossians 2:13-14 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (NLT)
John 19:30 IT IS FINISHED (Tetelestai)
- Future
You have a future in heaven
Colossians 3:4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (NLT)
You have a future on earth
Colossians 3:3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (NLT)
Colossians 2:12-13 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. (NLT)
- Freedom
Colossians 2:11-12 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)
04-01-2018 - The Comeback - The Greatest Comeback Of All Time - Herbert Cooper
Jesus made a comeback so YOU could make a comeback
PDF NOTES
- Forgiveness
Colossians 2:13-14 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (NLT)
John 19:30 IT IS FINISHED (Tetelestai)
- Future
You have a future in heaven
Colossians 3:4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (NLT)
You have a future on earth
Colossians 3:3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (NLT)
Colossians 2:12-13 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. (NLT)
- Freedom
Colossians 2:11-12 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)
03-25-2018 - Questions Answered - Robert Madu
PDF NOTES
Genesis 3:8-11 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. 9 God called to the Man: “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” 11 God said, “Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?” (MSG)
John 14:1-6 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (NLT)
03-25-2018 - Questions Answered - Robert Madu
PDF NOTES
Genesis 3:8-11 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. 9 God called to the Man: “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” 11 God said, “Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?” (MSG)
John 14:1-6 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (NLT)
03-18-2018 - Called - Fish Whisperer - Scotty Gibbons
PDF NOTES
Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (NKJV)
1 Peter 2:9 But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. (MSG)
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (NIV)
John 9:10 “How were your eyes opened?” (NIV)
John 9:12 “Where is this man?” (NIV)
John 9:16 “How can a sinner perform a miracle?” (NIV)
John 9:17 “What do you have to say about him?” (NIV)
John 9:25 The man replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” (NIV)
- Come and See
Psalm 66:5 Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! (NIV)
John 1:39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” (ESV)
- Sit with Me
03-18-2018 - Called - Fish Whisperer - Scotty Gibbons
PDF NOTES
Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (NKJV)
1 Peter 2:9 But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. (MSG)
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (NIV)
John 9:10 “How were your eyes opened?” (NIV)
John 9:12 “Where is this man?” (NIV)
John 9:16 “How can a sinner perform a miracle?” (NIV)
John 9:17 “What do you have to say about him?” (NIV)
John 9:25 The man replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” (NIV)
- Come and See
Psalm 66:5 Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! (NIV)
John 1:39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” (ESV)
- Sit with Me
03-04-2018 - Called - Born to Fish - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you _________________." (NKJV)
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NKJV)
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." (NIV)
3 Reasons We Don't Fish for People
-
People don't know they're supposed to fish
-
People don't know how to fish
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NKJV)
- People are scared to fish
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." (NIV)
4 Reasons We Need to Fish for People
- Fishing is a commandment
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
Mark 16:15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT)
John 17:18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. (NLT)
Luke 10:2 These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. (NLT)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NLT)
- Fishing is necessary
Romans 10:14-15 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" (NLT)
- Fishing is our responsibility
1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News! (NLT)
Ezekiel 33:7-9 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. (NIV)
- Fishing is rewarding
Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (NIV)
03-04-2018 - Called - Born to Fish - Herbert Cooper
PDF NOTES
Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you _________________." (NKJV)
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NKJV)
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." (NIV)
3 Reasons We Don't Fish for People
-
People don't know they're supposed to fish
-
People don't know how to fish
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NKJV)
- People are scared to fish
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." (NIV)
4 Reasons We Need to Fish for People
- Fishing is a commandment
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
Mark 16:15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT)
John 17:18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. (NLT)
Luke 10:2 These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. (NLT)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NLT)
- Fishing is necessary
Romans 10:14-15 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" (NLT)
- Fishing is our responsibility
1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News! (NLT)
Ezekiel 33:7-9 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. (NIV)
- Fishing is rewarding
Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (NIV)
Greater - Chase Your Dream: Get Started - October 29, 2017 - Pastor Herbert Cooper, People's Church
Greater - Chase Your Dream: Get Started - October 29, 2017 - Pastor Herbert Cooper, People's Church
06-11-17 Be Real Because Fake Is Exhausting - Real Victory Over Temptation - Scotty Gibbons
06-11-17 Be Real Because Fake Is Exhausting - Real Victory Over Temptation - Scotty Gibbons
06-04-17 Be Real Because Fake Is Exhausting - Be Real With Your Trials - Scotty Gibbons
06-04-17 Be Real Because Fake Is Exhausting - Be Real With Your Trials - Scotty Gibbons
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.