Abide and Respond Podcast: Recent Episodes
Abide and Respond Podcast
Pride divides families
Being teachable accelerates your faith and development.
Humility is the lens through which people see Jesus in you.
Imitate the holiness and unity of the Trinity.
Find friends who raise your commitment level to God.
Holiness is the overlooked unity factor.
Intentionally cultivate habits so that you will receive and give hope daily for a lifetime as you become like Jesus.
Let your vision and forward thinking be filled with biblical Christianity, not cultural Christianity.
Jesus prays that we will have complete unity and wants us together to lead our cities to our Savior and His infinite hope.
Hope is a good choice at every crossroad of life.
One degree off can land you at the wrong destination.
There are hope thieves that are stealing your hope.
Let the word of God and the Spirit of God dwell in your heart.
Read the Bible in your home.
Be devoted to God's word as a church family.
Scripture transforms your city with hope.
God's Word and Spirit lead a revival in your country.
Hope Gifts: The Treasure Chest
God wants to fill our hearts, homes, churches, and cities with His presence and hope. There are blockers which are restricting the amount of hope you are receiving. The more you receive from God, the more you will overflow with hope.
God makes clear conditional statements designed to guide us to personal growth and faithfulness.
The more you reject God, the harder your heart will become.
When you know what God wants, do it now.
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Be proactive: Take God's light into the darkness
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Be bold: Stand your ground against false gods.
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Be persistent: Go the distance until God brings the breakthrough.
Rejection and opposition can rattle your faith.
Religious people will undermine your vision.
Your greatest test is usually your own doubt.
All that matters is what God says!
1 Make sure what you are doing is from God and for God.
2 Remember that God's call is primarily relational.
3 Your calling requires you to continually rely on God.
4 You are a priest who helps people know and walk with God.
1 Your good emotions can lead to bad decisions.
2 Bad solutions steal your peace and delay your purpose.
3 When you are in a low place, just start serving.
4 God opens doors that you don't deserve.
5 God sees your suffering and hears your prayers.
6 Your restoration is linked to their restoration.
1 God's favor extends beyond your abilities.
2 God's favor proclaims His unstoppable grace.
3 God's favor makes memories that strengthen your faith.
4 God's favor is saturated with purpose so that more people will be set free.
The fear of God courageously follows God's plan
The fear of God protects kindness
The fear of God resists dark agendas
The fear of God leads to God's favor
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Judg. 2:7, The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.
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Judg. 2:10-11, After the whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.
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Judg. 3:11, The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs.
The Call:
1 There is a spiritual battle that rages, and you need God's armor.
2 God is calling you to participate with prayer and fasting.
3 God has breakthroughs and boldness for you.
Glorifying God with:
1 The devoted private steps when no one is watching
2 The bold public steps that align with God's word
3 The faithful steps that inspire and leave a legacy
How do we know?
1 Jesus came down with compassion.
2 Jesus came near with commitment.
3 Jesus is coming back as the consummation.
Jesus is about to demonstrate how far He will go express His love for mankind. He will sacrifice everything and show how to focus on eternal rewards. Those who were there that day, heard Jesus explain what the commitment would have to be, and heard His Father confirm the importance of the sacrifice. This would be one more example of what it means to follow Jesus. To die to self, to fulfill God’s purpose in this life, to then receive eternal reward in heaven.
Where is the joy?
1 Learning to linger in God's presence
2 Finding out what really satisfies
3 Having a secure future hope that is full of wonder
4 Bringing the hope of Jesus to others around you
What peace does Jesus offer you?
What are your peace blockers?
How powerful is the peace of Jesus?
1 We run out of hope because of our disappointing circumstances.
2 We have misplaced hope that is not where it belongs. Hope includes wisdom.
3 We can live with indestructible hope because of Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul unpacks the nature of love, listing the qualities and activities that should be top priorities in both the individual Christian’s life and the corporate life of the local church. Without genuine Christian love, he warns us, churches may begin to drift. Habitual love, however, magnifies Christ and edifies His people. Christian maturity is not measured by giftedness but the display of love.
Three Traps:
1 Some people have abilities and admiration, but not much love.
2 Some people have answers and accomplishments, but not much love.
3 Some people have altruism and allegiance, but not much love.
We need God, and we need each other. Supporting each other glorifies God. Serving each other leads to unity. Listening to each other results in understanding. God wants to strengthen our bonds.
You already belong because of JesusYou are an original masterpieceYou are personally placed by God
You already belong because of JesusYou are an original masterpieceYou are personally placed by God
What are spiritual gifts? Why are spiritual gifts significant?How are you active with your spiritual gifts?
The Command: Make DisciplesThe Strategy: Going, Baptizing & TeachingThe Promise: I am with you always.
Know who you already are and what you are already called to do.
Commit to live like a Global Christian who wants to bless the nations.
Give the Holy Spirit access:
Go
Welcome
Give
Pray
Online
Write
Mobilize
The Bible is not a story that mentions missions, it's God's story that is all about missions. Many Christians simply miss the big picture of what God is doing and wants to do. Let God's love for people of all nations become your love for people of all nations.
These 4 Psalms written by King David help us see a man who embraces the fact that God knows him completely. And he acknowledges in his writings that God has protected him, and will lead him in every situation and circumstance of his life. It is as if we, the reader, are allowed to see into the heart & soul of King David through his personal journal. What David is expressing in these psalms could also be our words today. Many times we feel the pain & adversity that come in this life. It is through our pursuit of God, our creator, during these difficult times, that ultimately leads us to restoration and fullness through a relationship with Christ, the source of meaning and purpose for our lives today.
1 Remember God's mighty deeds during your difficult days. 2 Remember that God judges with fairness, authority, and clarity. 3 Remember that God exalts in timely and unstoppable ways.
1 Remember God's mighty deeds during your difficult days. 2 Remember that God judges with fairness, authority, and clarity. 3 Remember that God exalts in timely and unstoppable ways.
God gives wisdom with our priorities and purpose. God gives love that fuels comebacks and joy. God gives favor that includes strength and impact.
Many of us understand what God has called us to do, but we struggle with understanding how to fulfill the life He desires of us. Psalm 119 is a lifetime of praise and reflection on the Words of God being the anchor and source of living out the blessed life. All 176 verses point to Scripture being the foundational piece in a life centered on Christ and the commands of God. Saturating our liveson the Word of God helps our heart be refreshed and in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Be intentional with the vibrant rhythms of your spiritual life.Remember and celebrate with other people the great works of the Lord. Cultivate a deep foundation and a bold declaration at every age and stage of life.
People will be against you because of your calling, gifting, anointing, and pursuit of God.Call on the One who saves, rebukes, loves, and fulfills His purposes.Be secure because God has the final say with justice.
1 Pour out your soul to God. 2 Receive God's immense love daily. 3 Put you hope in God, your Rock.
1 Enter into worship, God's unfailing love, God's word, reverence, and God's purpose. 2 Move from concept to opportunity to experiences with God. 3 The nation that has a hard heart towards God and stops entering in will go down. 4 You can enter in before you have what you want.
• Encourage the fathers on Father’s Day through David’s Psalm• Having tasted all the good and evil of life, David confesses, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” (Ps. 23:1).• This means that one who has the Lord as his/her shepherd will live the best life he/she can ever live.• How does God do that?• God provides restoration (vv. 2-3).• God provides protection (vv. 4-5).• David emphatically declares God’s goodness and his commitment to live in God.
God is:My Provider who gives joy and an inheritance.My Counsleor who teaches and guides. My Comforter who brings hope and security.
Three Options:1 Some people have answers without much action. 2 Some people have religion without much compassion. 3 Some people make a difference with compassion in action.
Three Options:1 Some people have answers without much action. 2 Some people have religion without much compassion. 3 Some people make a difference with compassion in action.
Some signs of pride:1 Carrying a lofty sense of entitlement, rationalized by achievement with a performance based identity. 2 Being overfocused on yourself, and not even realizing it.3 Seeing confession as not very necessary for you.
Throughout scripture, God talks to us about the Great Wedding Banquet or the Feast in the Kingdom of God. From the Old Testament to the New, God refers to the church as the bride of Christ and we are even told, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding support of the Lamb” (Rev 19:9). But the traditions of a wedding in the Galilean culture is significantly different to what we experience as a wedding in America. Unpacking traditions of a Galilean wedding not only uncovers much of what Jesus spoke of about weddings but also is directly relevant to prophecy about His second coming and the Rapture. With this background, we are then equipped to dive into the parable of the Great Banquet and how that directly applies to the Jews, the Gentiles, and our role of inviting others to the Banquet.
Forgiveness Is:1 An undeserved gift to receive from God because Jesus paid the full price.2 A choice to let go of bitter resentment and at the same time uphold protection. 3 A clear, loving, and wise command from God.
Faithfulness:1 God values actions more than intentions.2 if you follow Jesus, then keep your word.3 It's easier to bring questions than contributions.4 The kingdom is greater than empty religion.
Who is this King?1 King Jesus is benevolent, including with people who are stuck. 2 King Jesus is humble, including with people who are disappointed. 3 King Jesus is victorious and invites everyone to confidently follow Him.
God's Kingdom:1 This life is not as important as the afterlife, so choose compassion over consumption. 2 There's no crossing over between heaven and hell. 3 If you could see heaven or hell for a few minutes, how much more would your life now be focused on Jesus and making Him known?
Kingdom Problem Solving:1 Resourceful with your options 2 Insightful with the impact 3 Incremental with development 4 Loyal with an undivided heart
Defining Moments:1 When you feel empty because you have been duped by the world and distanced yourself from God. 2 When you open your heart and receive the love and joy of Father God. 3 When Father God guides you and gives you His heart for people.
Are you fearful about using all of what God have given to you to bless others? God's desire is that we be faithful rather than fearful.
Growing in Prayer:
1 Your situation brings motivation as deep longings can become deep prayers.
2 God's heart is compassionate, and He welcomes you to boldly cry out to Him.
3 The kingdom advances with persistent prayers that are rewarded with God's presence.
1 Selfishness and materialism include desiresthat destroy relationships.
2 The purpose of your blessings is generosity, not greed.
3 Be rich toward God and hunger for righteousness.
Kingdom Shifts:
1 Hone in on what you need, not what you want.
2 You are responsible for your spiritual temperature.
3 Recalibrate your life with the return of Jesus as your North Star.
Three types of people:
Slackers have the heart but not the hands.
Workers have the heart and the hands.
Grumblers have the hands but not the heart.
1 Kingdom Seeds-An Intentional Investment
2 Kingdom Yeast- A Proactive Purpose
3 Kingdom Momentum- What's more exciting?
The Holy Spirit personally communicates with you, and fasting heightens your hearing.
Real worship is when you make the shifts God wants and align with His plan.
God wants you to incorporate fasting into your work, as you serve God and empower more people.
Drawing Near To God:
1 God has many ways of gaining your attention in a distracted culture.
2 Listening to God usually involves slowing down, sincerity, and seeing what needs to change.
3 Returning to God includes repenting from sins, receiving His grace, and a renewed purpose.
Reasons to fast:
1 The condition of your soul
2 The cultural moment
3 The calling of God
Reasons to fast:
1 The condition of your soul
2 The cultural moment
3 The calling of God
Fasting is more than an action, a ritual, or a box to check. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is relational with God and should bolster our walk with God. It’s an opportunity to seek God, repent, and love our neighbors. Fasting brings a new start and spiritual power which we need as we start the year and dedicate ourselves to the Lord. Isaiah 58 vividly shows us how not to fast, God’s desire for our fasting, and why we need to fast. The goal is a deeper intimacy with God, enjoyment of His blessings, and shalom in the land.
Why was Jesus born in a manger? What was the experience like for Mary? How is his birth linked to our identity?
God is with you when:
1 It's not what you planned
2 It's not what you wanted
3 It's not making sense to you
Christmas carries upheaval and glory!
Prepare Your Heart:
1 Why does Jesus pursue us?
2 What is true about Jesus?
3 What shifts become holy moments in your life?
When you know that you won’t see someone for a long period of time, what will you want to tell them? What is most important? Knowing that his time is limited before he is put to death, the Apostle Paul wants to make sure that Timothy stays focused on what matters most. Over the years, Paul has spent a considerable amount of time with Timothy. His relationship with Timothy is close. Timothy is a spiritual brother to Paul. More importantly, the relationship is also viewed as one as a father/son relationship. Paul has invested time, instruction, and has given so much of himself to Timothy. He is equipping Timothy to continue the work that Paul began in so many cities, as the Good News of Jesus spread and churches began to be established. Ultimately, in this final passage, Paul is reminding Timothy to remain focused on Jesus and to rely on His Strength.
1 How does God empower you with spiritual tools and resources?
2 What do you need to run away from now and establish a wise distance?
3 What will you consistently and persistently pursue for the glory of God?
Some realities:
1 When the culture becomes more ungodly, proud, and manipulative
2 When religious people do not want the fire and power of the Holy Spirit
3 When people oppose you and the truth
Why you do not quit or be quiet:
1 You know inspiring people
2 You know what is right
3 You know your calling
4 You know the word
5 You know the Lord
5 You know the Lord
Breaking Free:
1 How have you been controlled by fear?
2 Where do you find victories over fear?
3 What do you want to entrust to God?
Learning From:
1) Soldiers: The fellowship of faithfulness
2)Athletes: The vision of victory
3)Farmers: The hope of harvesting
The biggest disappointments include a combination of relationships, expectations, and results.
Difference Makers:
1 Grip the Word
2 Guard your talents
3 Go forward with true friends
Three Key Questions:
1 Do we want what God wants?
2 What’s the difference between a doer and a developer?
3 How do we create a culture of development?
Having charged Timothy to multiply disciples (2 Tim. 2:2), the Apostle Pauls instructs him three sources of inspiration for multiplaction:
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Know Jesus;
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Endure Suffering; and
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Expect Rewards
Ignite or Extinguish?
1 Find someone you can empower
2 Develop your primary talents
3 Take more love risks
4 Get rid of faith distractions and prayer excuses
5 Surround yourself with inspiring people who help you learn and grow
Three Levels:
1 Behold the God of hope
2 Believe what God says
3 Be intentional with habits that cultivate hope
Four things to know as you grow:
1 Know the prophecy because God has a remarkable plan that leads to confidence.
2 Know what is temporary because God wants you to shift and go deeper than those things.
3 Know what is new because God comforts you with something greater than today.
4 Know the revelation because there is only one ultimate solution, so call on His name.
Transformation:
1 How to become lukewarm
2 How to break out of lukewarm
3 How to cultivate the fire
Revelation 22:1-6 details the final description of the final vision that connects the human longing for the Garden-City of God
What type of doors?
1 Doors that no one can shut
2 Doors that don't require much strength
3 Doors that are in the presence of your enemies
4 Doors that have kingdom significance
What Jezebel tries to do:
1 seduce you until you are her slave
2 bring division like a wave
2 drive you into a cave
3 manipulate you into the grave
Standing Up:
1 There is a fierce battle for the throne in your city.
2 The voice of compromise tells you to water down your beliefs and forsake your convictions.
3 There is an escalation of the spiritual battle before Jesus returns.
As you abide with Jesus:
1 Know what God does not want you to endure.
2 Know what is worth suffering for now.
3 Know that worshipping Jesus will change your perspective and perseverance.
4 Know that Jesus’ love is your fuel.
Jesus communicates with us and cares deeply about His church. Jesus is committed to our spiritual maturity and development of our faith. He uses both affirmations and rebukes to help us move to the next level. Are you listening to Jesus?
Are you listening?
1 If you listen, Jesus will guide you and your church to be alive in the most difficult situations.
2 If you listen, you will find the real and full Jesus- update and upgrade your view.
3 If you listen, you will bow down in humility and stand up in courage.
1 If you listen, Jesus will guide you and your church to be alive in the most difficult situations.
2 If you listen, you will find the real and full Jesus- update and upgrade your view.
3 If you listen, you will bow down in humility and stand up in courage.
The Greatness of Jesus
Jesus is worthy of our service and suffering.
Jesus is worthy of our attention and devotion.
Jesus is worthy of our thanksgiving and trust.
What are some words that describe your dad? What has your dad taught you about life? How does our Heavenly Father
Three Areas Of Growth:
1 The Power Of God- yielded
2 The Truth Of God - aligned
3 The Peace Of God - connected
Your growth = the more hunger you have to grow and the more time you spend with hungry people.
What Does It Look Like?
1 Durability because people are not always easy to love.
2 Generosity because what you have belongs to God.
3 Proximity because you can impress from a distance but make a greater impact when close.
4 Purity because all your decisions are significant.
Your Journey With Jesus:
1 The foolishness of boasting
2 The realities of ministry
3 The power of God
Reflection Question: What are you all about?
Walk in love and truth:
1 The heart of a protector
2 The deception of a false teacher
3 The test of false teaching
Practical Steps:
1 Get connected and committed to the positivity of Jesus.
2 Grow up in your thinking as you align with God.
3 Galvanize people to live for God and gain new victories.
On The Same Page:
1 A complete integrity
2 A common goal
3 A cheerful unselfishness
4 A commitment to Jesus
What motivates and inspires you to be generous? Why did Jesus continue to give in difficult times? How does unselfishness change lives?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus significant? What does it mean for you today? How is God leading you to come alive and change the culture?
and led to be:
1 Reaching- initiate and not give up
2 Repenting- move in a new direction
3 Refreshing- bring comfort and encouragement
Jesus Is Worthy:
1 Christ over complacency
2 Christ over culture
3 Christ over comfortable
4 Christ over compromise
When you decide to follow Jesus, you are a new creation. Your identity is in the Lord, and He gives you a new purpose and passion. You are now an ambassador of Jesus on a special mission daily and eternally.
Heaven is our destiny as Christians. However, we do not live to die. Heaven is the greatest motivation for us Christian to live a courageous life with purpose and accountability.
Some causes and goals are worth everything we have. The love and calling of Jesus are intense joyful and radical. Living by faith includes courage and unselfishness.
Moving forward with God includes:
1 the difference between self-confidence and divine confidence.
2 the difference between fading glory and increasing glory.
3 the difference between preliminary and ultimate.
4 the difference between the law and the Spirit.
Living by faith:
1 Do not let sadness, disappointment, opposition, uncertainty and waiting stop you from trusting God.
2 God opens the right doors for sincere servants who spread the love and truth of Jesus.
3 When you choose to focus on intentionally blessing people, the Holy Spirit powerfully transforms lives.
Spiritual Vitality:
1 Your obedience ultimately produces joy, and your sin ultimately produces sorrow.
2 A deep love for people includes taking action to bless them, guiding them to God, and empowering them towards faithfulness.
3 Forgiveness is essential for healing and opens the door for restoration.
4 The devil's scheme is to entice you to drift away from God, be passive with solutions, and resentful with people; but God revives.
How will you adjust?
1 If you listen to God, He will often guide you from the original plan to the new plan as you bless people.
2 When you make good changes, you will still disappoint people, be misunderstood, and pay a personal cost.
3 Focus on the presence and promises of God as you humbly stand firm and faithfully serve.
4 Have confidence in the Holy Spirit who will lead you with smaller changes that are linked to far more significant changes.
Three Keys:
1 Transparency: It takes courage to share how things really are.
2 Reliance: it takes humility to learn how to receive well.
3 Comfort: It takes unselfishness to bless someone who is in pain.
Seeking God:
1 In times of danger, you still have a Protector, a purpose, and many promises.
2 Persistent and passionate prayer is often the hinge of the deliverance.
3 Allegiance to Jesus is the ultimate decision in both times of danger and deliverance.
People Who Overcome Are:
1 Relentless: seeking God in worship
2 Attentive: listening to God’s whisper
3 Mobile: shifting with God’s wisdom
Questions:
1) How has this season of prayer and fasting been for you? What areas have been difficult and what have been some blessings?
2) What joys and celebrations have you witnessed God do in 2021?
3) In what ways have the noise of this past year been challenging spiritually?
It is important to be intentional with the time we spend with Jesus. He is always available, and He will demonstrate not only His love and mercy in our life, but also lead us to fulfill His plan and purpose for us. He desires to be known and will show us His Glory as we seek Him. Developing that deep, abiding, relationship with Jesus takes time, and sometimes happens through unforeseen circumstances and difficulties.
It is important to be intentional with the time we spend with Jesus. He is always available, and He will demonstrate not only His love and mercy in our life, but also lead us to fulfill His plan and purpose for us. He desires to be known and will show us His Glory as we seek Him. Developing that deep, abiding, relationship with Jesus takes time, and sometimes happens through unforeseen circumstances and difficulties.
In this hymn of praise, David reflects on the glory of God in natural revelation (1 - 6), and the glory of God's law as God's special revelation (7-11), which alone meets man's spiritual needs.
Jesus is the light of the world
1 God sends light to overcome darkness.
2 Receiving precedes shining: you can’t share what you don’t have.
3 Love + Truth = Light
Who is Jesus? Why do so many people follow Him? What makes Jesus unique?
Jesus is superior to creation, angels and human beings. He is fully God and fully human. The Savior of the world is now at the right hand of the Father in heaven and invites us to His throne of grace.
The glory of the advent of Jesus includes:
1 Seeing- Hope for people who are tempted to despair.
2 Savoring- Joy for people who are tempted to distance.
3 Spreading- Purpose for people who are tempted to drift.
Jesus' Sonship is proclaimed by the heavenly voice at His baptism, was proven by his faithfulness in the wilderness. Once proven, Jesus' ministry began. Our sonship as Christians will also have to be proven by our faithfulness in the wilderness of life. Then, we will become effective witnesses.
As we wrap up the series, "Move Beyond", we hear Jesus state the foundational principles of following Him, and being a disciple. We are living in a time where it can feeel like our most fundamental values are being redefined. Once again, as it was 2000 years ago, Jesus reminds us that we need to move beyond the expectations of our society. It is not enough to say we love God. We must show our love through our actions. We are expected to not ignore what goes on around us. We must respond and move beyond our fears, comfort, and circumstances to love God and others intentionally and completely. This will move us toward fulfilling the prayer that Jesus taught us, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In some situations silence is wise, and in other circumstances silence is terrible. Desperation can lead to deep and powerful prayers. It takes courage to say the name Jesus in public settings. When God is honored, His presence and power transforms lives.
Jesus is declaring that His kingdom is different from this world. He is standing up to the interference.
and blessing those who are treated like second-class people. Are you aiming to be loyal and faithful to Jesus or to the culture where you live?
Will you trust God when it just doesn’t make sense initially? Will you serve Jesus in ways that were not your plan? Will you walk humbly with God when His abundance comes? God provides in many logical ways, but He also develops and calls His people to joyfully move with Him into a zone of greater faith.
Your success and influence attracts your strongest critics. Rejection includes people who: want to control you, declare a small potential, enforce a limited framework, hold your past over you, and bring undermining lies. The power of Jesus and revival in a location are linked to the faith of the people. Like Jesus, let rejection fuel your mission and faithfulness.
What storms are you facing? How are you overcoming fear? What does reliance on Jesus look like?
Jesus reminds us that His presence makes all the difference. Jesus has power to rebuke the wind and the waves. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.
Have you ever experienced dead religion that tries to control Jesus and leaves guilt and shame?
A Religious Mindset:
1) Majors on the minors and hinders the teachable.
2) Tries to control Jesus.
3) Does not see past personal preferences.
4) Values traditions and opinions over revelation.
5) Criticizes healthy freedoms.
6) Takes something good and taints it.
A Jesus Encounter:
1) Brings a trustworthy morality.
2) Provides the rest and refreshment you need.
3) Displays His greatness in the darkness.
What is the spiritual battle? What resources has God given you to walk in the light? How can you over come demonic What is the spiritual battle? What resources has God given you to walk in the light? How can you over come demonic activity?
Jesus brings hope in the darkest situation. There is a path of healing and restoration, and God leads people into His presence and power. There is victory in Jesus’ name and with reliance on the Lord.
Have you ever had a difficult employer or supervisor? How do you thrive in the marketplace and handle temptations? Are you navigating through tricky government policies?
God gives hope and wisdom There are principles and power that can help you in the most challenging situations. Faith is developed in these situations, and you have many good options.
Do you have close relationships with people from other generations? How do people who are much younger or older than you teach you about life? How is god glorified through unity?
In a healthy community, the older ones live in a way that is worthy of respect. The younger ones live with a humble teachability and collaboration happens as generations inspire each other. We need to put aside preferences and opinions in order to value the greater community.
When is it the right time to rebuke someone? How do you know which relationship risks to take? How honest are you with people when they hurt you?
We all have Blindspots. We need each other to speak into our lives. It takes courage to confront someone when they are doing the wrong thing. True love brings out the best in everyone, including having the difficult conversations.
What are the elements of God’s mission for you? How would you describe your assignment in this season? Are you surrendering your time, priorities, and talents to the Lord?
God gives you:
1) A stretching assignment that fits your gifts.
2) People to train and empower
3) Character that is more important than your position
4) A specific church to strengthen
Why are people in our culture so isolated and lonely? Why is prayer rare? Why are so many people living in despair?
There is a better way to live with a greater love, unity, and collaboration. We need to break some cultural patterns. Relationships are a risk, and we need to take more risks.
How many people compromise their integrity on a path towards apparent success and satisfaction? Have you identified the negative influences that exist in your personal world? How can you overcoming a culture that is often heading in the wrong direction?
Staying grounded in God’s love and truth is a daily decision. The health of the root determines the abundance of the fruit. Spiritual growth happens when we walked down the road of integrity.
What are some words you would use to describe the environment at your home? What changes do you desire under your own roof? How can homes be places where there is spiritual life and vibrancy?
Your home has incredible potential for healthy relationships and building new friendships. It is probably the most important and intimate place where you spend time during the week. You can be intentional to take positive steps to make it place were you deeply connect with God and other people.
What is undermining or distracting you? What is a healthy limit you can set? What protects love and spreads the gospel?
How Can I Serve You? This is a powerful question at the heart of every relationship. Because Jesus serves us, we can break free from selfishness and pride and be empowered to serve other people.
Three Roles in serving:
1) the bridge: seeing potential and connecting
2) the welcomer: forgiving and making room for grace
3) the receiver: growing and finding a new faithfulness
How can you make a difference in someone’s life today?
Contrary to popular belief in some Christian circles, life can be pretty harsh to us. This sermon will attempt to give us tools to manage life when it is not working the way we think it should and is even downright harmful.
How would you define hope? What is the greatest source of hope in your life? Have you lost hope lately?
Jesus an brings hope to anyone who is ready to receive it. Sinners sometimes are more honest about their condition than religious leaders. The hope of Jesus comes with healing and can restore lives.
What is a hard heart? What makes hard hearts change? What are new affections? God moves our hearts and transforms our affections. God’s love brings families together. God gives hope in the darkest moments of life.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides us forward as we take the next step of faith. Do not settle for regression or a stagnant apathy. Salvation, baptism, a church home, serving, community, making disciples, and leadership are examples of moving with and becoming like Jesus.
When Jesus changes your life and forgives your sins, He also gives you a divine purpose. Your healing, hope, and transformation is linked to how God wants to use you in other people's lives. Through relationships, love, and sharing your story, the impact is multiplied.
If someone watched your life for 24 hours, how much love would they experience? Why is love primary and yet difficult to bring it consistently in our relationships? Who inspires you by the way they love people?
How bold are you with your faith? Do you seek lost people, build healthy relationships, and lead them to Jesus? What holds you back from being on mission and how will you overcome these obstacles? It is time to courageously spread the gospel.
God moves through hearts and relationships. God's purpose is not to build religious institutions but to transform lives as
Do you ever get stuck in your faith? Have you seen people clinging to tradition and resisting what God is doing today? How do you know when to be flexible and trust God in a new season? Jesus was clear that new wine won't work in old wine skins.
Nearness to Jesus lights a fire in our souls. Are you overlooking the promise and reality of the resurrection? Jesus comes beside us and reveals powerful truth. Are you convinced of and committed to Jesus and His mission?
How do you respond when God is pursuing you? God often gains our attention and alerts our minds before He wins our affection. How is God tenderizing your hearts? His presence never disappoints us.
God disrupts our familiar routines and introduces us to His ways which are above our ways. The Holy Spirit personally guides and empowers us as we glorify Jesus more. How is God transforming you to be more like Jesus?
What could it be like to spend a day with Jesus? How would you respond to HIs teaching and His miracles. We experience pain and devastation, but we have One who is a help in times of trouble.
Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. He sets people free from sin and a worldly mindset. Are you ready to receive his truth and grace? The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because his message was radical. Jesus claimed to be God, and the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus broke the spirit of corruption and religion, and led people to a greater way and a relationship with our good Father. Don’t be trapped in lies, deception, laziness or over striving. Trusting Jesus is your greatest joy and pure faith. The Sabbath is a gift to you, and God wants to be your peace.
We will be connecting the words of Jesus in vs 9 to the compassion of Jesus in vs 13. First, we will look at someone who “heard of Jesus”, and intentionally acknowledged (honored) Jesus’ power and ability to heal and restore life. Then, someone who “just happened” to be at the city gate; a mom who was in the middle of a funeral processional. Her son was being taken to be buried. We will apply how these individuals responded to what Jesus had done (the lives that He restored) and how they honored Jesus in what they did next.
What kind of a worshipper are you? God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Does Jesus have your attention, affection and devotion? Jesus uses the contrast of responses between a sinful woman and a self-righteous Pharisee to lead us to Him. People who are forgiven much love much. People who are in denial and reject forgiveness do not love much. Let’s abide with Jesus and draw near to Him.
Have you felt like you are running out of resources? Where do you turn when you cannot find a solution? How do you keep pace with the needs that surround you? Jesus nourishes people physically and spiritually. The disciples learned to rely on the Lord and offer to Jesus what they have as a step of faith.Jesus takes small acts of obedience and transforms them into a colossal provision and demonstration of his power.
How ready are you for Jesus to return? Why is preparation important? What changes would improve your life?
Purity and repentance make room for God’s presence in our lives. Generosity changes lives and builds God’s kingdom. Humility and serving display the love and character of Jesus.
How would you define leadership? What are the most important characteristics of a solid leader? How can you grow in your influence? The character of a leader is formed by having a healthy reverence for God. Being a good steward of your influence will lead to transformed lives. A dependable leader has relationships that are consistent, intentional, and inspiring.
Here are some reflection questions designed to how you draw near to God:
1) Are you defining God’s love based on your expectations about life or refusing to take His love for granted?
2) Are you questioning or believing what God is clearly communicating?
3) Are you bringing God leftovers or joyfully offering your best?
In obedience to God's call through Haggai, the Jews built & dedicated the 2nd temple. However, those who were old enough to have seen Solomon's temple were totally discouraged and wept because the second temple looked very insignificant compared to the magnitude of the first temple. Then, the prophet Haggai proclaimed God's message to these people not to lose heart and to stand strong (2:1-5). A messianic prophecy of God's glory is also proclaimed in conjunction with the building of the temple. Today's message is about how we can apply Haggai's message as such to ourselves living in 21st century America.
What is God’s plan? How does He mobilize His people?
What vision has God placed in your heart?
There is a calling on your life to build in specific ways. The calling is full of love and will includes sacrifice. The calling involves a community of people and a quality of work. The calling of God is God's presence as He stirs your spirit and equips you.
Have you ever had a friend who deeply disappointed you? Has it happened with your family? How do you recover during those times?
Jesus is loyal to you. Your relationship with Jesus will shape every relationship you have. God gives you love, discernment, and grace every day. May we be faithful and reject betrayal.
What is your perception about how God sees you? Have you ever seen a parent singing over their child? How can God quiet you with his love?
God loves you. God is with you. God strengthens you. God sings over you. God delights in you. These powerful truths are the basis of a healthy identity and a secure relationship.
What is pride? When is it unhealthy? How are self-centeredness and arrogance deceiving and unfulfilling?
Pride and shame are inseparable and cruel. They are not from God, and we often have more of them than we realize. Jesus wants to set us free so that we can worship God and love our neighbors.
Though we are not to judge, God will. He loves us. And there have been times throughout history that God passes judgement and makes corrections in our world to bring us, his creation, back to him. Mankind has and will wander from God. We will look at a time when God said, “Enough is enough”. It should remind us that what matters most is having, and keeping, God first in our life.
How do you know when God is leading you to do some thing? Do you listen closely to his voice? Will you trust him as you step in to new territory, rolls, and adventures?
Our calling is not to live a comfortable life! The greatest joys often come in times of incredible challenge and even hardships. Jesus walked this path, and the eternal glory far outweighs the temporary trials and pain.
We are in the middle of a spiritual battle. Everyday, we make significant choices, as we decide between good and evil, darkness and light, God and the devil. We can try to deny these realities, but denial does not lead to transformation and fruit. These realities should drive us to reliance on Jesus, His power and protection. The Holy Spirit inside of you is greater than the temptations that surround you.
Do you feel exhausted by the pace of life? Do you take time to stop, think, and pray? When was the last time you had a spiritually refreshing experience with God?
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the nation and calling them to return to God. What is the condition of your soul? Jesus is the cure for our sin and rebellion. Jesus heals deep wounds. Jesus brings hope when you feel despair. The invitation from God is trustworthy. His kindness leads you home. There is one voice that is strong, true and reliable. What will it take for you to repent and lead others to God and His goodness?
There is a calling on your life from God. This calling has three elements: your personal relationship with God, your character, and your influence. Isaiah was called by God to bring a message to people with hard hearts. Our role is to be faithful, and trust God with the results. Do you not focus on what you cannot control. God has given you many talents, resources, and opportunities. God is glorified as you represent Him even in the most difficult circumstances.
The judgment of God is personal and national. The faithfulness of God is our only hope. The mercy of God is the song of the redeemed. Do you ever wonder when specific people and nations will have to answer to God? How does God have the final say within justice? Will prosperous cultures who rebelled against God and bring destruction simply get away with it?
Where do you go to meet your essential need for comfort on a daily basis? Who or what do you turn to? What is God’s comfort, and who needs it? Isaiah prophecies a word of comfort over God’s people who are tired, broken, wearied, and exiled. They desperately needed God’s promise of comfort. And despite their lack of faithfulness, God remains faithful for his sake and for his glory to be known. We won’t ever stop needing God’s comfort; for him to lighten our burden and make our yoke easy. How do we now stop resisting the comfort of God and enter into his rest?
The more that you focus on God, the more that your life will be fruitful. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and in all places.
Is God going to provide what you really need? Can you trust Him fully? What does it look like to rely on God moment by moment? God’s greatest provision comes, when we are surrendered and ready to receive. The Israelites were struggling and stubbornly refusing to turn to God. Isaiah speaks tenderly to their hearts, and remind them of the goodness of God.Our souls and our nation needs to turn to the living God for refreshment, love, unity and a spiritual awakening.
The Savior of the world meets our needs, lays down his life, and is faithful to Father God. It is uncommon for a king to be the one who serves everyone. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords yet he died on the cross to pay the full price for our sins. This is the ultimate in servant leadership. Serving is your calling. Whoever is truly great serves other people well. It is better to give than to receive.
God is a redeemer. He pursues, rescues, in basis back through Jesus. We all have a great need for God’s redemption. Will you admit how much you need the Lord? Will you receive the grace that He wants to shower on redemption. Will you admit how much you need the Lord? Will you receive the grace that He wants to shower on you? Will you extend God’s love to the people in your life?
Love includes sacrifice. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for someone else. Jesus demonstrated this love when He died on the cross to pay the full price for our sins. How did Isaiah prophesy in the Old Testament the suffering of the coming Messiah? How did Jesus fulfill this specific prophecy in great detail? What is the full significance of the atoning death of our Savior?
Jesus restores devastated people who restore devastated places. God wants to restore you and build you up as an instrument of restoration. Our nation needs God’s restoration.
Have you noticed places in your city that are devastated? Have you noticed the souls of people who are devastated? Do you trust God who has the power and love to restore?
How are you praying for your country? What healing is needed in your soul? How is God moving in this season of your life?
When God does something new, He often announces it through the prophets. Isaiah brings hope to people with a glimpse of the future and the faithful promises of God. Seek God’s presence and know that the trials will fade as we walk by faith with Jesus.
Marriage is the most intimate human relationship, and it can be the trickiest relationship too! Why is peace, joy, and unity a challenge in marriage and family? What are some practical steps that can be taken to improve your marriage?
Let’s take the 30 day strengthening your marriage challenge together! God is able to bring healing in our relationships when we open up our hearts and trust Him. The One who is the author of marriage is also the great restorer.
Why are sibling rivalry is so common? What is happening in our hearts when we are involved in unhealthy conflict? How do families overcome strife and experience reconciliation? Competition, comparison, and manipulation are common traps in relationships. Great intentions can become rejection which ultimately leads to dehumanization. Jesus breaks this pattern and teaches us how to love one another, including the most tense relationships we have.
Are you listening to God? What is your view of the Bible? What is your response when God asks you to do something difficult?
Noah and his family were alive during one of the darkest times in human history. God provided a rescue for anyone who would believe Him. Jesus is the Messiah and the ark points to Him. Noah’s family united together with faith, purpose, and endurance.
What blessings has God brought into your life? How are these blessings connected to the nations? Are you open to God expanding your vision?
God blesses you because He is good, and demonstrates His love to you. God also honors you as you honor Him. God rewards those who seek Him and trust His word. There are many reasons God blesses you. One reason that is often overlooked is that God blesses you so that you will bless other people.
God protects you far more than you realize. God will give you a song in the darkness. God will give you a solution in the dispute. God will give you a delivery in the battle.
When have you seen God’s protection? How do you thank God for His mercy and grace? Is God directing you to rescue someone else?
Why do we repeat the same sins? How does Jesus help us overcome addictions? What does it take to break a spiritual stronghold of darkness in your life?
Abraham had a pattern of telling lies. He was crafty and cunning, but ultimately God convicted him of his rebellion. The core issue is that he was not trusting God and not secure and God’s love. Your view of who God is will affect all of your decisions and relationships.
How can God be the source of peace in the season you are in? Maybe being a parent is not a role you have yet. Maybe your child is now an adult. Regardless of the season of life you are currently in, God’s relationship with Abraham described in Genesis 22 can guide you on your Relationship Roadmap with Him and others. God wants to be, and can be, “the” source of strength, wisdom, and peace in your life.
What does it look like to listen to God and trust His direction during the day? We need God’s clarity, God’s courage, and God’s process. Are you teachable in these three areas?
Deciding a career, where to live, who to marry, choosing friends, and when to pray are all significant decisions. Many people forge their own path based on feelings and ignore God’s Word and voice. God sees the entire story and wants to guide us with love.
What does it mean to wrestle with God? When is it good to wrestle with God? Why are you wrestling with God?
In a relationship with God, there will be defining moments. Your relationship with God affects every relationship you have. Jacob was sly, Manipulative, and cunning. This pattern affected all of his relationships until eventually he wrestled with God. A deep encounter with God is transformative and gives us a new direction and depth in our lives.
What does it feel like to have your dreams crushed? How do you recover in life when your hopes are dashed? What does it look like to trust God and his guidance during times of devastation?
Joseph has some very unhealthy relationships with his siblings. There is rivalry, competition, envy, and injustice. God gives Joseph a dream and one day he will serve the people who have mistreated him. Joseph’s story points us to Jesus who is faithful and kind even when he is murdered.
How do you respond when you reach a low point in life? Where do you find hope? How do you move forward by faith?
Joseph was missed treated by his family, sold into slavery, thrown into prison even though he was innocent, and yet continue to abide with God. His story includes trusting God, serving other people, courageously bringing the truth, and forgiving and saving the ones who hurt him.
Real patience includes trust in God, persevering, and letting him transform your life. God is patient with us and is committed to helping us become more like Jesus. Patience is an expression of love.
How can you be more patient with other people? When has God been patient with you? What are the consequences of being impatient?
As we live in an unprecedented time, and in the middle of the Christmas season, it is important that we show the kindness of Jesus in practical ways. When we first experience the kindness of Jesus in our life, we can live it out to those around us. In our family, neighborhood, and community giving and receiving kindness from one another is something we all need to participate in each day.
What is humility? How humble are you? What difference does it make to follow and trust Jesus?
Jesus leads His followers on a path of deep and consistent humility. Your humility will always stand out in a world of strife. Your humility is the fruit of learning how to embrace the strength of the Lord.
Your humility leads people to Jesus and His peace.
In what ways is Jesus generous? How does this help you over come being stingy? What would it look like for you to radically give to people because you love them so much?
Giving in the Bible is proportional, sacrificial, joyful, and faithful. When you realize that everything you have actually belongs to God and is from God, you will be freed up to be an instrument of generosity and provision in your relationships. Generosity is a form of worship that honors God.
Why does God judge? How is judgment good? Do you trust God with the final say?
God is faithful and can be trusted even when you experience injustice. He has not fallen asleep and is not passively watching with indifference. The results will reveal His wisdom, grace and sovereignty.
How is your relationship with the Holy Spirit? What does it look like when God pours out His Spirit into the lives of His people? When have you sensed the joy of the Lord?
God wants to fill you with His presence. We need God in our lives to lead us and empower us every day. If we deny this fact, we miss out on His grace and transformation.
How do you respond when you feel overwhelmed? What are you seeing in today’s world that deeply concerns you? How do you bring hope and restoration in your relationships?
Incline your ear to God’s word, reject indifference and bring compassion to people who are in pain. As you cry out to God, He hears your prayers and will move in powerful ways.
What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus? What difference does it make in our lives every day? What does it mean that death has been defeated?
The King’s resurrection is real. The resurrected King is returning. The King is redeeming with resurrection power.
What kind of church do you want? What are your top values? How can you create a healthy culture?
Churches are designed to be alive, dynamic and loving. Many churches become stuck and stuffy. We need a revival and to abide with Jesus throughout the week. God’s plan is for the church to equip people to walk with God and be a united family ready to serve.
What will the end times be like? Are we living in them now? How can we thrive when suffering increases?
What will the end times be like? Are we living in them now? How can we thrive when suffering increases?
It is important to have God’s perspective and priorities. We need to see the big picture, redeem the times, and move with the Holy Spirit today. Let’s be people who are ready for Jesus to return!
What are the keys to a healthy marriage? Why are so many couples struggling in their relationship? What is God’s plan and design for families?
We need to return to the Bible and trusting God. With marriage, our culture has drifted and even rejected God‘s wisdom for the most important human relationship.Let’s listen to God, honor his Word, and experience restoration and healing between husbands and wives.
How often do you find yourself getting distracted? What is pulling you away from your purpose and focus? How can you regain your passion for Jesus?
Sin wages war against our souls. The government can be disappointing. There will be people who are harsh and miss treat you. These realities should not lead to despair or hopelessness. God wants to teach us how to endure, overcome, and thrive in the most difficult circumstances.
Today's text clearly tells who we are as Christians. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. The focus of the text, however, is not on Christian's privilege as such. The focus comes on the second half of the text and this is about our mission as Christians: "that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
You cannot control your circumstances, but you choose your song. How are you responding to the challenges that you are facing? What difference does faith make? How can you have a spirit of victory when the situation is not what you want?
Make your prayers louder than your pain. Let your loneliness drive you to God. Trust that the fire is refining your faith. Embrace the mystery that leads to gratitude.
You cannot control your circumstances, but you choose your song. How are you responding to the challenges that you are facing? What difference does faith make? How can you have a spirit of victory when the situation is not what you want?
Make your prayers louder than your pain. Let your loneliness drive you to God. Trust that the fire is refining your faith. Embrace the mystery that leads to gratitude.
The love and truth of Jesus our indivisible and bring freedom from sin. Real followers of Jesus do not edit the words of Jesus. Without truth, relationships are shallow, addictions are common, and faith wanders. Jesus is the truth.
How do you know what is true in our culture today? How does truth change your life and your direction? How does love confront lies and lead people to truth?
Jesus is faithful even in the hard times. We see this graphically evidenced in his promise that all nations will hear the good news before He returns. His Church is being built globally now. Because He is faithful to His promises, we want to be faithful to Him in what He has asked us to do.
Jesus’ persistent love goes beyond feelings, temptations, and preferences. It is an unselfish investment and leads to redemption. You can have an abundant life because Jesus was completely faithful on his mission.
Why and when does God want us to be persistent? How do you persevere in prayer? How do you overcome the temptation to give up?
Jesus empowers you to both endure and rise above your challenges. Seeking God leads to a growing confidence in God. The goodness of the Lord is the only real reason we have both a daily and a long-term confidence.
How does confidence in God help you during the week? What is the difference between confidence in yourself and confidence in God? What are some of the victories of Jesus that inspire you?