Freedom Church: Recent Episodes
Freedom Church - Lebanon, Indiana
Freedom Church is a contemporary church serving Lebanon, Boone County, and the northwest area of Indianapolis. Our purpose is to lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus. If you would like to find out more about Freedom Church, visit our website at www.welcometofreedom.church
"A People Called Freedom"
July 9, 2023
Ryan Vinson, Lead Pastor
Pastor Ryan closes out a two-week series laying out the vision of Freedom Church and who God has called us to be.
July 2, 2023
Ryan Vinson, Lead Pastor
Pastor Ryan starts a two-week series about the vision of Freedom Church and who God has called us to be.
September 4, 2022
Tasha Kouns, Kids Pastor
In this stand-alone message, Pastor Tasha highlights one of our three focuses as a church - spiritually healthy homes - with a message all about spiritual parenting.
March 6, 2020
Pastor Daniel Grothe | Guest Speaker
Listen as Pastor Daniel Grothe from New Life Church in Colorado Springs kicks off our new series based on his book, The Power of Place.
January 17, 2021
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 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.
Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV)
Identify your brokenness
Allow the Holy Spirit to bring order to our lives
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9 (NIV)
Actively engage with God’s people
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
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.
James 5:16 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV)
“Joy is nurtured by anticipation. If the joy producing acts of God are characteristic of our past as God’s people, they will be characteristic of our future as God’s people. What we have known of Him, we will know of Him. Just as joy builds on the past, it borrows from the future.”
- Eugene Peterson
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:1-6 (ESV)
- Joy is a perspective
- Joy is a placeholder
“All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still “about to be.””
- C.S. Lewis
- Joy is a life of purpose
- Joy is a Person
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)
Ryan Vinson | Lead Pastor
December 13, 2020
“Where is the love?”
I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long. He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones; he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago.
Lamentations 3:3-6 (ESV)
My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:20-26
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Meditation
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Worship
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Stillness
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
December 6, 2020
Ryan Vinson | Lead Pastor
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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.
Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Revelation 22:12-13
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:5-6 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV)
- A life of hope is cultivated by what we confess
- A life of hope is cultivated by what we do
- A life of hope is cultivated by who we are with
“Hoping is not dreaming. It is not spinning an illusion or fantasy to protect us from our boredom of our pain. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what he said he will do. It is imagination put in the harness of faith.”
- Eugene Peterson
November 29, 2020
Ryan Vinson | Lead Pastor
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.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
What we do for ourselves, dies with us. What we do for others, lives beyond us.
- We think bigger.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
You reap what you sow, later than you sow, more than you sow.
- We see differently
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
- We give generously
Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How are we robbing you?” In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:8-12 (NIV)
- We love radically.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)
Ryan Vinson | Lead Pastor
November 22, 2020
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:7-13 (ESV)
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, 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. 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.’
Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)
1. To anticipate His return
2. To see what has been entrusted to us
3. To be faithful with what has been entrusted to us
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
4. To know the one whom has entrusted us
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
1 John 4:17-19 (MSG)
Josh Wells | Family Pastor
November 15, 2020
- A firm foundation
- A shield of protection
- A source of power
- A flame within
- Core connection
Sunday, November 8
Shane Frazier | Founding Pastor, Freedom Church
Does the King have dominion of your heart?
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NLT
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
“When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.
Mark 5:21-24 (NIV)
“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 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. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.”
Mark 5:25-29 (NIV)
Let your desperation change your destination.
“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”
Romans 8:16-17 (NLT)
“I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
1 John 2:13-14 (NIV)
“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.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)
“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.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
John 10:10 (NLT)
- Come to the King
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
- Press into the King
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8 (ERV)
- Reach out to the King
“From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn’t far from any of us.”
Acts 17:26-27 (CEV)
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Matthew 20:1-16 (ESV)
“Did you not agree?”
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?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV)
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
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Know which character you are.
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Check your stock of mercy
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Know the torture that awaits
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Forgive from your heart
Forgiveness is not about forgetting, It's about your freedom.
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.
Ephesians 4:31-31 (ESV)
Who do you need to forgive?
Are YOU ready to receive forgiveness?
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”
Matthew 13:31-35 (NIV)
- He moves “slowly”
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 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. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
- He works in the unseen
- He redeems from the inside out
Where do you want to see Kingdom Redemption in your life?
- Invite God’s unseen work in the area.
- Know that God has more than likely been working there long before you desired it.
- See where you can be a part of planting seed and mixing yeast.
- Rest easy knowing that time and God’s faithfulness will produce.
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
Matthew 13:24-30 (ESV)
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 13:36-43 (ESV)
- We must examine which crop we are
- We must embrace our responsibility in the field
- We must be patient, trusting God’s sovereignty
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35 (ESV)
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:6-8 (ESV)
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea…
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- Anticipate the unexpected
- Hearing the unpopular
- Seeing the unseen
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Matthew 4:12-17 (ESV)
- Pursuing the unknown
And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
What kingdom lens do you see through
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-29
Two types of rest:
- The Gift
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
- The Finding
Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29
Action steps:
- The act of acknowledging Jesus
- The act of knowing the character of Jesus
- The act of coming to Jesus
- The act of being yoked to Jesus
- The act of humbling yourself like Jesus
"He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:9 (ESV)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:9-16
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Slowly
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Imaginatively
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Prayerfully
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Obediently
How might my life be different, if I stopped just reading a book and started hearing God speak?
“The loneliest moment is when you have just experienced that which has promised you the ultimate and it has let you down.”
- Ravi Zacharias
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 134:1-3 (ESV)
- Come, bless the Lord
- Lift up your hands
- Delight in what God is doing
“Blessing is at the end of the road. And that which is at the end of the road influences everything that takes place along the road. The end shapes the means. A joyful end requires a joyful means.”
– Eugene Peterson
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:1-6
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” - Jesus
- Elevate our common unifier
- Understand our common anointing
- Hold on to a common expectation
Remember, O Lord, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one. The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.” Psalm 132:1-18 (ESV)
- A Long Memory of the Past…
- A Hopeful Vision of the Future
- A Courageous Faith in the Present
“How do we get both the sense of stability and the spirit of adventure, the ballast of true health and the zest of true sanity? How do we get the adult maturity to keep our feet on the ground and retain our childlike innocence to make the leap of faith?” – Eugene Peterson
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Luke 9:57-58 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-19
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples'; feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5 (ESV)
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
John 13:15 (ESV)
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)
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The call of humility
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The process of humility
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
“It is a blessed mark of growth out of spiritual infancy when we can forgo the joys which once appeared essential, and can find solace in Him who denies them to us.”
– Charles Spurgeon
- The blessing of humility
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:5-10
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! 2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV)
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Hope is learned in suffering and praying
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Hope is practiced by waiting and watching
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Hope is nurtured through remembering and singing
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Habakuk 3:17-19
Sunday, July 5, 2020
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus'; sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
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The mystery of the unseen
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Our personal faith journey
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Our spiritual community
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The pain of the world
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Our practice of lamenting and longing
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage…
2 Corinthians 5:1-6 (ESV)
6. The coming of the King and His Kingdom
7. God's love for you
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
Sunday, June 28, 2020
“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”— let Israel now say— “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.” The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, with which the reaper does not fill his hand nor the binder of sheaves his arms, nor do those who pass by say, “The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)
“For perseverance is not resignation, putting up with things the way they are, staying in the same old rut year after year, or being a doormat for people to wipe their feet on. Endurance is not a desperate hanging on, but a traveling from strength to strength.”
– Eugene Peterson
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. 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!
Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
Psalm 128:1-6 (ESV)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
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Fear the Lord
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Walk in His Ways
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Live a Fruitful Life
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness; sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)
Sunday, June 14th
Ryan Vinson, Lead Pastor
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:1-5 (ESV)
1. Pay attention To God
2. Pay attention to your part compared to God’s
3. Pay attention to what you are building
“As Christians do the jobs and tasks assigned to them in what the world calls work, we learn to pay attention to and practice what God is doing in love and justice, in helping and healing, in liberating and cheering.”
– Eugene PetersonCome to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:1-6 (ESV)
Joy
- Joy is a Perspective
“Joy is nurtured by anticipation. If the joy producing acts of God are characteristic of our past as God’s people, they will be characteristic of our future as God’s people. What we have known of Him, we will know of Him. Just as joy builds on the past, it borrows from the future.”
–Eugene Peterson
- Joy is a Place
- Joy is a Person
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:9-11 (ESV)
The Way, Part Seven
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Ryan Vinson, Lead Pastor
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:6-8 (ESV)
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts! But those who turn aside to their crooked waysthe Lord will lead away with evildoers! Peace be upon Israel!
Psalm 125:1-5 (ESV)
1. Wavering Feelings
“My feelings are important for many things. They are essential and valuable. They keep me aware of much of what is true and real. But they tell me next to nothing about God or my relation to God. My security comes from who God is, not how I feel.
Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not what I feel about him or myself or my neighbors.” –Eugene Peterson
2. Wickedness
3. Wondering Faith
“Neither our feelings of depression nor the facts of suffering not the possibilities of defection are evidence that God has abandoned us. There is nothing more certain than that he will accomplish his salvation in our lives and perfect his will in our histories.” –Eugene Peterson
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Ryan Vinson, Lead Pastor
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Psalm 124:1-8 (ESV)
“Help”
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
“This is where the Christian message stands tall above any other teaching on pain and suffering and goes beyond any other answers to our problem. The intellectual answers are important. But intellect alone cannot help us navigate the minefield of pain and suffering. Other worldviews also offer intellectual answers. But Christianity alone offers a person.” – Ravi Zacharias
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?” John 11:25-26 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
The Way | Part Five
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Ryan Vinson | Lead Pastor
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease of the contempt of the proud. Psalm 123:1-4 (ESV)
Service
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28(ESV)
1. With an attitude of worship
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 123:1 (ESV)
2. With attentiveness to the Master
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. Psalm 123:2 (ESV)
“The Christian is the person who recognizes that our real problem is not in achieving Freedom, but in learning service under a better Master. The Christian realizes that every relationship that excludes God becomes oppressive. Recognizing that, we urgently want to live under the mastery of God.” – Eugene Peterson
3. With hopeful anticipation
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease of the contempt of the proud. Psalm 123:3-4 (ESV)
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. Psalm 122:1-9 (ESV)
- A Choice and a Command
- A Framework for Identity
- A Surrender to the Purposes of God
“Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God – it whets our appetite. Our need for God is not taken care of by engaging in worship – it deepens. It overflows the hour and permeates the week.” – Eugene Peterson
The Way, Part Three
May 3, 2020
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” – G.K. Chesterton
Providence
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:1-8 (ESV)
1. We still need help
2. God doesn’t sleep and is never surprised
3. You are safer than you know
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war! Psalm 120:1-7(ESV)
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
1. In Despair of Reality
2. From the disillusionment of man’s ways
3. Toward God in Delight
“It is the turning point marking the transition from a dreamy nostalgia for a better life to a rugged pilgrimage of discipleship in faith, from complaining about how bad things are to pursuing all things good.” – Eugene Peterson
The Way, Part One
April 19, 2020
“We fail to realize that the process of spiritual shaping is a primal reality of human existence. Everyone is in spiritual formation… we become either agents of God’s healing and liberating grace or carriers of the sickness of the world.” – M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
1. Accept a better reality
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
2. Choose to travel
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
3. Trust the Way
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:25-37 (ESV)
April 12, 2020
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“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.”Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
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Hopelessness for GOOD NEWS
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Brokenness for HEALING
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Captivity for FREEDOM
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Striving for FAVOR
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Injustice for JUSTICE
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Overwhelming Greif for UNBELIEVABLE COMFORT
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Human Understanding for a HEAVENLY PERSEPCTIVE
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Endless Wandering for a REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:12-26 (ESV) John 12:12-26 (ESV)
- I have to see Jesus for myself.
- I have to give up my life, in this world.
- We have to become a servant of Jesus.
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:42-47 (ESV)
Hope in Babylon, Week Eight
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you. Exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1. Responsibility
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2. Humility
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
3. Vigilance
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
4. Hopefulness
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:1-13 (ESV)
5. Peace
Sunday, March 22, 2020
- The Church has never been a building... now it's time to prove that.
- Parents, you have what it takes to lead your kids through this.
- God already knows how this will play out and He's not shaken.
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 (ESV)
- Be self-controlled
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 1 Peter 4:2-3 (ESV)
- Be sober-minded
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin… 1 Peter 4:1 (ESV)
- Love one another earnestly
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace… 1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV)
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it. 1 Peter 4:12-19 (MSG)
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV)
How do we remain faithful in the face of external discouragement and external unmet expectations?
1. We stay submitted to Jesus
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV)
2. We give attention to what get’s God’s attention
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 1 Peter 3:5-6 (ESV)
3. We practice humility
As Christians living in Babylon, we are called to live differently in our daily lives. When we honor and submit to earthly authority in a loving and unified way, we are actually obeying and honoring God and who He has called us to be.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:12-25 (ESV)
1. A Submitted Life
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)
2. An Honoring Life
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:15-17 (ESV)
3. A Loving Life
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
4. A Redemptive Life
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone — rejected by people but chosen and honored by God - 5 you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame. 7 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected —this one has become the cornerstone, 8 and a stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul.
1 Peter 2-11 (CSB)
- We need to go after His Word.
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good.
- We need to come to Jesus to be built.
4 As you come to him, a living stone — rejected by people but chosen and honored by God - 5 you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame. 7 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected —this one has become the cornerstone, 8 and a stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this.
- We need to know who we are and whose we are.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:13-25 (ESV)
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Thinking differently
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Trusting God
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Truth in action
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Timeless transformation
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:1-12 (ESV)
- The Hope of Heaven
- The Hope of Trials
- The Hope of the unseen
19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:19-21 (ESV)
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. 50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 (ESV)
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Steadfast in Life
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Faithfully at Work
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Hopeful in Death
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God. 6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
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We hear them
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We see them
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We see by them
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We obey them
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery. Exodus 6:6-9 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor… Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
- Hope
…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound… Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
- Healing
…to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn… Isaiah 61:2 (ESV)
- Assurance
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit… Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
- Exchange
that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:3-4 (ESV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:26-33 (ESV)
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” 2 The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:1-4 (ESV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:2-7 (ESV)
- Unexpectedly
- Inconspicuously
- Undeniably
…that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:3-4 (ESV)
Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. 20 People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:16-20 (NIV)
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 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. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (ESV)
7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire… 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:7-18 (ESV)
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’
18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’
21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
- We see ourselves as stewards… and what we have as a loan.
- We invest in eternity.
- We build people.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
- Think Bigger
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
You reap what you sow… Later than you sow… More than you sow.
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 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. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
- Think Longer
Command those who are rich this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
- Live with an open hand
8 “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. 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. 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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
- Decide where you will sow
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV)
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. 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. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith… Romans 12:1-6 (ESV)
- Have a good grip on yourself
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 (ESV)
- Have a good grip on the message
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:14-17 (ESV)
8 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8 (ESV)
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 (ESV)
- Live at peace with everyone
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
6 Keys to Freedom
- Surrender…
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8 (ESV)
- Spiritual Order
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
- Confession
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:5-9 (ESV)
- Stay in the light
“Repentance, the first word of Christian imagination, sets us on the way to traveling in the light.” –Eugene Peterson
- Shift our focus
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies… 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (ESV
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. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV
- Forgive
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled… Hebrews 12:14-15 (ESV
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 (ESV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith… Romans 3:21-25(ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:21-25 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 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. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:1-6(ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 (ESV)
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:3-15 (ESV)
He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:5-9 (ESV)
How do we walk in the light?
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
- We walk in HUMILITY
- We walk in REPENTANCE
- We walk by FAITH
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”Genesis 1:28 (ESV)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it… 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:15-18 (ESV)
And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:25 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV)
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. 50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:41-52 (ESV)
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 (ESV)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27 (NIV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live… 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:24-29 (ESV)
“All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still “about to be.”” – C.S. Lewis
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in You.” St. Augustine
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:18-28 (ESV)
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. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Acts 2:1-8 (NIV)
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! Acts 2:13-15 (NIV)
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—10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NIV)
I’ve got it, Do you got it?
- I’ve got the Power
I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power 20 that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the heavenly realm! Ephesians 1:19-20 (TPT)
8 But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” Acts 1:8 (NLT)
- I’ve got a Friend
2 Always be humble and gentle. 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. Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT)
- I’ve got a family
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT)
14 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? 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (NLT)
- I’ve got Grace
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. 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. Romans 8:1-4 (NLT)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-12 (ESV)
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:52-53 (ESV)
- Personal Representation
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet 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. Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1 (ESV)
- Promised Return
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. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
- Personal Responsibility
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (ESV)
- Promised Reward
Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7 (ESV)
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me... 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (ESV)
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.John 19:1-18 (ESV)
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefsand carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken,smitten by God, and afflicted.5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray;we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on himthe iniquity of us all.Isaiah 53:3-12 (ESV)
The Apostle’s Creed
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.”
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2(ESV)
- An undeniable point in History
- The unconditional Love of a Father
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.2 Corinthians 5:21(ESV)
- An irreversible victory
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.Colossians 2:13-15(ESV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.Luke 1:26-35(ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For byhim all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell… Colossians 1:15-19 (ESV)
The Apostle’s Creed
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.”
- Identity
- Ancestry
- Prophecy
- Supremacy
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.
You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. . . . Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God.” – C.S. Lewis
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.John 1:1-5(ESV)
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his handand marked off the heavens with a span,enclosed the dust of the earth in a measureand weighed the mountains in scalesand the hills in a balance? 13 Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel?14 Whom did he consult,and who made him understand?Who taught him the path of justice,and taught him knowledge,and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,and are accounted as the dust on the scales;behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.17 All the nations are as nothing before him,they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. 18 To whom then will you liken God,or what likeness compare with him?22…It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; 23 who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness…25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? Says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power not one is missing. Isaiah 40:12-26 (ESV)
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV)
The Apostle’s Creed
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.”
- A Mighty Creator
- A Merciful Father
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV)
- A Benevolent Master
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)
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. Psalm 78:70-72 (NIV)
David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors. 2 Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. 3 But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ 4 Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father's house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father's house, and among my father's sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. 5 And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 6 He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 7 I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’ 8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. 9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 10 Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” 1 Chronicles 28:1-10 (ESV)
And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God. 2 So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able… 3 Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God… Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?” 6 Then the leaders of fathers' houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king's work. 7 They gave for the service of the house of God… 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:1-9 (ESV)
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.” 6 So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab was doing and how the people were doing and how the war was going. 8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” And Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.10 When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” 12 Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 And David invited him, and he ate in his presence and drank, so that he made him drunk. And in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die.”2 Samuel 11:1-15 (ESV)
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. 27 And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.2 Samuel 11:26-27(ESV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Psalm 51:1-9 (ESV)
- We Return to God
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
- We reengage in the hidden work of the heart.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:13-17
- We refocus our attention.
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:1-19 (ESV)
- We keep our influence in the palace, but keep our hearts in the pasture.
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:3-5(ESV)
17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also, take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.” 19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army.22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” 30 And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before. 31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” 38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:17-47 (ESV)
For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?32 The God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:31-36 (ESV)
- The Nature of God
- His Cooperation with God
- The Safety of God
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”11 …Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?”And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.1 Samuel 16:1-13(ESV)
And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”1 Samuel 13:13-14(ESV)
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.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3(NIV)
- Trust in His ways
- Meditate on His word
- Remain by the water
- Produce in the waiting
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:2-18 (ESV
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:18-21 (NLT)
22-24 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. Colossians 3:18-24 (MSG)
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 (NIV)
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:25-24 (NIV)
12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 (NIV)
16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And 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 3:16-17 (NIV)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him… Colossians 2:6 (ESV)
22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard… Colossians 1:22-23 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 3:1-11(ESV)
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 (NIV)
22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. James 2:22 (NLT)
18 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. Colossians 2:18-19 (NIV)
18 Don’t let anyone disqualify you from your prize! Don’t let their pretended sincerity fool you as they deliberately lead you into their initiation of angel worship. For they take pleasure in pretending to be experts of something they know nothing about. Their reasoning is meaningless and comes only from their own opinions. 19 They refuse to take hold of the true source. But we receive directly from him, and his life supplies vitality into every part of his body through the joining ligaments connecting us all as one. He is the divine Head who guides his body and causes it to grow by the supernatural power of God. Colossians 2:18-19 (TPT)
8 “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. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
20 For you were included in the death of Christ and have died with him to the religious system and powers of this world. Don’t retreat back to being bullied by the standards and opinions of religion— 21 for example, their strict requirements, “You can’t associate with that person!” or, “Don’t eat that!” or, “You can’t touch that!” 22 These are the doctrines of men and corrupt customs that are worthless to help you spiritually. 23 For though they may appear to possess the promise of wisdom in their submission to God through the deprivation of their physical bodies, it is actually nothing more than empty rules rooted in religious rituals! Colossians 2:20-23 (TPT)
Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. Galatians 5:1 (TPT)
6 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. 8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:6-8 (NLT)
9For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11When 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. 12For 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. Colossians 2:9-12 (NCV)
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:1-5 (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)
He is the head of the body, which is the church. Everything comes from him. He is the first one who was raised from the dead. So in all things Jesus has first place. God was pleased for all of himself to live in Christ. And through Christ, God has brought all things back to himself again—things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace through the blood of Christ’s death on the cross.” Colossians 1:18-20 (NCV)
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds… he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:21-23 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 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— 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 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:1-14(NIV)
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:31-37 (NIV)
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. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:4-10 (NIV)
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.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
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.”Luke 10:17-20 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-36(NIV)
- Be full of the Holy Spirit
- Be Led by the Holy Spirit
He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.Luke 4:1-36(NIV)
- Know the strategies of the Enemy
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.” Luke 4:1-36 (NIV)
- Memorize and speak the Word of God.
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 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;11 they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 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. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:1-36(NIV)
- Be on the offensive
28 …All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:1-36(NIV)
- Know where the real fight is.
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Luke 4:1-36 (NIV)
- Know who you are and whose authority you have.
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.4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-11 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 (NIV)
- There is a greater story at work
4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5 (NIV)
- Your story is about a greater work
6 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. John 9:6-7 (NIV)
- When you don’t understand, is when your faith is operating.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said. 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. 17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” John 9:8-17 (NIV)
- Not everyone will understand your journey. (It’s ok… it’s not theirs.)
24 …A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:24-25 (NIV)
- You don’t have to understand your story to tell your story.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 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. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
Mountaintop revelations are built on living room foundations.
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. Acts 2:1-4(NIV)
- Miracles
- Spiritual Strength
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. Acts 2:42-47(NIV)
- Life-giving community
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47(NIV)
- Growth
Mountaintop revelations are built on living room foundations.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”8 Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-12 (NIV)
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 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?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him… 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 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. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “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… Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:17-44 (NIV)
- When death is reversed, LOVE IS REALIZED.
- When death is reversed, LIBERTY IS RECLAIMED.
- When death is reversed, LIFE IS REDEEMED.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you… 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 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! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 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. 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. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “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!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 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.’” Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
The Heart of the House… reflects the heart of the father.
19-21 What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Galatians 2:19-21 (MSG)
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.Luke 15:1-7(NIV)
- We keep Jesus the main thing
- We believe in the next generation
- We do life together
- We add value to the world around us
- We live with urgency
- We celebrate
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. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV)
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. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’28 “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!’31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 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.’”Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
- PRESUMED FAMILIARITY eventually leads to PROFOUND IGNORANCE.
“These people come near to me with their mouthand honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.Their worship of meis based on merely human rules they have been taught.”Isaiah 29:13(NIV)
- Serving with impure motives is the same is leaving for impure desires.
- INSECURITY in IDENTITY leads to MISPLACED INHERITANCE.
‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.Romans 8:14-17(NIV)
- When I am confident in my position, I can celebrate the prodigal.
“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.”Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.1 John 3:1-6(NIV)
“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! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 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.“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’“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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:17-24(NIV)
- He exceeds expectations.
- He provides covering.
- He affirms our identity.
- He makes peace with us.
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He satisfies us.
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He interrupts us.
“When he came to his senses… Luke 15:17 (NIV)
Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)
…he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17-24 (NIV)
- A servant obeys out of obligation… a son follows from a place of trust.
- A servant focus on what they need to do… a son enjoys what has been done.
- A servant sees their interaction as contractual… a son sees their interaction as relational.
“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. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:17-24 (NIV)
- Accept what God has done for you
- Enjoy what He has for you
- See Him in a new light
- Live your life in response to His love for you.
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
Our choice in turning to God is not just a change in behavior, but a change in approach.
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke 15:11-16 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23(NIV)
“When he came to his senses… Luke 15:17 (NIV)
- ACKNOWLEDGE your sin
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24 (NIV)
- Recognize the CYCLE
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:13-17 (NIV)
- CHANGE your direction
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”Matthew 4:17(NIV)
- LET the Holy Spirit LEAD YOU to Freedom.
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…You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh…So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:1-25(NIV)
…Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.Ephesians 4:1(NIV)
The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty, “leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!” Romans 8:14-16 (TPT)
And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. Romans 8:17 (TPT)
Then Jesus said, “Once there was a father with two sons. The younger son came to his father and said, ‘Father, don’t you think it’s time to give me the share of your estate that belongs to me? So the father went ahead and distributed among the two sons their inheritance. Luke 15:11-12 (TPT)
....shortly afterward, the younger son packed up all his belongings and traveled off to see the world. He journeyed to a far-off land where he soon wasted all he was given in a binge of extravagant and reckless living. “With everything spent and nothing left, he grew hungry, for there was a severe famine in that land. So he begged a farmer in that country to hire him. The farmer hired him and sent him out to feed the pigs. The son was so famished, he was willing to even eat the slop given to the pigs, because no one would feed him a thing. “Humiliated, the son finally realized what he was doing and he thought, ‘There are many workers at my father’s house who have all the food they want with plenty to spare. Luke 15:13-17 (TPT)
When Adam sinned, the entire world was affected. Sin entered human experience, and death was the result. And so death followed this sin, casting its shadow over all humanity, because all have sinned. Romans 5:12 (TPT)
Death once held us in its grip, and by the blunder of one man, death reigned as king over humanity. Romans 5:17 (TPT)
One man’s disobedience opened the door for all humanity to become sinners. So also one man’s obedience opened the door for many to be made perfectly right with God and acceptable to him. So then, the law was introduced into God’s plan to bring the reality of human sinfulness out of hiding. And yet, wherever sin increased, there was more than enough of God’s grace to triumph all the more! Romans 5:19-20 (TPT)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind… He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:1-13 (NIV)
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “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! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 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. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “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. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 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. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 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.’” Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
IDENTITY and INHERITANCE are determined by the WILL.
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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)
Relationships aren’t designed to fulfill us; Relationships are designed to refine us.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
7-12 War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. The great Dragon—ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray—thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying, “Salvation and power are established! Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah! The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God. They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren’t in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ. So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there, but doom to earth and sea, For the Devil’s come down on you with both feet; he’s had a great fall; He’s wild and raging with anger; he hasn’t much time and he knows it.” 13-17 When the Dragon saw he’d been thrown to earth, he went after the Woman who had given birth to the Man-Child… Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God’s commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus. Revelation 12:7-17 (MSG)
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. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
Relationships aren’t designed to fulfill us; Relationships are designed to refine us.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; 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...” Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 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.” The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” …So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:15-25 (NIV)
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’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 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.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 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. 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. 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. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:1-13 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
“Where there is anger there is resistance; where there is resistance there is room to grow.” - Allison Fallon
Relationships are not designed to fulfill us, Relationships are designed to refine us.
- Be Gentle
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
- Be Caring
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
- Be self-aware
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:3-5 (NIV)
- Be a learner
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Galatians 6:6 (NIV)
- Be Faithful
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
- Be a part of the family
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
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 by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:3-5 (NIV)
…My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG)
This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession… 1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV)
A Chosen People
A Royal Priesthood
A Holy Nation
A Special Possession
…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV)
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV)
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV)
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)
Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (NKJV)
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 (NKJV)
If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (MSG)
When the connection is secure, clarity is supplied.
When clarity is supplied, purpose is discovered.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will… Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
Purpose is not one day delivered… it is every day discovered.
- You have to spend time with your Creator.
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… Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV)
- Focus on who you are becoming more than what you are doing.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices… 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV)
- LIVE every part of your life in authentic community.
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. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
- Do whatever you want.
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 3:17 (NIV)
Love God, and do what you will.” – St. Augustine
Purpose is not one day delivered… it is everyday discovered.
When connection is secure, clarity is supplied.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God… 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. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 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. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)
The Enemies of Connection:
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Pride
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Shame
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Fear
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21(NIV)
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1(NIV)
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:22-38(NIV)
- A Reversal
…Woman was deceived first—our pioneer in sin!—with Adam right on her heels. On the other hand, her childbearing brought about salvation, reversing Eve. But this salvation only comes to those who continue in faith, love, and holiness, gathering it all into maturity. You can depend on this. 1 Timothy 2:15 (MSG)
- A Revelation
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5(NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)
- Our Redemption
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.Colossians 1:13-14(NLT)
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-17 (NIV)
When gratitude grows, worship overflows.
- Believing
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”John 6:28-29(NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. Matthew 11:28-29(NIV)
- Obeying
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…1 John 5:1-3(NIV)
- Returning
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.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.But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation… 2 Peter 3:8-16 (NIV)
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50 (NIV)
- Our vulnerability honors God and he honors our vulnerability.
True desperation will remove all reservation.
- He sees us… truly.
God doesn’t just accept you out of mercy… He delights in you out of Grace.
- His forgiveness is astounding.
The forgiveness we have received should determine the worship we release.
- The crowd won’t understand.
- We know someone who needs what we have found.
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- CROWDS do not always translate to WORSHIPERS
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP can feel DISRUPTIVE.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP calls you DEEPER
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP is about OBEDIENCE
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- OBEDIENCE always leads to BLESSING
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP reveals our HUMANITY
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP silences FEAR with “FROM NOW ONS”
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
- WORSHIP requires SEPARATION
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. 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
- Are you expecting God to show up?
Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-56(NIV)
- Are you desperate for Him?
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. Luke 8:40-56(NIV)
- Are you aware of His movement?
She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
- Will you separate from the crowd?
Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
- Will you trust His timing?
When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
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. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.” Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
- They Boldly Sought
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
- They Humbly Bowed
Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
- They Generously Sacrificed
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
- They Left Differently Than The Way They Came
The life you live today determines the legacy you leave tomorrow.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
You reap what you sow… Later than you sow… More than you sow.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
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. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 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. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-14 (NIV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
- Correct our VISION
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
- Act like a STEWARD, not an OWNER.
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth… Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV)
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:8-11 (NIV)
- Live with an OPEN HAND
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
December 2nd – Legacy Offering
December 9th – Legacy Vision Night
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. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)
The life you live today determines the legacy you leave tomorrow.
December 2nd – Legacy Offering (Last Year…)
December 9th – Legacy Team Launch Dinner
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
You reap what you sow… Later than you sow… More than you sow.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church… Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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… Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-6:23 (NIV)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:23-25 (NIV)
The life you live today determines the legacy you leave tomorrow.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
You reap what you sow… Later than you sow… More than you sow.
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. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (MSG)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 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. 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. 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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”John 15:1-9 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)
The life you live today determines the legacy you leave tomorrow.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
You reap what you sow…
Later than you sow…
More than you sow.
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’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 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.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 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. 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. 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. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:1-13 (NIV)
…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. John 8:44 (NIV)
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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:16-17 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
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. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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Have a faith.
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Have a burden.
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Share it any way you can!
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My job is to plant and water seed, God does the rest.
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Use your weapons.
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Make much about Jesus!
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Play the long game.
Statistics from The American Institute for Stress:
77% of people say the regularly experience the physical symptoms of stress
44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago
1 in 5 Americans experience EXTREME stress
60% of all disease and illness is caused by stress.
3 out of 4 doctors visits are for stress related ailments.
Stress increases the risk of heart attack by 25% and a stroke by 50%.
50 Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:
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Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
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Gritting, grinding teeth
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Stuttering or stammering
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Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
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Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
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Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
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Ringing, buzzing or “popping sounds
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Frequent blushing, sweating
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Cold or sweaty hands, feet
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Dry mouth, problems swallowing
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Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
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Rashes, itching, hives, “goose bumps”
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Unexplained or frequent “allergy” attacks
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Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
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Excess belching, flatulence
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Constipation, diarrhea, loss of control
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Difficulty breathing, frequent sighing
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Sudden attacks of life threatening panic
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Chest pain, palpitations, rapid pulse
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Frequent urination
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Diminished sexual desire or performance
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Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
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Increased anger, frustration, hostility
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Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
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Increased or decreased appetite
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Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
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Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
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Trouble learning new information
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Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
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Difficulty in making decisions
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Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed
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Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
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Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
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Little interest in appearance, punctuality
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Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
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Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
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Overreaction to petty annoyances
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Increased number of minor accidents
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Obsessive or compulsive behavior
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Reduced work efficiency or productivity
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Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
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Rapid or mumbled speech
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Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
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Problems in communication, sharing
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Social withdrawal and isolation
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Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
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Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
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Weight gain or loss without diet
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Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
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Excessive gambling or impulse buying
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. John 16:33 (NIV)
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV)
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there… 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Have a SUPPORT SYSTEM
…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.” 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Be HONEST
Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 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. 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Listen to YOUR BODY
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.” So he got up and ate and drank. 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Find a HEALTHY RHYTHM
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11 (NIV)
Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 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?” The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Get in the PRESENCE OF GOD
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. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 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?” …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. 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Discover HIS PURPOSE for your life
Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet… Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:3-18 (NIV)
- Relax… and trust that God is in control.
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV)
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 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. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. Ephesians 5:13 (NIV)
Community and vulnerability are the greatest strategies for the freedom we are looking for.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
“How to deal with difficult people”
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)
2 Types of Difficult:
- Difficult because they are DANGEROUS.
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. Romans 16:17 (NIV)
- Difficult because they are DIFFERENT.
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
- We don’t follow the pattern of the world.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)
- We practice self-awareness.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-8 (NIV)
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8 (NIV)
- We respect each other’s differences.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9-18 (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-18 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:9-18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:9-18 (NIV)
- We have to make every effort.
- We leave the rest up to God.
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. Romans 12:19-21 (NIV)
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.” Romans 12:19-21 (NIV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 (NIV)
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
Forgiveness = to cease to feel resentment against an offender or to grant relief from payment of (RELIEF for you)
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
- Surround yourself with Yes people
- Completely isolate yourself and don’t let anyone in
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Proverbs 18:19 (NLT)
- To ignore it/and or indulge in something to numb the pain
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
- Acknowledge that you need to forgive
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NIV)
- Accept forgiveness
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-25 (NLT)
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 (NIV) You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV) 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) Let love be your greatest aim… 1 Corinthians 14:1 (TLB) 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel 6:3-4 (NIV)
- Have an EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “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.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:5
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. Daniel 6:10 (NIV)
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Spend TIME WITH GOD
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RESPECT other people’s FREE WILL
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den.20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
- Love well as you SUFFER WELL
21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!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.”
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God…
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:
“May you prosper greatly! 26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:1-28 (NIV)
Big Idea: What’s at stake here is our ability to influence culture for the kingdom of God… it’s never done through any other way… than when God’s people STAND FIRM AND LOVE WELL!
We will either SET culture or REFLECT culture.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:15-16 (NIV)
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 (NIV)
The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes, and of the abominations of the earth. Revelation 17:5 (NIV)
“Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells. You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ Isaiah 47:8-10 (NIV)
The Babylon Mentality = “I am and there is none besides me.” I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. Daniel 4:4-5 (NIV)
Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth… “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Daniel 4:22-26 (NIV)
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:34-37 (NIV)
- I will ACKNOWLEDGE God
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)
- I will EXALT God
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 (NIV)
- I will HUMBLE myself
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV)
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. Daniel 1:1-5 (NIV)
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. Daniel 1:1-5 (NIV)
He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Daniel 1:1-5 (NIV)
- He will try to change our identity
Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Daniel 1:6-7 (NIV)
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Daniel 1:6-7 (NIV)
Daniel: “God is my Judge”
Belteshazzar: “Lady protect the King”
Hananiah: “Yahweh is my protector”
Shadrach: “I am fearful of God”
Mishael: “Who can compare to my God? No one!”
Meshach: “I am despised, contemptible, and humiliated”
Azariah: “Yahweh has helped”
Abednego: “Servant of Nebo”
When culture shifts, you have to know who you are.
- He will challenge our convictions
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8 (NIV)
When culture shifts, we must reaffirm our convictions.
Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel 1:9-10 (NIV)
- He will create a confrontation
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days… Daniel 1:11-14 (NIV)
When culture shifts, we have to respond the right way.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. Daniel 1:18-20 (NIV)
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:18-20 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Without truth, we are CORRUPT.
Without grace, we are CONDEMNED.
Without truth, we become WORLDLY.
Without grace we become JUDGMENTAL.
Truth without grace is MEAN.
Grace without truth is MEANINGLESS.
Grace INVITES us to be FREE.
Truth SETS us FREE.
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. John 8:3-11 (NIV)
In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. John 8:3-11 (NIV)
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. John 8:3-11 (NIV)
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. John 8:3-11 (NIV)
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:3-11 (NIV)
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:23 (ESV)
“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. 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. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)
- It’s going to take work
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:19-24 (NIV)
- The storm is coming
“There is a storm coming that will try what our hopes are bottomed on…” – Matthew Henry
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:1-4 (NIV)
- The ground matters because what we are building matters
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. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw 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. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV)
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. Luke 8:15 (NIV)
“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. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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! Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)
“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. Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
- Humbly request
- Acknowledge our longing
Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door. Matthew 7:7-8 (TPT)
- To show up and be present
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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! Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV)
“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? Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV)
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? 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. Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV)
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV)
- Evaluate before God how we view the people around us.
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Romans 14:10-13 (NIV)
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10-13 (NIV)
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:10-13 (NIV)
- Make the work God wants to do in us, our #1 priority.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
- Develop the maturity and wisdom necessary to engage with the world around you.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13 (NIV)
“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? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)
WORRY CANNOT ADD ANYTHING TO YOUR LIFE.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
TURN YOUR WORRY INTO WORSHIP
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Matthew 6:31 (NKJV)
YOUR HAPPINESS IS NOT AN ISSUE OF NEED BUT OF ORDER!
- IT’S ALL ABOUT ORDER
GOD CAN BLESS YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN BLESS YOURSELF.
ALL THE ENERGY YOU GIVE TO WORRY IS A LOSS. ALL THE ENERGY YOU GIVE TO WORSHIP IS AN INVESTMENT.
“seek His righteousness”
ESTABLISH YOUR IDENTITY
“And all these things will be added to you.”
- ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM
“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.” Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
“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. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4 (NIV)
…so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:4 (NIV)
“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. 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. Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV)
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. Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Matthew 6:7-9 (NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
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. Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
“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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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. Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 (NIV)
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)
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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 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. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. “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. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 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. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:17-48 (NIV)
- God is a God of Fulfillment
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
- Always filter “What you have been told” through “What He says”
- He is in the business of our perfection
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
You greatest message to the crowd will come through your personal message to those closest to you.
He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
- Be Poor in Spirit
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Mourn
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Be Meek
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV
- Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Be Merciful
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Be Pure in heart
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Be a Peacemaker
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
- Embrace Persecution
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:1-12(NIV)
The decisions we make today determine the stories we tell tomorrow.
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles… my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:15-24 (NIV)
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Galatians 2:1-2 (NIV)
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24 (NIV)
- The Spirit’s Prompting
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
- Certain Uncertainty
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NI
- Predictable Resistance
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Acts 20:23 (NIV)
- Uncommon Confidence
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)
- Supernatural Peace
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:29-30 (NIV)
The decisions we make today determine the stories we tell tomorrow.
After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (NIV)
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
- Walk
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
- Ask
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. James 1:5 (NIV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
- Decide
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 1 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV)
The decisions we make today, determine the stories we tell tomorrow.
- Focus on “WHO” before “DO”
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do… 1 Peter 1:13-15 (NIV)
- Focus on “HIS WAYS” before “HIS WILL”
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 3:5-6 (NIV)
God’s will is for you to be holy… 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)
…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV)
- Focus on “WHY” before “WHAT”
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end… Proverbs 16:2-4 (NIV)
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
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. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)
- Intimacy
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)
- War
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 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. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
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. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)
- A River
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Psalm 46:1-4 (NIV)
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. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 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. John 7:37-39 (NIV)
- Obedience
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Psalm 119:30-32 (NIV)
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.” John 14:15 (AMP)
- A Mirror
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)
People are not looking for our perfection… they are looking for our Jesus.
About midnight… Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 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. 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. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:25-30 (NIV)
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. Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:1-18 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
You are not saved BY YOUR WORKS… you are saved FOR GOOD WORKS.
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 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. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 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. 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV)
- Surrender
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. Romans 12:1-6 (NIV)
- Learn a new way to live
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. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:1-6 (NIV)
- Get to work
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:1-6 (NIV)
- Live with the end in mind
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 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. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 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. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (NIV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
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. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
“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. 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. Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV)
- Give it time
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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
- Trust it
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 (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. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed… 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
- Let it do its job
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. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 (NIV)
- Speak it
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. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63 (NIV)
- Do it
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 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. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:22-27 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
To lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV)
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV)
Before your freedom will ever be EXPERIENCED, it will be SPOKEN.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21-22 (NIV)
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:21-22 (NIV)
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
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. Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
- To change what’s coming out, you have to change what’s going in.
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… Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
- Give up your right to say whatever comes to your mind.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:3-8 (NIV)
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. James 3:3-8 (NIV)
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 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. James 3:3-8 (NIV)
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:3-8 (NIV)
- Learn the language of Freedom.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13-17 (NIV)
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:13-17 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:13-17 (NIV)
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-17 (NIV)
“Peace follows purity, and depends upon it. Those who are truly wise do what they can to preserve peace, that it may not be broken; and to make peace, that where it is lost it may be restored. In kingdoms, in families, in churches, in all societies, and in all interviews and transactions, heavenly wisdom makes men peaceable.” – Matthew Henry
- Become whole.
“Not he who thinks well, or he who talks well, is in the sense of the scripture allowed to be wise, if he do not live and act well.” – Matthew Henry
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service… Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
…so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 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?”). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom…
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever… Hebrews 6:19-20
…because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. Hebrews 7:24-27 (NIV)
He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. Hebrews 7:24-27 (NIV)
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation… For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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. Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)
- A Relationship… not religion
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will… Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
- His Grace… not shame
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24 (NLT)
- Your Freedom… not bondage
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:16-19 (NIV)
- Your future… not your past
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
Our mission: To lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-33 (NIV)
The Goal = to dislodge unforgiveness from our hearts.
- IT DOESN’T WORK.
- OUR FREEDOM IS WAITING.
How do we dislodge unforgiveness from our hearts?
- Know what forgiveness is NOT.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 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. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)
Forgiveness is not about forgetting... It's about your freedom.
- Trust God’s heart for you.
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. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
- Acknowledge the hurt.
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. Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)
- Recognize the real enemy.
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, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-33 (NIV)
- Don’t wait for a feeling.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Choices lead… feelings follow.
- Remember what YOU have been forgiven of.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:8-12 (NLT)
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?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV)
What does it mean to surrender?
How do we live a life of surrender?
- Make the choice to surrender AND stay surrendered.
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” –James 4:8 (NLT)
- Remember who He is.
Psalm 116:5 (NIV) - COMPASSIONATE
Psalm 68:19-20 (NLT) - SAVIOUR
Deuteronomy 4:24 (NIV) - JEALOUS
Deuteronomy 4:31 (NIV) - MERCIFUL
Psalm 48:14 (NIV) - GUIDE
Psalm 54:4 (NLT) - HELPER
Psalm 94:22 - ROCK/REFUGE
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV) - PEACE
1 John 4:16 (NIV) - LOVE
When we remember who He is, how could we ever think we could lead our lives better than Him?
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (NLT)
- Walk with surrendered people.
“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
Freedom is not when we are in control calling the shoots… TRUE FREEDOM COMES FROM COMPLETE SURRENDER.
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:20-23 (NIV)
…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
4 Blockages of the Heart
- SELFISHNESS
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16 (NIV)
- BITTERNESS
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” Luke 17:1 (NKJV)
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19 (NIV)
- Rejection
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19-21 (NIV)
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:19-21 (NIV)
- Evil Thoughts
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come… Mark 7:21-23 (NIV)
sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:21-23 (NIV)
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. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)
3 Steps to Transforming the Heart
- Invite the Holy Spirit to SHOW ME
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
- Invite the Holy Spirit to CHANGE ME
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10-11 (NIV)
- Invite the Holy Spirit to FILL ME
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… Genesis 1:26 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
I have a Spirit
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
I have a Soul
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. Romans 7:21-23 (NIV)
I have a Body
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
“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? 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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Matthew 6:32 (NIV)
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. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
How do you keep the right spiritual order:
- Make time
- Make it a Priority
- Make the Choice
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 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 by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 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.” Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. John 14:15 (AMP)
When you live in the tree of life:
- You operate from victory.
- You operate from a place of worthiness.
- You receive what Jesus did.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
How to stay in the tree of life:
- Recognize you are anointed by the Holy Spirit.
- Stay madly in love with Jesus.
- Surround yourself with people who understand grace and mercy.
- Salvation starts with surrender.
- Choose life.
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… Genesis 2:8-9 (NIV)
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 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…” Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV)
The Tree… reveals KNOWLEDGE.
The desire to know is in direct opposition to the desire to trust.
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’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 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.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:1-5 (NIV)
- The Tree… brings DEATH.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23 (NIV)
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. Genesis 3:6 (NIV)
- The Tree… is APPEALING.
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. 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. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3:7-10 (NIV)
- The Tree… produces SHAME.
And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:11-13 (NIV)
- The Tree… LEADS TO VICTIMIZATION.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t come to fix our BEHAVIOR PROBLEM… He came to fix our SIN PROBLEM.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7 (NIV)
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. John 14:15 (AMP)
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 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.” …God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 1:27-31 (NIV)
God’s original plan was perfection.
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 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…” Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:8-25 (NIV)
God’s plan for humanity was to be completely known and to feel no shame for it.
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’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 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.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 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. 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. 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. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” Genesis 3:1-11 (NIV)
- The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil says, “I HAVE TO DO TO FIND ENJOYMENT.” The Tree of Life says, “ENJOY WHAT HE HAS DONE.”
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 (NIV)
- The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil says, “MY ACTIONS DETERMINE MY ACCEPTANCE.” The Tree of Life says, “HIS ACTIONS DETERMINE MY ACCEPTANCE.”
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)
- The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil says, “BECAUSE OF WHAT I HAVE DONE, I HAVE TO HIDE.” The Tree of Life says, “HE ALREADY KNOWS, AND WANTS TO WALK WITH US.”
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
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. 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I am the Lord.’ Exodus 6:6-8 (NIV)
- He will bring us out
Salvation
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior… Titus 3:3-6 (NIV)
- He will free us
Deliverance
…Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
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. James 5:16 (NIV)
- He will redeem us
Purpose
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
- He will take us as His own people
Fulfillment
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.”
3 So at the Lord’s command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites… Numbers 13:1-(3 NIV)
17When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.
19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes…)
23 When they reached the Valley of Eshkol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs.24 That place was called the Valley of Eshkol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land.
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit.
28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
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.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored.
They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” Numbers 13:17-33 (NIV)
- The Right PERSPECTIVE
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20-21 (NIV)
- The Right PEOPLE
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. Numbers 13:31-32 (NIV)
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.”
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
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.”
10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Numbers 14:1-10 (NIV)
20 The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. 21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, 22 not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors.
No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.
25 Since the Amalekites and the Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.” Numbers 14:20-24 (NIV)
- Trust His PLAN and PROVISION
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites… Numbers 13:1 (NIV)
Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.
Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’ Exodus 6:6-8 (NIV)
5 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. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
- Prayer
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:1-13 (NIV)
- Persistence
“So I say to you: 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. Luke 11:1-13 (NIV)
- His Promises
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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!” Luke 11:1-13 (NIV)
- His Power
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. Acts 1:8 (NIV)
…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
…Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest? In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale. When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.” Isaiah 29:17-24 (NIV)
- We keep Jesus the main thing.
- We do life together.
- We believe in the next generation.
- We add value to the world around us.
- We live with urgency.
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NIV)
- Be Shepherds
…watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you… 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)
- Purify Our Motives
…but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:3-4 (NIV)
- Be Examples
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.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
- Submit to One Another
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)
- Humble Ourselves
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
- Cast Off Our Anxiety
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
- Be Alert and Sober Minded
Resist him, standing firm in the faith… 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV)
- Resist the Enemy
…because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV)
- Know that We Are Not Alone
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
- Expect God to Move on Our Behalf
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. 1 Peter 5:10 (AMP)
We don’t need any more INFORMATION; we need more REVELATION.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
- Revelation comes with a cost.
…What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 1 Corinthians 15:36-37 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you… 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
- My pace determines my quality of life, but I determine my pace.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
- Self-discovery is one of life’s greatest journeys.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
- Stop aiming and just find your lane.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
- I’m not as tough as I thought I was.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
- The harder the work… the sweeter the yield.
- God’s not finished yet.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV)
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 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. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
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. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, 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 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.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 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[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
39 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!”
Stress stats from the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STRESS:
44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago
1 in 5 Americans experience EXTREME stress (hands shaking, heart palpitations, depression)
60% of all disease and illness is caused by stress.
3 out of 4 doctors visits are for stress related ailments.
Stress increases the risk of heart attack by 25% and of stroke by 50%.
Stress related ailments cost the nation $300 Billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity
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. John 16:33 (NIV)
God never promised to TAKE AWAY what troubles you, but to give you PEACE IN THE MIDST of what troubles you.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Selah) Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)
Where will my soul find rest?
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
…and you will find rest for your souls… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
- Establish PRIORITY
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
- Live a life you are PASSIONATE about.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called STRESS. Working hard for something you love is called PASSION.” – Simon Sinek
- POUR OUT your life.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
- Keep an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)
2 Types of Difficult:
- Difficult because they are DANGEROUS.
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. Romans 16:17 (NIV)
- Difficult because they are DIFFERENT.
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. 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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
- We don’t follow the pattern of the world.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)
- We examine ourselves first.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)
- We embrace each other’s differences.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:14-17 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
- We have to make every effort.
- We leave the rest up to God.
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.” Romans 12:19-20(NIV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NIV)
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3(NIV)
- Self-Awareness
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. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV)
- Shared Values
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
- Commitment to Longevity
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 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. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NIV)
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NIV)
- Room to grow
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG)
- Extravagant Love
Love is not a feeling that determines our actions… but a choice that leads our feelings.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:9-11 (NIV)
- Praise
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (NIV)
- Repent
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
- Ask
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22 (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 good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
…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. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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!” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
- Yield
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5 (NIV)
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. Titus 1:16 (NIV)
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Titus 2:1(NIV)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
Remind the people… Titus 3:1
A healthy community is full of people who…
- People who HONOR.
…to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:3-5 (NIV)
- People who see people from the right perspective.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:6-7 (NIV)
Because we remember what Jesus has done for US, our perspective of people cannot be based on anything other than what Jesus did for THEM.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:8-13 (NIV)
- People who fight for unity
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Titus 3:8-13 (NIV)
- People who prioritize relationships
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:15 (NIV)
- People who live with urgency
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Titus 3:15 (NIV)
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5 (NIV)
For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach Titus 1:10-11 (NIV)
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. Titus 1:16 (NIV)
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Titus 2:1(NIV)
As a church we are called to love all people, but not accept all teaching.
- HEALTHY TEACHING leads to SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2:2-7 (NIV)
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:2-7 (NIV)
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. Titus 2:2-7 (NIV)
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:2-7 (NIV)
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted… Titus 2:9-10 (NIV)
so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Titus 2:9-10 (NIV)
- HEALTHY TEACHING helps us LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL EVERYDAY
Jesus attached the advancement of HIS MESSAGE… to the advancement of HIS PEOPLE.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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. Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:11-15 (NIV)
- HEALTHY TEACHING reveals JESUS
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, Titus 1:1-5 (NIV)
and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, Titus 1:1-5 (NIV)
To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-5 (NIV)
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:1-5 (NIV)
- Leadership Matters
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5 (NIV)
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 (NIV)
- HEALTHY CHURCHES have HEALTHY LEADERS
An elder must be blameless… Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. Titus 1:6-15 (NIV)
- A HEALTHY work deserves PROTECTION
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time… Titus 1:1-2 (NIV)
Our Core Values:
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We keep Jesus the main thing.
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We do life together.
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We add value to the world around us.
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We believe in the next generation.
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We live with urgency.
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
We don’t need any more information; we need more revelation.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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… Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
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.’” Luke 10:27 (NIV)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
We lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 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. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-19 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:7-8 (NIV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
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. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
- Faith begins in EVERYDAY FAITHFULNESS.
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… 1 Kings 19:19 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
If we can’t be faithful with small things, our faith will never rise for the big things.
- Faith needs RELATIONAL INPUT and OUTPUT.
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.” 1 Kings 19:14-16 (NIV)
Isolated faith can quickly turn into irrational fear.
The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came… 1 Kings 19:14-16 (NIV)
…and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 1 Kings 19:14-16 (NIV)
…Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 1 Kings 19:19 (NIV)
- Faith requires RECKLESS ABANDON.
Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
"The Miracle in the Mundane"
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
“Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)
- Be Diligent
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)
- Be Courteous
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
- Be Generous
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
“PERHAPS THE LORD”
“One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left. On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba. Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 14:1-7 (NIV)
God comforts the disturbed, but he also disturbs the comfortable.
- Your faith effects your friends and your friends effect your faith
“Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
- Faith is a decision…not an emotion
Any time you step out in faith you'll have to step over fear.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)
Feelings are horrible leaders but they're great followers.
You can't build Gods reputation unless you're willing to risk yours
No matter how afraid you are to look like a fool, you've got to step over that fear to do what God has called you to do.
- On the other side of your faith is someone else's awakening
Faith honors God and God honors faith
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
One life can make a difference
The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)
The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)
So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)
- One life can make a difference… in your world
This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Genesis 6:9-10 (NIV)
Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. Genesis 6:11-14 (NIV)
I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. Genesis 6:17-18 (NIV)
- One life can make a difference… in your family
You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:19-22 (NIV)
Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… Ephesians 2:1 (NIV)
…in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 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 by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy… Ephesians 2:2-4 (NIV)
- One life can make a difference… in you
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Will we be seen as “Giants of Faith”?
I am not trying to make you feel ashamed. I am writing this to give you a warning as my own dear children. 1 Corinthians 4:14 (NCV)
For though you may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Through the Good News I became your father in Christ Jesus, so I beg you, please follow my example. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NCV)
Follow My Example
That is why I am sending to you Timothy, my son in the Lord. I love Timothy, and he is faithful. He will help you remember my way of life in Christ Jesus, just as I teach it in all the churches everywhere. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (NCV)
You then, Timothy, my child, be strong in the grace we have in Christ Jesus. You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NCV)
What would happen if we slowed down and told the next generation what we know and how we do it?
Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:11-12 (NLT)
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4 (NLT)
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. 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. Psalm 78:2-4 (NLT)
And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)
How can I influence others?
1. Integrity
2. Nurture
3. Faith
4. Listen
5. Understanding
6. Enlarge
7. Navigate
8. Connect
9. Empower
10. Reproduce
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. Luke 7:36-37 (NIV)
- Only Jesus can satisfy the longing in our hearts.
What are you looking to for satisfaction that is leaving you empty and longing?
As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7:38 (NIV)
- Worship is both our rightful response AND our only responsibility in God’s presence.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100 (NIV)
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100 (NIV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100 (NIV)
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100 (NIV)
Our faith will increase when we learn to give God everything BEFORE we feel anything.
What does your worship look like?
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
“Tell me, teacher,” he said. Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Luke 7:39-43 (NIV)
- The enemy will bring opposition to your worship.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? Luke 7:44-50 (NIV)
I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Luke 7:44-50 (NIV)
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:44-50 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Luke 7:44-50 (NIV)
Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:44-50 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Does my faith inspire my worship or do I wait for “worship songs” to inspire my faith?
Will you give him everything… before you feel anything?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 (NIV)
The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
- When the problem came, He TOOK PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem… Nehemiah 2:11-18 (NIV)
By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (NIV)
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (NIV)
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (NIV)
- When he fully grasped the situation, he ASKED FOR HELP.
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. Nehemiah 3:1(NIV)
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
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.” 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.” Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
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.” Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. Nehemiah 4:6-15 (NIV)
3. When opposition came, he STAYED FOCUSED.
…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?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer… Nehemiah 6:3-4 (NIV)
Stop giving attention to the voice of opposition and stay focused on the good work God has put in front of you.
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. Nehemiah 6:16 (NIV)
Too often we are waiting for the miraculous and God is just waiting for faithfulness.
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. Joshua 2:1 (NIV)
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. Joshua 2:1 (NIV)
Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Joshua 6:1 (NIV)
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. Joshua 6:2 (NIV)
The enemy will often use your PROBLEMS to block God’s PROMISE.
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Opposition doesn’t PREVENT the presence of God in our lives; it creates the opportunity to PROVE the presence of God.
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. 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.” Joshua 6:3-5 (NIV)
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." Acts 13:38 (NIV)
"Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses." Acts 13:39 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36 (NIV)
Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” Zechariah 3:1-5 (NLT)
Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” Zechariah 3:1-5 (NLT)
Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by. Zechariah 3:1-5 (NLT)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)
4 Reasons We Don’t Fight and Lead Spiritually
- We are unsure of ourselves
- We have equated providing with leading
- We manipulate instead of lead
- We’ve never seen it modeled or taught
How to Fight for What Matters Most
Understand that leading is a calling
Be intentional. (Be on your guard)
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:9-11 (NIV)
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Lead Relationally
Be Vulnerable
Be a Servant
Be Men of Courage
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
Get over it being uncomfortable
“To see men filled with vision and empowered to be who God has called them to be…”
“We are Kings”
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession… 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
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A King is a SERVANT
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A Kings is a PROTECTOR
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A King is a LEADER
The greatest tragedy of the American Church and of our culture, is that men have abdicated their leadership.
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. Proverbs 31:1-9(NIV)
It is not for kings… Proverbs 31:1-9(NIV)
…it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Proverbs 31:1-9(NIV)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:1-9(NIV)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1-4(NIV)
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:1-4(NIV)
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:1-4(NIV)
Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. Proverbs 21:1-4(NIV)
The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. Proverbs 21:29-31 (NIV)
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:29-31 (NIV)
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
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 wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 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. Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
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. Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
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. Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:1-11 (NIV)
Who am I that I should go?
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[b] will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:12 (NIV)
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13 ( NIV)
Who are You?
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.’” Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Exodus 4:1 (NIV)
What if they don’t believe me?
Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Exodus 4:2-5 (NIV)
Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.” Exodus 4:2-5 (NIV)
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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Prosper: Tsalach (Hebrew) – To push forward; to advance
When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices… Proverbs 11:10 (NIV)
Biblical Prosperity = Having more than you need so that you can make an eternal difference in the lives of others.
God blesses us so that we can be a blessing.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… 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. Galatians 3:13-14 (NIV)
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. Genesis 12:2 (NIV)
When we bless others, God takes care of our needs.
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
The more God blesses us, the more He expects us to bless others.
Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater. Luke 12:48 (TLB)
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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
- I am blessed… as I PUT GOD FIRST.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
- I am blessed… as I MAINTAIN MY INTEGRITY.
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. Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
- I am blessed… as I GIVE INTENTIONALLY.
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. 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… 2 Corinthians 9:6-11(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. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11(NIV)
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 Corinthians 9:6-11(NIV)
The greatest deterrent to radical generosity is the illusion that Earth is our home.
- I am blessed… as I GIVE GENEROUSLY.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. Luke 6:38 (NIV)
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Command those who are rich… in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)
- I am blessed… as I STAY DEPENDENT ON GOD.
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 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. 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. 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. James 5:13-16 (NIV)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. Luke 8:40-56 (NIV)
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. 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. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
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. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
The Church is not a BUILDING where you ATTEND, but a COMMUNITY where you BELONG.
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. Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
- The Church is a COMMUNITY of COMPLICATION.
Growth brings complication.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
- The Church is a COMMUNITY of CONTRIBUTORS.
At Freedom Church, we are committed to developing people through ministry and leadership RESPONSIBILITY.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
- The Church is a COMMUNITY of CONSTANT SACRIFICE and CONSISTENT INCREASE.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2 (NIV)
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. Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Brokenness = A spiritual state in which we come face to face with the reality of who we are.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
To walk through a THRESHOLD OF SCARY… we have to embrace a SEASON OF BROKENESS.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-10 (NIV)
Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10 (NIV)
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Grieve (Conviction)
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Mourn (Confession)
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Wail (Consecration)
The end of yourself is where you begin to really know God.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha…So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:1-7 (NIV)
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.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” John 11:1-7 (NIV)
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. John 11:17-27 (NIV)
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:17-27 (NIV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:17-27 (NIV)
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:17-27 (NIV)
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “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.” John 11:38-45 (NIV)
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:38-45 (NIV)
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:38-45 (NIV)
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:38-45 (NIV)
Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. John 11:38-45 (NIV)
What is your threshold of scary?
What is hanging in the balance of you crossing your threshold of scary?
Who’s life could be changed because you crossed over your threshold of scary?
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. Psalm 97:1-6 (NIV)
His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. Psalm 97:1-6 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
Message Title: A WILD JOURNEY
This life is one long WILD JOURNEY, and embracing it is the only way we discover a WILD GOD.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
- There is PURPOSE in the PAIN.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
What if your misfortune is a divine set up for the miracle that God wants to perform?
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
- The MIRACLE you NEED won’t always arrive the way you WANT.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
“How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
- Not everyone will understand YOUR journey.
…A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
- Whisper your OPINIONS, shout your STORY!
Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:1-39 (NIV)
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” John 9:1-39 (NIV)
- Jesus is not only our guide and our source… He’s our destination.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:1-11 (NIV)
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. John 8:2-11 (NIV)
They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. John 8:2-11 (NIV)
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. John 8:2-11 (NIV)
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. John 8:2-11 (NIV)
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:2-11 (NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
- Finding ACCEPTANCE in the face of accusation
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT)
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. Romans 8:1 (AMP)
- Going from prison to FREEDOM
…There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)
- Moving from death to LIFE
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
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. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
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. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
Have you experienced for yourself, what Easter really means?
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14:32–38 (NIV)
Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:32–38 (NIV)
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:32–38 (NIV)
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. John 19:16-30 (NIV)
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:16-30 (NIV)
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. John 19:16-30 (NIV)
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. John 19:16-30 (NIV)
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:16-30 (NIV)
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. John 19:16-30 (NIV)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:16-30 (NIV) John 19:16-30 (NIV)
- Our debt of sin…
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. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 (NLT)
- His love for us…
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
- Our access to Him…
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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. Colossians 1:19-22 (NIV)
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation… Colossians 1:19-22 (NIV)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)
He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. Isaiah 53:3-11 (NIV)
For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)
Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. Matt 22:18-19 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22:37-40 (NIV)
- Wild Love Serves
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1-15 (NIV)
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:1-15 (NIV)
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:1-15 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. John 13:1-15 (NIV)
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:1-15 (NIV)
- Wild Love Seeks
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. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
- Wild love Sacrifices
The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” Hosea 3:1-3 (NIV)
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” Hosea 3:1-3 (NIV)
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. Job 9:4-10 (NIV)
He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. Job 9:4-10 (NIV)
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Job 9:4-10 (NIV)
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
“The glory of God is man fully alive.” – St. Irenaeus
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:5 (NLT)
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:1-17 (NIV)
- Discover Him for yourself…
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:1-17 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-17 (NIV)
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked… John 3:1-17 (NIV)
- Approach Him with your doubt…
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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:1-17 (NIV)
- Dare to believe...
The life we want is on the other side of our inhibitions with God.
…Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 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.” Acts 19:1-2 (NIV)
- Because we need a constant revelation of JESUS
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 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. John 16:12-14 (NIV)
He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. John 16:12-14 (NIV)
If we will change what we SEEK, it will change what we SEE.
- Because we need a guide into the things of GOD
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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-20 (NIV)
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:13-20 (NIV)
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:13-20 (NIV)
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms… Ephesians 1:13-20 (NIV)
- Because we need help staying UNITED as the CHURCH
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
- Because we need BOLDNESS to carry this message into the WORLD
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.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Power = dunamis (DYNAMITE)
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! Acts 2:14-17 (NIV)
No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Acts 2:14-17 (NIV)
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 (NIV)
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. John 14:12 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit’s POWER in your life is for the PEOPLE in your world.
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-5 (NIV)
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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:1-5 (NIV)
Baptizo = to submerge or immerse completely
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,Jesus came and stood among them and said,“Peacebe with you!”After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.The disciples were overjoyedwhen they saw the Lord. John 20:19-22 (NIV)
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 (NIV)
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 (NIV)
Salvation = Eternal life / the Baptism of the Holy Spirit = Power in THIS life.
When the day of Pentecostcame, they were all togetherin one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.All of them were filled with the Holy Spiritand began to speak in other tonguesas the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
While Apolloswas at Corinth,Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus.There he found some disciplesand asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spiritwhenyou believed?” Acts 19:1-6 (NIV)
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive? ”John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptismwas a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”Acts 19:1-6 (NIV)
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them,and they spoke in tonguesand prophesied. Acts 19:1-6 (NIV)
- To Communicate the Gospel to other Nationalities
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Acts 2:4-8 (NIV)
- To Personally Communicate with God
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. 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NIV)
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 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. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NIV)
- To Strengthen other Believers
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. 1 Corinthians 14:5 (NIV)
To Strengthen Ourselves
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NLT)
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit… Jude 20 (NLT)
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 (NIV)
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began… 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 (NIV)
Glory = the fullness of God
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 (NIV)
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 (NIV)
- Remove the Barriers
- Request
- Receive
- Release
The Holy Spirit’s goal is not to make you WEIRD, but to make you POWERFUL.
On Easter Sunday we are launching a third service! (9am 10:30am & 12pm)
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)
I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God… 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-20 (NIV)
The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-20 (NIV)
Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:15-20 (NIV)
So who is He?
The Holy Spirit is NOT a FORCE to experience, but a PERSONALITY to KNOW and RELATE with.
3 things that help identify who the Holy Spirit is to us:
- He is our ADVOCATE
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. John 15:26 (NIV)
As our ADVOCATE, The Holy Spirit stands WITH US and stands up FOR US based on what Jesus has already done.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)
- He is our GUIDE
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment… John 16:7-8 (NIV)
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 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. John 16:12-13 (NIV)
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. John 14:26 (NIV)
God loved us so much that He didn’t just make a WAY… He provided a GUIDE.
The Holy Spirit will only lead us to the level of our surrender.
- He is our “right here” GOD
And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)
And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)
He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 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.” John 16:14-15 (NIV)
On Easter Sunday we are launching a third service! (9am 10:30am & 12pm)
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)
I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God… 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-20 (NIV)
The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-20 (NIV)
Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:15-20 (NIV)
So who is He?
The Holy Spirit is NOT a FORCE to experience, but a PERSONALITY to KNOW and RELATE with.
3 things that help identify who the Holy Spirit is to us:
- He is our ADVOCATE
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. John 15:26 (NIV)
As our ADVOCATE, The Holy Spirit stands WITH US and stands up FOR US based on what Jesus has already done.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)
- He is our GUIDE
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment… John 16:7-8 (NIV)
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 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. John 16:12-13 (NIV)
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. John 14:26 (NIV)
God loved us so much that He didn’t just make a WAY… He provided a GUIDE.
The Holy Spirit will only lead us to the level of our surrender.
- He is our “right here” GOD
And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)
And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)
He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 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.” John 16:14-15 (NIV)
Behind every highlight reel you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don’t.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith... Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
The same God, who stands with us in our HIGHLIGHT REEL, walks with us through every moment behind the scenes.
- Someone who is SPIRITUALLY PRODUCTIVE
His divine powerhas given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of himwho called usby his own glory and goodness.Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
Spiritual productivity is not just about what you “do for God”, but what we allow Him to produce in us.
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! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
- Someone who has discovered KINGDOM PURPOSE
In God’s Kingdom, PURPOSE propels PRODUCTIVITY.
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well... Romans 12:4-6 (NLT)
- Someone who is devoted to PRAYER
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1,6 (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. Hebrews 11:1,6 (NIV)
Don’t want something FROM GOD, more than you just WANT GOD.
- Someone who sees PURPOSE in PAIN
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG)
Pain is the crucible through which God refines us.
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NLT)
- Someone who maintains an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
When we have an eternal perspective we learn to live with a spiritual tension at all times.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
And let us runwith perseverancethe race marked out for us…Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
…fixing our eyes on Jesus,the pioneerand perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow wearyand lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Behind every highlight reel you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don’t.
Children are our greatest responsibility… and our most valuable resource.
I’m not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I’m writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (MSG)
There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up… 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (MSG)
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. James 1:27 (NLT)
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV)
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV)
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them… Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV)
5 Targets for Effective Leadership in the Home
- Clear VISION and VALUES
Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained… Proverbs 29:18 (AMP)
VISION is your destination; VALUES are your guideposts for the journey.
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 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. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT)
- Individual AFFIRMATION and ATTENTION
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
Affirmation = WHO AM I?
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
When we don’t TAKE THE TIME to AFFIRM our children, they will look for it in other ways.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (NIV)
- Lessons in PRESSURE and PATIENCE
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 (NIV)
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. Proverbs 22:15 (NIV)
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV)
Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV)
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life… Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV)
Our moments of PATIENCE give more credibility to our moments of PRESSURE.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
- A model of HUSTLE and HUMILITY
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
Don’t be so busy working for your family that you sacrifice the leadership your family needs from you.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
HUMILITY keeps the motive of your HUSTLE pure.
God’s grace is covering your child more than your parenting decisions are forming them.
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT)
Behind every highlight reel you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don’t.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)
What is the “Behind the Scenes” of a successful marriage?
- A husband and wife who MUTUALLY RESPECT each other.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbandsas you do to the Lord.For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,his body, of which he is the Savior.Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbandsin everything. Husbands, love your wives,just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Ephesians 5:22-25 (NIV)
Submit to one anotherout of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
Mutual respect breeds mutual trust, which creates mutual intimacy.
- A husband and wife who engage in HEALTHY CONFLICT
A marriage that doesn’t shy away from conflict… grows closer THROUGH conflict.
“In your anger do not sin”:Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,and do not give the devil a foothold… Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)
Where we don’t make every effort… we will ALWAYS allow bitterness to take root.
You don’t have to love healthy conflict, but learn to love the RESULTS of it.
- A husband who LEADS and a wife who COUNSELS
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. Proverbs 21:19 (NIV)
Submit to one anotherout of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21-24 (NIV)
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbandsas you do to the Lord.For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,his body, of which he is the Savior.Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbandsin everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 (NIV)
Leadership is never about RIGHTS; it’s about RESPONSIBILITY.
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV)
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV)
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
- A husband and wife who fight for a RHYTHM of PURSUIT.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV)
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV)
However, each one of you also must love his wifeas he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV)
Love and respect are not duties to be performed, but the privilege of pursuit.
Comfort is never the goal in marriage… an equal pursuit that resembles the passion of Jesus is.
Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses. How beautifulyou are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Song of Songs 7:5-10 (NIV)
Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breastslike clusters of fruit. I said, “I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.” May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine. Song of Songs 7:5-10 (NIV)
May the wine go straight to my beloved, flowing gently over lips and teeth. I belong to my beloved, and his desireis for me. Song of Songs 7:5-10 (NIV)
- A husband and wife who focus on PERSONAL CHANGE.
The work you want God to do in your marriage will always begin with the work He wants to do in you.
For every Highlight Real you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don’t.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matt 8:23-27 (NIV)
What does it take to have health Godly friendships?
- You need People who are going in the same direction as you
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. Matt 8:23-24 (NIV)
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
- People who aren’t afraid to challenge you
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
- People who know how to suffer with you
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 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. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
- People who will always point you to Jesus
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 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?” Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
Who’s in your boat? Who are you doing life with?
For every Highlight Real you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don’t.
We exist to lead people into a new life of FREEDOM in Jesus.
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT)
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT)
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT)
Our freedom, designed by heaven, has a divine purpose for this earth.
- Worship
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NIV)
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NIV)
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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NIV)
I pray we never become people who expect God’s UNCONDITIONAL love and grace, while ascribing to Him CONDITIONAL worth.
- Relationships
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. Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV)
We exist to lead PEOPLE into a new life of FREEDOM in Jesus.
If we don’t love PEOPLE, we can’t LEAD people.
- Purpose
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. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Because of the privilege and authority 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. Romans 12:3-6 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well… Romans 12:3-6 (NLT)
Don't let the absence of SPECIFICS prevent you from experiencing what's AVAILABLE.
Purpose is revealed in pieces… and each piece is discovered by faithfulness.
- Ministry
Our ultimate purpose in this life and ultimate fulfillment… will always be tied to the mission of Jesus.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17-21(NIV)
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21(NIV)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21(NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21(NIV)
Minister (diakonos) = to execute the commands of another; the servant of a king
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
He has sent me to proclaim FREEDOM for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
We exist to lead people into a new life of FREEDOM in Jesus.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-36 (NIV)
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” John 8:31-36 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. John 8:31-36 (NIV)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-36 (NIV)
So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:3-9 (NIV)
What does a life of Freedom look like?
- Freedom to be CHANGED by His LOVE
...I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV)
The “immeasurably more” that God wants to do in our lives, will always begin by us allowing His love to change us from the inside out.
If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Romans 8:32-39 (NLT)
Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:32-39 (NLT)
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:32-39 (NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:32-39 (NLT)
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:32-39 (NLT)
The key to DISCOVERING freedom is accepting His love; the key to LIVING in Freedom is to let KEEP accepting it.
- Freedom to WALK in His GRACE
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
Grace = undeserved favor
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
We will never outgrow our need for the Grace of God.
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. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
- Freedom to be LED by His SPIRIT
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… Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 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. Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)
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. Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)
But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT)
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. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT)
“THIS IS FREEDOM.”
We exist to lead people into a new life of FREEDOM in Jesus.
“Let there be Light” Bridge:
Good news embracing the poor
Comfort for all those who mourn
For the broken hearted we sing louder
Release from prison and shame
Oppression turning to praise
For ev'ry captive sing louder
Restoring sight to the blind
Breaking the curse of the night
For all in darkness sing louder
Proclaiming freedom for all
This is the day of the Lord
Beauty for ashes
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
He has sent me to proclaim FREEDOM for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
FREEDOM from the PRISON of SIN.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT)
But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT)
We can’t appreciate the JOY of freedom, unless we remember the COST of slavery.
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:22-24 (NLT)
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:22-24 (NLT)
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. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT)
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT)
FREEDOM from a SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS.
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. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV)
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV)
The greatest tragedy of the Christian life is not any circumstance you will go through, but when you stop viewing everything through the LIGHT of the Cross.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:3-5 (NIV)
FREEDOM from the SHAME of your PAST.
Just because we WERE guilty, doesn’t mean we ARE guilty.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV)
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
FREEDOM from a LIFE without GOD.
The greatest tragedy of humanity’s story… is NOT having a relationship with God.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV)
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding… Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV)
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV)
Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want, but is the complete surrender of your life to the one who knows why you were created.
…Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. Habakkuk 2:2 (NCV)
We exist to lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus.
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.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Local Missions
$18,759 Given
Breakdown
Local Pastors
National Missions
$12,656 Given
ARC - 79 Church planted
Church Partnerships - $ given
International Missions
$15,771 Given
Missionaries in India
Hope Coffee
One Hope
A21
Freedom Church
$50,790 Given to Missions
372 avg. Weekly Attendance (up 24% from 2015 at 301)
410 Salvations
260 First-time Guests (who filled our welcome cards)
33 Baptisms
93 People Attended Growth Track
11 Completed Growth Track
26 Small Groups in the Fall
194 People in Small Groups
42 Added to the Dream Team
164 People serving on the Dream Team
5 billion people
30,000+ people in Boone County
23% of the US population doesn’t have a religious identity
19% of the US population would call themselves “Former Christians”
78% of Generation Z believes in God
41% are connected to a Local Church
“You can’t ask people to build what they can’t see.”
Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
REVELATION
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
We don’t need any more INFORMATION; we need more REVELATION.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)
4 Revelations we need to have:
- A Revelation of KNOWING GOD
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people… Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)
21-Days of Prayer and Fasting
If you want God to reveal Himself to YOU, you have to make yourself available to HIM.
- A Revelation of FINDING FREEDOM
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
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. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
Once we get a revelation of who God is… we get a revelation of the TRUE FREEDOM He has for us.
“This is Freedom”
- A Revelation of DISCOVERING PURPOSE
Now you are the body of Christ,and each one of you is a part of it.1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
The effectiveness of the Church reaching lost people, is contingent on each person in the Church discovering their PURPOSE and doing their PART.
- A Revelation of the DIFFERENCE YOU ARE CALLED TO MAKE.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Don’t rob the world AROUND YOU of the gift INSIDE YOU… that God wants to use to make a difference THROUGH YOU.
“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. Luke 10:2 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t die to give us a new RELIGION to follow, but a new LIFE to experience.
Message Title: Instructions for a New Year
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)
- Create and fight for a culture of HONOR.
RELATIONAL PEACE is a result of MUTUAL RESPECT.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive… 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
- Warn the IDLE and DISRUPTIVE.
…encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
- Look beyond YOURSELF.
Looking beyond YOURSELF is how you get beyond WHERE YOU ARE.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV)
- Live for the OTHER person’s good.
Love is living for the other person’s good.
Rejoice always…1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
- Make a HABIT and a PRACTICE of rejoicing.
…pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
- Pray CONTINUALLY.
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting… Worship Night
If you get up and pray in the dark, you will have more strength and clarity in the light.
…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
- Give thanks in ALL circumstances.
Giving thanks in ALL circumstances is a sure fire sign of spiritual maturity.
Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NIV)
- Don’t quench the SPIRIT.
You can be Spirit Led, filled and driven… without being weird.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (NIV)
- Don’t write off the PROPHETIC.
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. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)
- Allow God to SANCTIFY you through and through.
Sanctify = purify, cleanse, separate, dedicate
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
The life God promises IS on the other side of instructions He has given us to follow!
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
Of the greatness of his government and PEACE there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
“A Thrill of hope… the weary world rejoices.
For yonder breaks… a new and glorious morn.”
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
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. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
- His peace is NOT what you think.
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. John 16:33 (NIV)
God’s peace is not an external feeling; it’s an internal condition
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
- His peace is CONDITIONAL.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
God’s peace is not conditional based on your circumstances, but based on your surrender.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
- His peace is CLOSER than it seems.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Immanuel = God With Us
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
- His peace has a PRICE.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)
Christmas is an announcement that God is close… and it’s an invitation into his Kingdom of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and PEACE there will be no end. Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)
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. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Message Title: “Fathered into Purpose”
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…Psalm 68:5-6
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was Faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
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. 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.” Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
- Affirmation
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. Matt 1:20, 16-17 (NIV)
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Matt 1:20, 16-17 (NIV)
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. 1 John 3:1-3 (MSG)
But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. 1 John 3:1-3 (MSG)
- Correction
Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19-21, 24 (NIV)
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. 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.” Matthew 1:19-21, 24 (NIV)
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:19-21, 24 (NIV)
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 3:5-6, 11-12 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:5-6, 11-12 (NIV)
- Protection
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13-16 (NIV)
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:13-16 (NIV)
- Direction
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” Matthew 2:19-23 (NIV)
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. Matthew 2:19-23 (NIV)
I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (NIV)
How you see Jesus will determine how you celebrate His arrival.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
Message title: Power for the Impossible
What is the impossible thing in your life right now?
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 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, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:26-38 (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. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
- Impossible DREAMS
What am I believing God for that seems out of reach for me?
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
If you don’t have an impossible dream, than you don’t need a Mighty God.
- Impossible PAIN
If I am not hurting, I am not growing.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT)
For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT)
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” – C.S. Lewis
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. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
- Impossible QUESTIONS
God is GREATER than your GREATEST questions.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV)
Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV)
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV)
God can handle your questions, but your FAITH won’t allow them to lead you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
- Impossible IMPERFECTIONS
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
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. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Message Title: Lift Your Head
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)
This Christmas season we don’t need change of situation… as much as we need a change of perspective.
- People LIVING in FEAR
Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear… Isaiah 8:12-22 (NIV)
Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Isaiah 8:12-22 (NIV)
Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. Isaiah 8:12-22 (NIV)
- People LOST in DARKNESS
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress… Isaiah 9:1-3 (NIV)
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:1-3 (NIV)
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. Isaiah 9:1-3 (NIV)
- People EXHAUSTED from the FIGHT
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. Isaiah 9:4-5 (NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV)
- COMFORT in your circumstance.
…The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5(NIV)
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5(NIV)
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
- PERSPECTIVE on your responsibility.
We want God to change our CIRCUMSTANCES… God wants to change US.
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. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you… Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
- HOPE for your tomorrow.
…In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you... 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
When eternity is our perspective… our circumstances aren’t permanent.
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. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
I am doing better than I think I am, and God is doing more than I think He is.
“The Holy Spirit”
Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:12-17 (NIV)
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Acts 2:12-17 (NIV)
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Acts 2:12-17 (NIV)
These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! Acts 2:12-17 (NIV)
No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people… Acts 2:12-17 (NIV)
He is not AN IT.
How you see Him will determine how you relate to Him.
He is not WEIRD.
Don’t make your decisions about God based on the behavior of people.
1. He is my INNER VOICE.
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. John 16:8 (NLT)
Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3 (NIV)
- He is my TEACHER.
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. John 14:26 (NIV)
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT)
3. He is my GUIDE.
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. John 16:13 (NIV)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
4. He is my FRIEND.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever… John 14:16 (NIV)
The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG)
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Ephesians 4:30 (MSG)
- Holy Spirit SHOW ME.
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. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
You don’t need me telling what is right and wrong… you need to lean into what HE is trying to show you.
- Holy Spirit CHANGE ME.
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
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. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I used to be.
- Holy Spirit FILL ME.
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit… Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)
Being filled with the Spirit doesn’t make me better than you… it makes me better than me.
“Spiritual Warfare”
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
We have to stop looking at the SPIRITUAL through the LENS of NATURAL… and start looking at the NATURAL through the LENS of the SPIRITUAL.
When we understand the SPIRITUAL fight… it helps us make more sense of the NATURAL fight.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
3 things you have to know about the Spiritual Fight:
- You have to KNOW it’s coming.
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. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
- You have to KNOW that it will typically follow significant spiritual moments.
- You have to know that the enemy thrives in ISOLATION and works in COUNTERFEITS.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
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. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
In the spiritual fight, Isolation is his strategy and counterfeits are his weapons.
Counterfeit GOOD
Counterfeit TRUTH
The main objective of spiritual attack is to get us to doubt who WE are… and who GOD is.
Counterfeit WORSHIP
- You can WORRY
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
- You can get WEIRD
- You can WORSHIP
- You can follow the WORD
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV).
Big Idea: The Spiritual Fight is very real… but if we aware of it… and prepared for it… not matter the circumstances… it won’t take us out.
…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. Colossians 2:14-16 (NIV)
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:14-16 (NIV)
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 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." Matthew 15:21-26 (NIV)
Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." Matthew 15:21-26 (NIV)
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:10-11 (KJV)
Many will be offended
And shall betray one another
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19 (KJV)
And shall Hate one another
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Matthew 15:25-27 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28 (NIV)
“HOW DO I HANDLE STRESS?”
Stress stats from the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STRESS:
44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago
1 in 5 Americans experience EXTREME stress (hands shaking, heart palpitations, depression)
60% of all disease and illness is caused by stress.
3 out of 4 doctors visits are for stress related ailments.
Stress increases the risk of heart attack by 25% and a stroke by 50%.
Stress related ailments cost the nation $300 Billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity
What causes our stress?
Money
Time
Relationships
Conflict
I’m married
I’m not married
Job
Deadlines
Parenting
Expectations of others
The next President of the United States
The Indianapolis Colts Coaching staff
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. John 16:33 (NIV)
God never promised to TAKE AWAY your trouble, but to give you PEACE IN THE MIDST of your trouble.
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all… Psalm 34:19 (NIV)
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-10 (NIV)
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Selah) Psalm 62:5-10 (NIV)
Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Psalm 62:5-10 (NIV)
Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Psalm 62:5-10 (NIV)
- Time
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)
- Money
But godliness with contentmentis great gain.For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)
Those who want to get richfall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)
For the love of moneyis a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faithand pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)
This is what theLordsays: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good wayis, and walk in it… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
…and you will find restfor your souls… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
3 PRACTICAL Principals for navigating through your stress:
-
Live with a sense of PURPOSE and URGENCY.
-
Put FIRST THINGS first.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
- Keep my HEART SET on HEAVEN.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1-2 (NIV)
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? John 14:1-2 (NIV)
The key to handling our stress is to stop asking God to change OUR SITUATION… and to start asking Him to change US.
Teachability= The desire and willingness to learn something new and to relearn what you think you already know
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
Message Title: Long-Term Teachability
…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. Philippians 3:4-14 (NIV)
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 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… Philippians 3:4-14 (NIV)
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. Philippians 3:4-14 (NIV)
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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:4-14 (NIV)
He refused to see Finish lines, only Mile Markers
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal… Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
He believed there was more in him and for him.
But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
- He didn’t put much stock in his Past Successes.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind… Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
...though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. Philippians 3:4-7 (NIV)
…I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:13-16 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:13-16 (NIV)
- He let the Hope of the Future Compel him.
…straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal… Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV)
- He kept his eyes on the Prize.
…to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
What will you do to live a life of Long-Term Teachability?
Teachability = The desire and willingness to learn something new AND to relearn what you think you already know
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
Message Title: “The DANGER of Success and the BEAUTY of Failure”
He holds success in store for the upright... Proverbs 2:7 (NIV)
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:23-24 (NIV)
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 (NIV)
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 (NIV)
Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly…. I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness… but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both. Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 (NIV)
Then I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 (NIV)
So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 (NIV)
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been… 1 Kings 11:4-11 (NIV)
The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. 1 Kings 11:4-11 (NIV)
So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 1 Kings 11:4-11 (NIV)
Teachability is wisdom in attitude form.
The danger of success is that it creates comfort, which can breed pride and kill teachability in our lives.
The greatest threat of future success is current success. – Pastor Craig Groeschel
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
Most of my life’s greatest lessons came cloaked in the disguise of my failures.
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse. Proverbs 24:16 (AMP)
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. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place… Psalm 51:4-17 (NIV)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:4-17 (NIV)
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you… Psalm 51:4-17 (NIV)
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:4-17 (NIV)
The beauty of failure is that it holds lessons and shifts our perspective like nothing can.
We have to maintain an appropriate view of success and failure.
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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
Success is not final, and failure is not fatal.
We have to embrace discomfort.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-5 (NIV)
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5 (NIV)
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. James 1:2-5 (NIV)
Our SUCCESS in this life is not a result of our earthly achievement, but our spiritual perseverance.
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Proverbs 19:20 (NIV)
We have to commit to staying hungry AND humble.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
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.” 1 Peter 5:5-10 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-10 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 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. 1 Peter 5:5-10 (NIV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:5-10 (NIV)
Teachability = The desire and willingness to learn something new AND to relearn what you think you already know
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
Message Title: “Get Wisdom”
Wisdom = knowing the right thing to do and doing it.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Getwisdom. Though it cost allyou have,get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.” Proverbs 8:1-4 (NIV)
Life-Principles found in Proverbs
The Generosity Principle
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generousperson will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)
The Watch Your Mouth Principle
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)
The I Can Control My Emotions Principle
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11(NIV)
The Encouragement Principle
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
The Wise Counsel Principle
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
The Little-by-Little Principle
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11 (NIV)
The Shut up & Work Principle
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (NIV)
The God Knows Best Principle
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
4 places we can discover wisdom for our lives:
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-10 (NIV)
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:6-10 (NIV)
We cannot access the WISDOM of God apart from the WORD of God.
THE MOMENT WE RECOGNIZE WE NEED IT
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 3:5-6 (NIV)
If TEACHABILITY is the key to everything, then SELF-AWARNESS is the ability to pick up the key.
THE QUESTIONS WE ASK
I believe new levels of wisdom are waiting for us at the corner of SELF-AWARNESS and HUMBLE CURIOSITY.
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. James 1:5 (NIV)
Our desire to learn is revealed in the questions we ask.
The best question to ask = “What is the wise thing to do?”
To answer before listening—that is folly and shame… The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:13-15 (NIV)
THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)
If we are going to live lives of TEACHABILITY, we have to forever redefine the word TEACHER in our lives.
“The ultimate goal is to see everyone, everywhere, everyday as a teacher you can learn from. That’s what it means to live a lifestyle of teachability.” – Matt Keller
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Vision = a mental image of what the future will or could be like
…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV)
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. John 3:16 (NIV)
Freedom Church exists… To lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus
Jesus didn’t die to give us a new RELIGION to follow, but a new LIFE to experience.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
And theLordanswered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)
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. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)
Message title: “Making Room for Vision”
Make Room for GOD.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 (NIV)
We keep JESUS the main thing.
…When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV)
JESUS is how the relationship with God BEGINS… WE determine how the relationship with God GROWS.
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. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Make Room for PEOPLE. (Spending a lot of my time here.)
We do life TOGETHER.
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT)
Our walk with God is PERSONAL, but it was never meant to be PRIVATE.
The people WE need.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
The people who need YOU.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2(NIV)
We are spiritually wired to CAST OUR BURDENS and CARRY OTHER’s BURDENS.
Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38 (NIV)
If your life stinks right now, could it be because you have become a stagnant pool of unhelth instead of a flowing river of life?
The next generation who need US.
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. Psalm 78:4 (NLT)
We believe in the next generation.
The lost people who need JESUS.
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV)
Make Room for THE PART WE PLAY.
“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. Luke 10:2 (NLT)
The effectiveness of the Church reaching lost people, is contingent on each person in the Church doing THEIR PART.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spiritdistributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyoneit is the same Godat work... 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV)
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body… 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV)
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV)
Too many of us are DISTRACTED by our PROBLEMS, because we have not DISCOVERED our PURPOSE.
Make Room for WHAT’S NEXT.
We live with URGENCY.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Margin is the distance between where we are and our limits.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
FULL (Perissos) = exceeding some number, measure, rank or need; over and above; more than is necessary; something further
Discovering BREATHING ROOM is not about learning how to ESCAPE your life, but how to properly LIVE your life.
Message Title: Financial Breathing Room
The lack of margin and healthy rhythm in our lives is often a result of the condition of our finances.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21(NIV)
Our STANDARD OF LIVING does not equal our QUALITY OF LIFE.
DEBT can RAISE your STANDARD OF LIVING, but will LOWER your QUALITY OF LIFE.
DISCIPLINE can LOWER your standard of living, but will INCREASE your QUALITY OF LIFE.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7(NIV)
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:1-7 (NIV)
God does not just give us PRINCIPALS to live by, but PREDICTIONS of the outcome.
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13 (NIV)
3 Decisions that lead to Financial Breathing Room
Decide your PERCENTAGE.
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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
God is not looking at the amount, but the amount in relation to what you have.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
God will always take your 90% further than we could ever take our 100%.
Decide on a PLAN.
A Budget tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
Decide to KEEP TRUSTING GOD.
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.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
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.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 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.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 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. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
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.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
Margin is the distance between where we are and our limits.
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. Ephesians 5:15-16(NLT)
Message title: Permission
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Permission to EXCEPT REST
Shabbat = to cease, stop, to intentionally put to rest
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest…Hebrews 4:9-12 (NIV)
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
A key ingredient to living with margin in is to understand AND except the rest that God wants us to experience.
We may think we can handle it stress MENTALLY, but we CANNOT control what it does to us PHYSICALLY.
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. Isaiah 40:31(NKJV)
Rest is not an obligation, but an invitation.
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 (NIV)
Permission to EMBRACE a NEW RHYTHM
“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. Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)
The notes are silver; the rests are gold. – Mozart
It is the combination of the INTENIONAL WORK and INTENTIONAL REST that teach us how develop a healthy, spiritual rhythm to our lives.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)
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. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV)
Rest is not an escape FROM the work; it’s a necessary part of EFFECTIVE work.
Permission to DEFINE the RIGHT YES
Our problem isn’t that we can’t say “NO”, it’s that we have not clearly defined our right “YES.”
If everything is important… nothing is important.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
“What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be.”
Mariginisthespacebetweenthestuffthatmakesthestuffworthwhile.
Margin is the space between the stuff that makes the stuff worthwhile.
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4 (NLT)
We cannot manage time; we can only manage ourselves within the boundaries of time we have been given.
The quickest way for something important to lose it’s significance, is to eliminate the space around it.
Margin is the distance between where we are and our limits.
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)
3 Roadblocks to Living with Margin
Our culture celebrates BUSYNESS.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
“Speed is the single greatest threat to a healthy life.” – Brady Boyd (From his book, Addicted to Busy)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
A BUSY life does not equate a FULL life.
We mistake MOVEMENT for forward PROGRESS
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-2 (NIV)
Be still, and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
We are doing TOO MUCH
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-17(NLT)
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17(NLT)
The tension between “Be careful” and “Make the most of every opportunity” is managed in the margin.
3 Ways to Develop a Life-style of Margin
Be intentional with your time.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12(NIV)
Start Uncomplicating your life.
I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (MSG)
Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (MSG)
For every thing you give your time to, something else is being sacrificed.
Make time with Jesus your priority
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
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!” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
The easiest way to discover margin, is to spend TIME with the One who created TIME.
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. John 15:5 (NIV)
The health of the church is the only thing that will support the harvest of people that the church is called to reach.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 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. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
The Fruit of the Spirit are not FEELINGS… they are CHOICES.
There is no fruit called OTHERS-CONTROL.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)
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. Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)
You will forever be the hardest person you will ever have to lead.
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
- BEHAVIORS we need to quit.
Behavior modification is not the goal of following Jesus… It’s the by-product of the new life He has planted on the inside of us.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24(NLT)
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. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
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. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
- BOUNDARIES we need to create.
A boundary defines what is allowed and what is not.
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Temptation will always be there… but BOUNDARIES put distance between temptation and sin.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2-3 (NIV)
A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:2-3 (NIV)
We are in control of our lives and have whatever we CREATE or whatever we ALLOW.
- BLIND SPOTS we all have.
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15-16 (NIV)
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:15-16 (NIV)
You CANNOT control in yourself, what you cannot SEE in yourself.
“You have nothing better to do with your life than to spend every moment trying to improve.” –Joyce Meyers
- BOLD FAITH to trust God more than anything else.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
Self-control is not about your WILL POWER… it’s about GOD’S POWER IN YOU.
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. Romans 8:11-14 (NLT)
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. Romans 8:11-14 (NLT)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:11-14 (NLT)
When we can trust God more than our feelings, and realize we have power over our actions and emotions… God will use us beyond our imagination.
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. John 15:5 (NIV)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 (NLT)
Gentleness is not a passive weakness… but a strength of character to act with humility.
Gentleness is ultimately about how sensitive and responsive our heart is to God.
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)
The movement of God
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters.Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT)
You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT)
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT)
Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT)
There are few things more tragic than a child of God, missing out on the movement of God.
… Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t show up on the scene pointing out everyone who was wrong… He showed up in a spirit confident gentleness simply showing people what was right.
The needs of others
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?Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Gentleness in out life looks like a genuine love for humanity.
The world around you
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
Having a gentle and responsive heart does not mean you respond how you want or feel, but what the situation needs most.
Godly confidence will always create human tenderness.
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. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
- Come to JESUS.
Only JESUS can perform the supernatural miracle of transforming your heart.
- Admit and surrender YOUR burdens.
When we carry burdens, God is not fully in control.
- Pick up HIS burden.
If you feel your heart getting hard and unresponsive… get to the feet of Jesus and learn to love people the way He loves you.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Faithful = the ability to be steadfast, constant, worthy of trust and confidence.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
My ability to stay FAITHFUL is directly linked to my ability to see GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers… and he brought their father a bad report about them. Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. Genesis 37:2-11 (NIV)
Faithful with the DREAM
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
I would rather speak a Godly dream prematurely out of faith, than to never speak it out of fear.
“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “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.” Genesis 37:19-20 (NIV)
Faithful in FRUSTRATION
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)
God will always be more concerned about what is happening IN you, than what is happening TO you.
…Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused. Genesis 39:6-7 (NIV)
And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. Genesis 39:10-12 (NIV)
One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants were inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” Genesis 39:10-12 (NIV)
But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:10-12 (NIV)
When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. Genesis 39:19-20 (NIV)
We have to get comfortable with the frustration of life… because the pain of frustration is PRESSING that reveals the CONDITION of our hearts.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NLT)
Faithful with RESPONSIBILITY
…But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 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. Genesis 39:20-22(NIV)
God is a good Father and is always giving you learning opportunities in one season that will enable you to step into more of the dream in the next.
…When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:48 (NLT)
If you are longing for the dream to become a REALITY, examine your attitude of faithfulness toward your CURRENT RESPONSIBILITY.
Faithful in the WAITING
Waiting will always take longer, when we are FOCUSED on the NEXT instead of being FAITHFULL with NOW
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream… Genesis 41:1(NIV)
In your waiting, don’t miss the opportunities to step into a smaller version of the very thing you are waiting for.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. Genesis 41:39-40 (NIV)
You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39-40 (NIV)
Faithful with FORGIVENESS
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (NIV)
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
If you are in it, it’s because God knows you can handle it.
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. John 15:5 (NIV)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 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. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT)
Goodness = Upright in heart and life
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! Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
Good THOUGHTS
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
God’s fruit of GOODNESS in your life will first be produced in your THOUGHT life.
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Proverbs 11:27 (NIV)
How you SEE your life... starts with how you THINK about your life.
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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)
Good WORDS
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. Matthew 12:33-35 (NIV)
…For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Matthew 12:33-35 (NIV)
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:33-35 (NIV)
The condition of your heart will always be revealed in the fruit of your tongue.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
The Freedom of Speech does NOT apply to Christians.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Good WORKS
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
…the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT)
God’s WORKS will reveal themselves as you HUMBLY walk in GOD’S WAYS.
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. Acts 10:38 (NLT)
A Good STORY
Your story thus far is not final and your story to come is not written.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us… Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP)
…let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us… Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP)
…[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
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. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
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. John 15:5 (NIV)
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants… Galatians 5:19-21 (MSG)
…a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. Galatians 5:19-21 (MSG)
I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom. Galatians 5:19-21 (MSG)
In our world we don’t have a BEHAVIOR problem… we have a HEART problem.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT)
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. Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT)
Message Title: “The Filter of Kindness”
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV)
- Our Attitude
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12-17(NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-17(NIV)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful… Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another… Colossians 3:12-17(NIV)
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 3:12-17(NIV)
“Your problem is now your problem. Your problem is the way you are acting because of your problem.” - Joyce Meyer
Doing what you don’t feel like doing is how you build Godly Character in your life.
- Our Interactions
A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:18-20 (NLT)
Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:18-20 (NLT)
God never intended for His characteristics in your life to be contingent on how people treat you… but for how you treat people to be contingent on His characteristics in your life.
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)
Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)
God never asks something from us that he does not first demonstrate to us.
- Our Influence
Kindness is a SPIRITUAL tool, that creates HUMAN productivity.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
You can disagree with someone... And still be kind to them.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other… Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 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! Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
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. Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Could it be that the influence you want to see, is just behind the Kindness you need to show?
Because we LOVE unconditionally, have the inner strength of JOY and PEACE, and we choose to exercise our PATIENCE… we can in every situation be KIND to the world around us.
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. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29 (NIV)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (NIV)
Patience is not about the wait. It’s about your attitude WHILE you wait.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight 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 do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Psalm 37:3-9 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord and Do Good.
Take Delight in the Lord.
Commit your ways to Him.
Be Still before the Lord.
Do Not Fret.
Refrain from Anger.
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. John 15:5 (NIV)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
Peace = a consistent calm unaffected by personal rage and situational chaos
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. John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace has nothing to do with your OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES, but it has everything to with your INWARD CONDITION.
Message title: “Pathway to Peace”
Peace with GOD
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)
Peace with OURSELVES
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus… Romans 8:6 (NLT)
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NLT)
If your past keeps resurfacing, you can rest assured that it’s not God bringing it up.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Peace with PEOPLE
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
Too often we judge other based off their actions, but judge ourselves based off our intentions.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NLT)
Change our approach to EVERYDAY LIFE
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good… 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NIV)
…they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NIV)
Peace is not a feeling based on external conditions… but an internal condition that will produce a feeling you can trust.
Come to grips with UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Confront the CHAOS
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t call us to be PEACEKEEPERS but PEACEMAKERS.
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)
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?” Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)
If you need peace in your life… stop looking at the chaos AROUND you and start speaking to the storm WITHIN you.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Misconceptions of Joy
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and me in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. Galatians 5:16-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25
1: That joy is happiness
2: Joy is related to your circumstances.
Rick Warren: We tend to think that life comes in hills and valleys. In reality, it’s more like a train tracks. Every day of your life, wonderful, good things happen that bring pleasure and contentment and beauty to you. At the exact same time, painful things happen to you or those you love that disappoint you, hurt you, and fill you with sorrow. These two tracks – both joy and sorrow – run parallel to each other every single moment of your life.
3: Joy is a feeling
1: Know what true joy is
2: Know what God says about you
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10(NIV)
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. Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
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. 1 Peter 2:9(NIV)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14
3: Know God personally
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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
Work The Ground
“The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.” Mark 4:15-20 (MSG)
“And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.” Mark 4:15-20 (MSG)
“The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.” Mark 4:15-20 (MSG)
“But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams.” Mark 4:15-20 (MSG)
Get Planted
Bring The Rain
Get Pruned
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 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.” John 15:1-6 (NIV)
“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. 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.“ John 15:1-6 (NIV)
Bear Fruit
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
1: Love has to be chosen.
2: Love has to be demonstrated.
3: Love has to be about them, not you.
To TEACH you how to read AND apply God’s Word to your life.
To HELP you see your life from God’s perspective.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
The internal work won’t always line up with the external circumstances.
Message Title: “Submission and Sacrifice”
- Your Marriage
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ… Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Marriage is a physical representation of a spiritual reality.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Submission and sacrifice may not be our natural responses… but they are our supernatural responsibilities.
- Your CHILDREN
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV)
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV)
As parents we don’t lead our children based on our current season or current temperament, but based on THEIR current needs.
- Your WORKPLACE
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-9 (NIV)
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Ephesians 6:5-9 (NIV)
Obedience and submission are not the same thing. You can obey and not be submitted in your heart.
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Ephesians 6:6 (NIV)
- Your SPIRITUAL BATTLEFIELD
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people… Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
You are not fighting FOR victory… but FROM victory.
To TEACH you how to read AND apply God’s Word to your life.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
To HELP you see your life from God’s perspective.
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. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
Message Title: “Spiritual Maturity”
There is a point we all must reach physically, mentally, and SPIRITUALLY where we move past IMMATURITY into MATURITY.
The goal is not PERFECTION… but PROGRESSION.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it… Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
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. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
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. 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. 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. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:1-24 (NIV)
- We fight for UNITY.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 2:2-3 (NIV)
The first sign of a mature Christian is… how well they fight for unity.
- We are CONTRIBUTERS, not CONSUMERS.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 11:13 (NIV)
A mark of maturity is recognizing the needs of the house… and acting with initiative.
- We are confident in what we BELIEVE.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)
Confidence is not an excuse for hatefulness.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)
- We are pursuing of HOLINESS.
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… Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
The pursuit of holiness is God’s invitation for us to be like Him.
- We are living in the LIGHT.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-16 (NIV)
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. Ephesians 5:8-16 (NIV)
This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-16 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:8-16 (NIV)
Living in the light breeds integrity; Living in the dark breeds hypocrisy.
- We are full of the HIS SPIRIT.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit… Ephesians 5:18-19 (NIV)
…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord… Ephesians 5:18-19 (NIV)
When you are full of the Spirit… you are under the spiritual influence of something that alters your natural state.
- We are full of GRATITUDE.
…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)
Being thankful is foundational part of true spiritual maturity.
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)
To TEACH you how to read AND apply God’s Word to your life.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
The bible is not a book you read through… It’s a book that reads through you.
To HELP you see your life from God’s perspective.
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. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
The Old Testament POINTS to God… The Gospel is the WAY to God… The New Testament shows us how to WALK WITH God.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
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 by nature deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
Message Title: “Good Works”
- The GOOD WORK God has done FOR us.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
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 by nature deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought nearby the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people… Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV)
…this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV)
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV)
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV)
- The GOOD WORK God wants to do IN us.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being… Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
Where His spirit dwells, there He swells. – Matthew Henry
…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
There is nothing that can overshadow your life when you see yourself as seated with Christ and you allow HIS Spirit to do a deep work in you.
Learning to define the work… is key to allowing the work to be finished.
- The GOOD WORK God wants to do THROUGH us
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
God did a work FOR us… that does a work IN us… in order to do a work THROUGH us.
The work God wants to do through you, begins with the work God wants to do in you.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… Ephesians 3:20-21(NIV)
…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21(NIV)
To teach you how to read and apply God’s word to your life.
To help you see your life from God’s perspective.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) 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.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 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.
Ephesians 1:1-23 (NIV)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Thanksgiving and Prayer
We are chosen by the Father.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
We are Redeemed by the Son
Ephesians 7-12 (NIV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
We are sealed by the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 13-14 (NIV) 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, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Never stop giving thanks
Ask for the spirit of wisdom and revelation
The eyes of your heart are enlightened
That you would receive His power
One Child Matters is a child development organization helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in poverty-stricken areas of the world.
By connecting ONE sponsor to ONE child, they ensure children receive food, education, medical aid, and hope in Jesus.
- There is only ONE mission.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV)
If we aren’t careful… we can compartmentalize the simplicity of what Jesus asked us to do… and treat other gospel strategies as less important than others.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
- It is the number ONE priority of the Church.
“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.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)
“…Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
The local church is the hope of the world.
…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. Isaiah 58:10-12 (NIV)
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. Isaiah 58:10-12 (NIV)
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:10-12 (NIV)
- It’s about ONE life at a time.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission is a RELATIONAL command for a RELATIONAL impact.
You’re here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break… Psalm 82:3-4 (MSG)
Your job is to stand up for the powerless… Psalm 82:3-4 (MSG)
That’s what I love about this organization… they are making a way for INDIVIDUALS to have an INDIVIDUAL impact… that collectively makes a difference. (ONE child matters… not 40,000)
- Only ONE name gets the credit.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NET)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
The Cup of Sanctification = “I will bring you out”
The cup of Deliverance = “I will free you”
The Cup of Redemption = “I will redeem you”
The Cup of Praise = “I will take you as my own people”
When we allow God to walk us through His process… the result is a life of fulfillment!
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
“I will bring you out” = Salvation
“I will free you” = Freedom
“I will redeem you” = Redemption
“I will take you as my own people” = Fulfillment
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God… Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
…to comfort all who mourn, 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. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
Our journey from slave to free is about God using our lives to move more people from slave to free.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:16-21 (NLT)
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Luke 4:16-21 (NLT)
Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:16-21 (NLT)
- Dream Big
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagine what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
Vision = what you see but haven’t reached
GIFT + FEAR + PAIN x VISION = A GOD SIZED DREAM
There is an unlived life in front of you… don’t settle for the life you have always known.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
…I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
- Find a Team
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
The life of fulfillment you want can never be found alone… it is only found within a group of people.
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. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT)
Because of the privilege and authority 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. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT)
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT)
A huge piece to the puzzle of your life is realizing the greater picture you are a part of.
We are all looking for a team where we can find 3 things:
Contribution
Community
Celebration
…Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
- Make a Difference
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Ultimate fulfillment comes when we live beyond ourselves and pour our passion into the service; when we do that, we change the world. – Chris Hodges
“One Child Matters” Video
“Could God really ___________?” “YES!”
Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20 (TLB)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
“Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will bring you out” = Salvation
“I will free you” = Freedom
“I will redeem you” = Redemption
“I will take you as my own people” = Fulfillment
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
The results we want hinge on our commitment to the process the results require.
To truly walk in Freedom, we have to move past our PROBLEMS by discovering AND living out our PURPOSE.
“…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)
Redeem:
- To buy back or repurchase
- To change for better or reform
- Repair or restore
If the devil can’t keep you out of Heaven, he will try to make you ineffective on Earth.
“…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)
- Inferiority
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:2 (NLT)
…Your right hand has held me up, your gentleness has made me great. Psalm 18:35 (NKJV)
INFERIORITY leads to INSECURITY, which affects our IDENTITY.
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. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
- DIVERSION
“…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
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. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
Regardless of how… the enemy is trying to prevent us from living out our full purpose.
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. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. Romans 11:29 (MSG)
- Discover your DIVINE DESIGN
Your DEISGN will reveal your DESTINY.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… Romans 12:6 (NIV)
Grace = Charis (Divine enablement)
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts… 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)
When you discover how God has designed you… you discover your pathway to making a difference with your life.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 139:13-14 (NLT)
- Live out your DIVINE PURPOSE
How you were made… points to WHAT you are suppose to do.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG)
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible... everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16 (MSG)
Our job as a church… is to help you DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and EQUIP you to live out your redemptive purpose.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… Ephesians 4:7,11-12 (NIV)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Your real purpose is to serve GOD by serving OTHERS.
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
The Cup of Sanctification = “I will bring you out”
The cup of Deliverance = “I will free you”
The Cup of Redemption = “I will redeem you”
The Cup of Praise = “I will take you as my own people”
“I will bring you out” = Salvation
“I will free you” = Freedom
“I will redeem you” = Redemption
“I will take you as my own people” = Fulfillment
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 (NLT)
The beauty of Christianity is not that we can follow God, but that God wants to walk with us.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7-8 (NIV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:7-8 (NIV)
“…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)
“I will free you from being slaves to them…” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)
SALVATION is removing you from a life a slavery… FREEDOM is removing a life of slavery from you.
There is a process after being SAVED… where we have to learn how to be FREE.
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… I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT)
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT)
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Romans 7:15-25 (NLT)
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT)
Salvation… is instant. Freedom… is a process.
…Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)
The goal is never behavior modification, but always life transformation.
- His SPIRIT
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. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT)
But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT)
He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT)
The Holy Spirit’s job is to teach us AND empower us to live out our NEW LIFE or FREEDOM.
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you… John 16:7-13 (NIV)
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” John 16:7-13 (NIV)
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again… Romans 8:15 (NIV)
…rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV)
Not only did God provide a way OUT of our old life… He provided a guide INTO our new life.
- His WORD
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
The bible is the instruction book for your new life.
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. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
God’s WORD teaches us a new normal… that God’s SPIRIT helps us live out.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
…in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
- His PEOPLE
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
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. James 5:16 (NIV)
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
We live for the other Person’s Good.
His Spirit guides us… as His Word teaches us… as we process it out with His people.
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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
The Cup of Sanctification = “I will bring you out”
The Cup of Deliverance = “I will free you”
The Cup of Redemption = “I will redeem you”
The Cup of Praise = “I will take you as my own people”
“I will bring you out” = Salvation
“I will free you” = Freedom
“I will redeem you” = Redemption
“I will take you as my own people” = Fulfillment
The first step in going from Slave to Free is… Salvation.
“I am the Lord, and I will bring you out…” Exodus 6:6
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 (NLT)
We keep JESUS the main thing.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Our salvation is the first promise and the first priority of our God.
- Our SIN
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT)
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness… Romans 6:17-23 (NIV)
What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 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. Romans 6:17-23 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:17-23 (NIV)
Submission to sin leads to DEATH. Submission to Jesus brings FREEDOM.
The solution to our sin problem is not TRY HARDER, but LET JESUS.
- Our PAST
I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Exodus 34:7 (NLT)
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.” Exodus 34:7 (NLT)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17(NLT)
Our story so far… does not determine our story to come, if we let JESUS write the rest.
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again… Romans 8:15 (NIV)
…rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV)
- OURSELVES
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature... Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead… Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
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. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
Change in your life will happen after you have been set free, but not change in order to become free.
Surrender
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. Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)
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. Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
Message Title: “Remember”
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory… 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV)
And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV)
Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT)
He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:30-32 (NLT)
They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-48 (NIV)
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them… Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
…“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened… Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)
The Old Testament POINTS to God… the Gospel is the WAY to God… the New Testament teaches us how to WALK with God.
- REMEMBER THE EMPTY GRAVE
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel… 2 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)
That Jesus LIVED, means little… That Jesus is ALIVE, means everything.
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. Romans 8:11 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t give His life to take you from bad to good… but from death to LIFE!
- REMEMBER MERCY
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. Psalm 51:4 (NLT)
Your darkest moment… couldn’t overshadow He did for YOU.
- REMEMBER LOVE
Love = living for the other person’s good
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)
It was not nails that held Him on that cross… it was His love for you.
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
Your biggest mistake… doesn’t change the way He sees you.
Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5-7 (NIV)
“The Way Out”
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:6-9 (NIV)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 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.” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
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.” And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
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?” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)
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Ungratefulness
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Ownership
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Impulsive
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Hoarding
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Standard of Living
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Debt
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he sees those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 (GNT)
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 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. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Luke 15:17-19 (NIV)
- Acknowledge the reality of where you are.
I've been out of step with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born. What you're after is truth from the inside out. Psalm 51:5-6 (MSG)
- Develop a plan of attack.
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)
- Do it now.
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
- Humbly ask your Father for help.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV)
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. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV)
Earning (Avg. household income = $52,000 / TOP 1% in the world!)
Spending (More than 70% of Americans don’t have a monthly written budget.)
Saving (Emergency Fund / 3-6 months… The avg. American spends 136% of their income.)
Investing (Instead of working for your money… your money is starting to work for you.)
Giving (Non-Christians 3% - Christians 3.8%)
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” Haggai 1:5-7 (NIV)
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Haggai 1:5-7 (NIV)
Message Title: “Beyond the Numbers”
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
5 Principals that go BEYOND THE NUMBERS:
CALLING vs. COMPENSATION
The secret to the life you want is to discover why you were put on this planet.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)
CONTENTMENT vs. CONSUMERISM
Beware! Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.” Luke 12:15 (TLB)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)
Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of what you have.
GOD DEPENDENT vs. INDEPENDENT
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Proverbs 18:11 (NIV)
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)
Staying God dependent in your finances is not about the amount you trust Him with… but the amount in comparison to what you have.
(Tithing = 10% / the average Christian = 3.8%)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)
STEWARDSHIP vs. OWNERSHIP
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
It ALL belongs to Him. We are just managing what He has allowed us to oversee.
GENEROSITY vs. MISERY
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Generosity is a demonstration of God’s love in a practical way.
The value of my life is not determined by how much I achieve or accumulate, but how much I give away.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age… 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
…so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
Message Title: God’s Will
“What is God’s will for my life?”
- We don’t trust God.
I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally… Ephesians 1:17-18 (MSG)
…your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him… Ephesians 1:17-18 (MSG)
We can only experience God’s will for our lives… when HE is LORD of our lives.
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We are aiming at the wrong thing.
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His SOVERIEGN will (His Works)
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)
- His REVEALED will (His Ways)
God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NLT)
Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NLT)
- His CONCEALED will
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV)
- We are paralyzed by fear.
…may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. Hebrews 13:21 (NLT)
- Do what you KNOW to do.
His REVEALED will is the path to His CONCEALED will.
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
When you are walking in His WAYS… you are living in His WILL.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-18 (NLT)
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit… Ephesians 5:15-18 (NLT)
“God’s will is more present than future, but often remains invisible until it’s in the past.” – Levi Lusko
- Do what you WANT to do.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
The will of God is what you will miss out on… when you are sitting around obsessing about it.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Take delight 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 do this… Psalm 37:4-5 (NIV)
“Love God and do whatever you will.” – Augustine
- Trust that HE will DO what HE NEEDS to do, to accomplish what HE WANTS to do.
And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:27-28 (NLT)
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. Romans 8:27-28 (NLT)
Message Title: “Holiness”
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. 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NLT)
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NLT)
What is the BATHWATER of Holiness?
- Incorrect Information
Holy = Set apart for God’s purpose
Holiness is NOT perfection. Holiness is the continued pursuit of God’s standard.
- Religious Pride
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! Matthew 23:27 (NLT)
For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.” Matthew 23:27 (NLT)
Before Holiness can be a public thing… it has to be a private thing.
- Shame of Failure
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20-25 (NIV)
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known... Romans 3:20-25 (NIV)
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:20-25 (NIV)
…and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:20-25 (NIV)
“Shockingly our righteousness has nothing to do with our behavior. God scandalously applies righteousness to our sin-drenched souls out of pure generosity.” – Peter Haas (Pharisectomoy)
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. Romans 6:1-14 (NLT)
And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives… So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:1-14 (NLT)
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. Romans 6:1-14 (NLT)
So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:1-14 (NLT)
- It’s possible.
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 2 Timothy 2:20-22 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-22 (ESV)
Your holiness does not determine His love for you, but how He will use you.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:20-22 (ESV)
You can only climb as high as you have people who are committed to your climb.
- It’s a choice
So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 20:7 (NLT)
Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. Romans 1:5 (NIV)
- It’s costly.
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him?” Luke 14:28-33 (NLT)
“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” Luke 14:28-33 (NLT)
God cares more about my CHARACTER, than my COMFORT.
...God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLT)
Whatever our holiness costs us… it cost Jesus so much more.
Message Title: “Sex”
An “ABSITNENCE = APPROVAL” understanding
Where GOD wants us to see PARAMETERS FOR PROTECTION, RELIGION wants us to see PARAMETERS FROM PUNISHMENT.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
A “DO WHAT YOU FEEL” mentality
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-9 (NIV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-9 (NIV)
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… Galatians 5:15-18 (NIV)
…You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Romans 8:12 (NLT)
A “SHAME IS ALL AROUND ME” perspective
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 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. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
God created Sex
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
…But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
Eden = pleasure and delight
God set parameters for our protection
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
God set parameters on sex… but they are wide parameters
God designed it to make marriage more dynamic.
Sex is a thermostat and a thermometer of your marriage.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21-31
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-31
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself… “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:21-31
Men = sex stimulate ours emotions
Women = emotion stimulates sex
Men = visually responsive
Women = relationally responsive
Men = emotionally modest
Women = physically modest
Men = compartmental
Women = inclusive
Sex puts us in touch with a world we aren’t naturally in touch with.
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:32 (NIV)
- A Commitment to PURITY.
Pure: free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; unmodified
The goal of saving sex for marriage has never been about saving your virginity… it’s always been about pursuing purity.
- A Commitment to INTIMACY
Message Title: “PRAYER”
Prayer = communication with God
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:5:17 (NIV)
What is the “Bathwater” of Prayer?
Ignorance
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
The worst thing you can do when it comes to prayer is to expect someone else to do it for you.
Pride
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-10 (NLT)
Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:7-10 (NLT)
Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:7-10 (NLT)
Shame
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
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. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
What are the benefits of prayer?
Prayer ALIGNS our Hearts
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Prayer has the power to REALIGN your heart.
Prayer BRINGS us Close
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:12-14 (NIV)
Prayer CULTIVATES our Faith
…If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)
Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)
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. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)
P – PRAISE
R – REPENT
A – ASK
Y – YIELD
I believe our success in the years and generations to come… will be marked by our FIGHT this year.
Message Title: “The RIGHT Fight”
What is the WRONG fight?
The FIGHT to be RIGHT
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)
The FIGHT for SELF-PROMOTION
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)
The FIGHT to PLEASE PEOPLE
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 (NLT)
The FIGHT to CHANGE PEOPLE
Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Romans 2:3-4 (NLT)
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:3-4 (NLT)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV)
- The FIGHT for UNITY
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-47 (NIV)
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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:44-47 (NIV)
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 (NIV)
Relationships have always been the conduit of our faith.
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
The greatest threat to the Kingdom of God, is not the kingdom of darkness… it’s DIVISION in the Kingdom of God.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV)
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
- The FIGHT to RUN YOUR RACE
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Comparison kills the work God wants to do IN you and THROUGH you.
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. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT)
What God is doing in someone else, has nothing to do with what God is doing in you.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24(NIV)
- The FIGHT to KEEP THE FAITH
The Gospel is not hard to understand, it’s hard to do.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, Hebrews 11:39 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Message Title: “Fight For Your Family”
A deep concern
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3-4 (NIV)
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:3-4 (NIV)
The first step in rebuilding the wall and fighting for your family is taking a look at what's really going on. Seek out the holes. Seek out the foundational issues. It's ok to be broken over it. It's good to pray about it. Let God speak to your heart about what He would have you to do. Nehemiah 1:3-4 (NIV)
- A passionate courage
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.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 (NIV)
Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 (NIV)
Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 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.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 (NIV)
When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. Nehemiah 4:11-15 (NIV)
- Decide who you're going to serve.
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)
- Decide who you're going to be.
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV)
Without vision, people perish.
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
As a household, who are you going to be!?
Message Title: “The Spiritual Fight”
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
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. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors... – C.S. Lewis
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptedby the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered,“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Then the devil took him to the holy cityand had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Jesus answered him,“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Jesus said to him,“Away from me, Satan!For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him,and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
Know what is TRUTH
You can’t detect a lie, if you don’t know the truth.
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. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (NLT)
Know the enemy’s STRATEGIES
...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
When it comes to the spiritual attacks in your life… you don’t need to be scared, but don’t be stupid.
Know your AUTHORITY
The SPIRTUAL FIGHT is not won through great effort, but through great resolve to STAY and STAND in SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.
“…on this rock I will build my church,and the gates of Hadeswill not overcome it.I will give you the keysof the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV)
“…whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will beloosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV)
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting… John 15:16 (AMP)
…so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. John 15:16 (AMP)
“The story of your life is the story of a long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it.” – John Eldredge
Message Title: “A Church in The Fight”
To lead people into a NEW LIFE of Freedom in Jesus
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
The Church is the only organization that exists for it’s non-members.
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 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. Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
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? Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
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, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
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!” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
A Church in the FIGHT… Is focused on getting people to JESUS.
We keep Jesus the main thing.
…When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV)
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV)
A Church in the FIGHT… is committed to removing the OBSTACLES.
And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 (NLT)
Too many people aren’t being reached, because too many Christians are sacrificing their potential effectiveness on the altar of tradition.
A Church in the FIGHT… moves with URGENCY.
Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)
So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)
“And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
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. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
“You have no idea what hangs in the balance of your decision to embrace the burden God has put on your heart.” – Andy Stanley
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)
Message Title: The FIGHT for Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. Habakkuk 2:2 (NCV)
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 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?” Mark 8:22-26 (NIV)
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Mark 8:22-26 (NIV)
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. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” Mark 8:22-26 (NIV)
RELATIONSHIPS
You will never rise above the level of the relationships in your life.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
FAITH
If we view God through the lens of “I want it now” we are going to find ourselves very frustrated.
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)
We want a moment… God wants a journey.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NLT)
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
AUTHENTICITY
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. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Freedom comes from being honest with your struggles.
OBEDIENCE
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. Hebrews 12:25 (NLT)
When we lose vision… it doesn’t mean that God does.
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Do what we SHOULD do.
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Do what we COULD do.
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To do what we WOULD do.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Freedom Church exists to lead people into a NEW LIFE of freedom in JESUS.
Message Title: “Crossing Over”
Immediately after this… Matthew 14:22 (NLT)
Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. Matthew 14:22 (NLT)
Calling
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ… Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching… 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. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
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. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT)
Your calling will always be connected to the body of Christ… the Church.
You didn’t SIGN UP… you followed a CALL.
After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Matthew 14:23-24 (NLT)
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. Matthew 14:23-24 (NLT)
Commitment
When we know JESUS has called us… we can trust HIM even when the path doesn’t make sense.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. James 1:2-4 (MSG)
You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. James 1:2-4 (MSG)
Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (MSG)
What God wants to do through you, will always begin with what He wants to lead you through.
About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” Matthew 14:25-27 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:25-27 (NLT)
Confidence
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT)
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT)
Commitment to the calling… will always breed confidence.
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT)
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT)
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT)
Clarity
“It’s time to step out of the boat into a place of uncertainty… because your uncertainty is the only place I move!”
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Matthew 14:34-36 (NLT)
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.
There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior… From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done…” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)
Christmas Eve
Message Title: “All is Bright”
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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. Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
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.” John 8:12 (NLT)
Light only works in the darkness.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 1:1-5 (NIV)
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (NIV)
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG)
You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG)
It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG)
Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG)
If you’ve never seen light… the darkness seems normal.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-14 (NLT)
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. Ephesians 5:8-14 (NLT)
But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said… Ephesians 5:8-14 (NLT)
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light. Ephesians 5:8-14 (NLT)
Light revels what you can’t see.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT)
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod… The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT)
His government and its peace will never end. Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT)
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” - C. S. Lewis
Message Title: “Choose Joy
Joy = “Khara” / cheerfulness, calm, to be well, delight, to thrive
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
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.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
Joy is NOT an EXTERNAL REALITY; Joy is an INTERNAL BELIEF.
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 (NLT)
What you BELIEVE… is more powerful your REALITY.
Joy is NOT a FEELING; JOY is a FRUIT.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing… John 15:5-11(NLT)
When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:5-11(NLT)
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. John 15:5-11(NLT)
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:5-11(NLT)
Joy is NOT a COINCIDENCE; Joy is a CHOICE.
…We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him… Colossians 1:9-11 (ESV)
…bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy… Colossians 1:9-11 (ESV)
- You have to BELIEVE it.
…Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
You are doing better than you think you are and God is doing more than you think He is.
- You have to SEE it.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
The closer you stay to Jesus, the more Joy you’ll find in your life.
- You have to SPEAK it.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21(NIV)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12(NIV)
“Stay in Awe”
Awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder
Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT)
For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT)
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT)
Fear = respect / Awe = to dwell in; inhabit
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NLT)
- Embrace the JOURNEY
“The progress a traveler makes is driven by His passion for the destination.” – Levi Lusko
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)
If you are going to seek Him with all your heart… you are going to have to leave what you’ve always known.
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Matthew 2:3-4 (NLT)
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Matthew 2:5-6 (NLT)
- Fight FAMILIARITY
If we aren’t careful, the FAMILIARITY of Christmas can steal from us the WONDER of Christmas.
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Matthew 2:7-8 (NLT)
- Make a PERSONAL discovery
Come near to God and he will come near to you… James 4:8 (NIV)
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (NLT)
"You will never fully understand God... But you can constantly discover Him." - Brady Boyd
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (NLT)
- Worship HIM
What we worship… is what has our deepest attention and affection.
Worship is not a religious duty… but a relational response.
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT)
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT)
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT)
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. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Worship establishes lordship.
Worship eliminates pride.
Worship exchanges burdens.
Worship elevates Jesus.
Message Title: “Find Peace”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 (NLT)
Jesus’ goal was not peace on earth… it was peace in you.
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. John 16:33 (NIV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 1:46-49 (NLT)
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. Luke 1:46-49 (NLT)
For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. Luke 1:46-49 (NLT)
- It is conditional
God’s peace is not conditional based on your circumstance, but based on your surrender
The mind governed by the flesh is death… Romans 8:6 (NIV)
…but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
- It doesn’t make sense
…The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:5-7(NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7(NIV)
INTERNAL peace is possible even in EXTERNAL CHAOS.
- It is closer than you think
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
God doesn’t just offer peace… it’s part of who He is.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Immanuel = God With Us
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force
The Tension Between CHURCH and CULTURE
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
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.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus doesn’t just offer eternal life… He offers eternal purpose.
…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
The local church is the hope of the world.
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. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
When we get comfortable in our faith, we begin to see the great commission not as a rescue mission… but a correction mission.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
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. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity… Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Keep Jesus the Main Thing
…Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
We have to be willing to sacrifice preferences in the name of effectiveness.
The 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, Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
to comfort all who mourn, 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. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
Fight the right battles
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT)
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 6:10-12 (NLT)
“There is no competition between lighthouses.” – Roy Stockstill
When don’t win when we win arguments… we win when people see Jesus.
Shine
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
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. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
Lost people were drawn to Jesus… they should be drawn to us.
Influence comes from association.
“Instead of cursing the darkness; try lighting a candle.” – Rich Wilkerson Jr.
Definition of Tension: Sense of conflict; a pulling force
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Psalm 55: 12- 14 (NIV)
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. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 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. 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV)
An offense is an event. Being offended is a choice.
- Stay off social media.
- Examine the vision for your life.
- Examine your expectations of other people.
- Examine your level of teachability.
- It’s not about you! Examine your pride.
- Stop looking for it!
- Email ryan@freedom-church,org
- Know your rights!
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. Proverbs 17:27-28 – 18:4 (NIV)
Here are three truths about offenses – (an event)
- It was wrong what they did to me
- What they did to me wounded me deeply
- What they did troubled me deeply
Three myths of forgiveness:
- If I forgive, it means I wasn’t really hurt
- If I forgive, I have to forget
- If I forgive, I have to act like it didn’t happen
Three truths about forgiveness:
- Forgiveness is a choice
- Forgiveness is a non-negotiable
- Forgiveness does not justify the event, but it does free you from it
The practical steps:
- Get counseling
- Humble yourself and realize what you’ve been forgiven of
- Look at how Jesus responds to us
Mark 11:25 says this:
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.”
Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see… Hebrews 11:1-6 (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. Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
“The Tension Between NOW and NEXT.”
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV)
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV)
Understand that where you are NOW is necessary for what is NEXT.
It’s easy to get frustrated with the NOW, not realizing what is happening now is setting us up for what God wants to do NEXT.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
What God wants to do NEXT is always built on the foundation of what He wants you to LEARN now.
…As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV)
And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV)
She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV)
Understand what got you HERE, won’t get you THERE.
Yesterday’s FAITH won’t get you through today’s FIGHT.
“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV)
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV)
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV)
Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV)
Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV)
Don’t get stuck in the NOW… there is always a NEXT
“Complacency kills growth.” – John Maxwell
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)
Our success in the NOW is not a finish line to celebrate, but a mile marker leading us to what is NEXT.
Don’t get discouraged in your NOW, when someone else reaches their NEXT.
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV)
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV)
When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV)
Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV)
But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV)
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
…Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)
Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
“The Tension Between FAITH and FEELING”
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
To follow Jesus… we have to walk by what we don’t see.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16-17(NLT)
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. Galatians 5:16-17(NLT)
These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17(NLT)
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. Romans 7:15-18 (NLT)
But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:15-18 (NLT)
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. Romans 7:15-18 (NLT)
We don’t belong to this world.
“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:10-11 (NLT)
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. 1 Peter 2:10-11 (NLT)
We are in this world… but not of it.
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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
We have a standard to follow.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
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. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
God's voice will always line up with God's word.
We can’t trust our feelings
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. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-10 (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. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:1-10 (NLT)
Choices lead; feelings follow.
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - C.S. Lewis
We need God’s power to manage it.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
The tension you feel is not stronger then the God you follow.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, 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. Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
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. Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force
“The tension between REALITY and ETERNITY”
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:1-2 (NLT)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. Revelation 21:3 (NLT)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5 (NLT)
THIS is not all there is… we are ETERNAL beings and there is an ETERNITY waiting.
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:4 (NIV)
Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5 (NIV)
"You made us for yourself, O Lord and our heart is restless until it rests in you." - St. Augustine
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf… Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
- See the invisible
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
- Shift your expectations
Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (NLT)
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)
- Let the pain point you; not paralyze you
…It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
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. 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)
“When your heart is properly focused on the things that are to come instead of paralyzed by the hard and horrible things that you have had to handle, you are postured to be effective in the present…” – Levi Lusko (From his book “Through the Eyes of a Lion”)
…to the degree that you cultivate your sense of longing for the next world, you will be able to combat the deadly hypnotizing pull of this one. ” – Levi Lusko (From his book “Through the Eyes of a Lion”)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
- Embrace the journey… ALL of it.
“What we do in life, echoes in eternity.”
Message Title: “Decision to be Generous”
6 Principles of Sowing Seed:
- Sowing & Reaping is a Law of Nature.
Sowing & Reaping is a Spiritual Law as well.
“Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 (NIV)
“Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Galatians 6:7 (NLT)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 (NASB)
We reap in kind to what we sow.
“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NIV)
We reap proportionately to what we sow.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
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We always reap more than we sow.
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There’s always distance between the “Sowing Season” and the “Reaping Season.”
There are 3 Driving Beliefs behind Sowing Seed:
- We must Believe that God is our Source.
- We must Sow Seed in Advance of the Harvest we Seek.
- We Look to God for the Harvest.
Message Title: Choice
The transformation you want to see comes down to the choice you are willing to make.
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NIV)
But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Deuteronomy 30:17-18 (NIV)
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give… Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)
There IS a way to manage our finances that POSITIONS us for God’s blessings.
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 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. Malachi 3:6-7 (NIV)
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ Malachi 3:7-8 (NIV)
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse —your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9 (NIV)
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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
If we plan to get out of debt and get rid of financial problems, the tithe has to be the absolute center of our plan.
4 facts about TITHING
- Tithing is about CONTROL
BRING the WHOLE tithe into the STOREHOUSE... Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
God won’t take control... you have to make a CHOICE to give Him control.
- NOT tithing has an impact on your FELLOWSHIP with God.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21(NIV)
- God attaches a PROMISE to the Tithe.
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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:11-12 (NKJV)
- With Tithing, God commands us to TEST Him.
God PROMISES that your 90 with His blessing will ALWAYS go further than your 100 without His blessing.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. Exodus 1:6-7 (NIV)
Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” Exodus 1:8-13 (NIV)
They made their lives bitter with harsh laboring brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly. Exodus 1:14 (NIV)
6 Realities of Debt:
Debt makes us a SERVANT to someone other than God.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Proverbs 18:11 (NIV)
Debt is something God WANTS us out of.
The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV)
The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:13 (NIV)
Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them. Deuteronomy 28:14 (NIV)
In the Bible, debt was always LIMITED to seven years.
At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 (NIV)
They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. Deuteronomy 15:2 (NIV)
Debt has the possibility of DICTATING our future.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. James 4:13-14 (NIV)
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15 (NIV)
Debt can affect our RELATIONSHIP with God, our family and our marriage.
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28 (NIV)
Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. Proverbs 11:29 (NIV)
The Bible never condemns debt; it just says we need to have a TRAJECTORY out of it.
6 Bondage Breakers:
COMMIT to God to get out of DEBT.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 (NIV)
Don’t ACQUIRE any more debt.
Put God FIRST in your finances.
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 3:5-6 (NIV)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8 (NIV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9 (NIV)
Develop a WRITTEN plan.
Put it on a TIME FRAME.
Adjust your LIFESTYLE.
You have to live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else. – Dave Ramsey
Message Title: “Attitude”
Changing our attitude toward our finances begins by being honest with our financial picture.
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. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
4 things we need in order to change our financial picture:
Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
We loose vision when nearsighted desires become clearer than farsighted dreams.
…Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
Right Thinking
Our financial problems begin and end with us.
Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
Our thoughts shape our reality.
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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Right Attitude toward God
Our financial picture will never change until we surrender control to the LORDSHIP of Jesus.
We have to acknowledge the sovereignty of God in our finances.
Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 (NLT)
Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (NLT)
“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 1 Chronicles 29:13-14 (NLT)
We have to recognize whatever we have is on temporary loan from God.
Possession does not mean ownership.
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NLT)
We have to get more of God’s wisdom and apply it to our finances.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
We have to change our actions.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)
Message Title: Same Team
Stop trying to change each other.
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NLT)
They aren’t you and that’s great news thing!
Go to counseling!
Maintenance is always better than repair…
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)
Build your team
Find people who you want to be like and do what they do
Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. 21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT)
Fight the Crazy Cycle
Healthy conflict can only exist with a same team mentality.
Keep it Current
Keeping it current helps you fights the temptation to sweep issues under the rug and allow bitterness to grow.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)
Have a playbook!
Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Let HIM lead; Let HER counsel
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 (NLT)
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word… Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT)
So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)
Leading the home is a responsibility NOT a right… responsibility serves; right demands.
When you are on the same team… what used to be viewed as CRITICISM is now seen as COUNSEL.
Parent from the Same Team
Support in front of them… discuss away from them.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Protect the 1st Team
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT)
Be more concerned with hurting your spouses feeling, than hurting other people’s feelings.
Play with Passion
Have FUN and stop making everything so SERIOUS.
The team who plays together off the field will play better together on the field.
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Message Title: A Good Defense
Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 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. Revelation 12:7-9 (NLT)
Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last; salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. Revelation 12:10 (NLT)
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth; the one who accuses them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10 (NLT)
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11 (NLT)
When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child… And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. Revelation 12:13,17 (NLT)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy… John 10:10 (NIV)
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
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. Colossians 2:13 (NLT)
He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (NLT)
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:15 (NLT)
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Exodus 17:8-9 (NLT)
“Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” Exodus 17:9 (NLT)
So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Exodus 17:10 (NLT)
Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 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. Exodus 17:10-11 (NLT)
Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and 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. Exodus 17:12 (NLT)
As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. Exodus 17:13 (NLT)
People who can see when the enemy is gaining ground.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7(NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
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. 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV)
People who will push you when we want to give up.
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:23-24 (NLT)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
People who will help you hold on to what God has redeemed in you.
…I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. Exodus 6:6 (NLT)
I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give… Exodus 6:7-8 (NLT)
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along... He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 (MSG)
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29-30 (MSG)
Sometimes the thing God has redeemed in you can become the very thing you want to let go of.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Message Title: For the Love of The Game
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Revelation 2:2-3 (NKJV)
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4 (NKJV)
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…” Revelation 2:5(NKJV)
…I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give… Exodus 6:6-8 (NLT)
RELIGION is your effort to PLEASE God.
JESUS is God’s effort to LOVE you.
Then God gave the people all these instructions: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. Exodus 20:1-2 (NLT)
“You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:3 (NLT)
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods… Exodus 20:4-6 (NLT)
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God…Exodus 20:7 (NLT)
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God... For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT)
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 (NLT)
“You must not murder. “You must not commit adultery. “You must not steal.
“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:13-17 (NLT)
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. Exodus 20:18 (NLT)
And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” Exodus 20:19 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” Exodus 20:20 (NLT)
As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was. Exodus 20:21 (NLT)
Signs you have lost your love for the game:
Your feelings are leading, not your choices.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
Choices lead; feeling follow.
You are moving, but not growing.
But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. Ecclesiastes 2:11(NLT)
There is no neutral. We are either growing or dying.
You aren’t having fun.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11 (NLT)
If you aren’t enjoying the journey, you aren’t doing something right.
You want to escape, instead of rest.
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. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
God established the Sabbath so we would develop a habit of REST, instead of working ourselves into the need for an escape.
How do we get back to our first love?
Rest our Bodies
When you are worn out… you won’t make wise decisions.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Realign our Hearts
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
Worship realigns our heart with an eternal perspective.
And so, dear brothers and sisters, 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. Romans 12:1 (NLT)
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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Refocus our Purpose
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Galatians 6:4 (MSG)
Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:5 (MSG)
Remember the Cost
He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans 4:25 (NLT)
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. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Message Title: “Just Get the 1st Down”
Our success is never the result of ONE big decision, but MANY small key decisions over time.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…Philippians 3:13 (NLT)
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… Joshua 1:1-3 (NLT)
Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with it’s king and it’s fighting men. Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV)
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. Joshua 6:3-4 (NIV)
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.” Joshua 6:5 (NIV)
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. Joshua 6:20 (NIV)
5 Key 1st Downs in life
Character Over Comfort
“An underdog… posses the ability to get knocked down 9 times but get up 10 times AND uses major setback as fuel for major comebacks. “
“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 (NIV)
The tendency is to RUN from the pain… we have to learn to LEAN INTO the pain and discover what it can teach us.
Being Teachable
Teachability: Being able to relearn that which you think you already know.
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Proverbs 3:6-7 (NIV)
Margin
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Marginisthespacebetweenthestuffthatmakesthestuffworthwhile.
Margin is the space between the stuff that makes the stuff worth while.
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:38-39 (NLT)
But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40 (NLT)
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God...” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Love everyone, but move with the movers
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.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. Acts 15:36-37 (NLT)
But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Acts 15:38 (NLT)
Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Acts 15:39-40 (NLT)
If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. Titus 3:10 (NLT)
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NLT)
“When you are transitioning to a new season of life, the people and situations that no longer fit you will fall away. Don’t fight the process.”
Not letting fear hold you back
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Joshua 1:7 (NLT)
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. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
God doesn’t just want to do a new thing some day… He is doing a new thing today!
…I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give… Exodus 6:6-8 (NLT)
A season of new LIFE
Behold, I am making all things new… Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
Life OUR way will never compare to life GOD’S way.
But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)
Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)
And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)
A season of new IDENTITY
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Religion is us trying to get prove love to God… Christianity is God trying to prove His love to us.
For HE CHOSE US…in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blamelessin his sight. In lovehepredestinedus for adoption to sonshipthrough Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the richesof God’s gracethat he lavished on us… Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
A season of new PURPOSE
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
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. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
The position you play is important to the success of the whole team.
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)
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. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)
So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)
A season of new OPPORTUNITY
And we know that God causes everything to work togetherfor the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
"I talked to him about where he wanted to go in the future, That's one of the things my dad always used to say to me when he was alive. 'Don't worry about where you are so much. What are you going to do to make it better?' And that's what I kept asking Mike. 'Where are you going to go from here?” – Tony Dungy
So how do we truly step into the NEW season God has for us?
- Leave the past behind.
“There is no middle ground here; we are embracing our past or embracing our future. We can’t do both at the same time.” – Pastor Brady Boyd
- Check your attitude.
How we leave one season will determine how we enter the next.
- Trust the process.
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. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
There is no prerequisite for salvation, but there is a process to Christianity.
…I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give… Exodus 6:6-8 (NLT)
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 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. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
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? 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, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 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!” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
- Do whatever you can to get them in the house.
Your commitment to getting people to Jesus has to be stronger than your desire for personal comfort.
There are no prerequisites to salvation, but there is a process to Christianity.
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Remember that your faith can bring others freedom.
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. Acts 16:34 (NIV) -
Learn to work together while you play your own part.
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:18-26 (NIV)
- Never stop Rejoicing!!
I Will Not Go Out Free
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what your really are, while your reputation is merely what other think you are.” – John Wooden
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Exodus 20:2
“If you buy a Hebrew slave, he may serve for no more than six years. Set him free in the seventh year, and he will owe you nothing for his freedom.” Exodus 21:2
“But the slave may declare, ‘I love my master…I don’t want to go out free.’ If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door or doorpost and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will serve his master for life.” Exodus 21:5-6
“But the slave may declare, ‘I love my master…I don’t want to go out free.’” Exodus 21:5
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT)
True freedom comes with a level of personal responsibility.
…As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus… was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David,have mercy on me!” Mark 10:46-47 (NIV)
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 (NIV)
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Mark 10:49 (NIV)
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. Mark 10:49-50 (NIV)
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Mark 10:51 (NIV)
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (NIV)
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.”Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV)
Walking with Jesus, means paying attention to the marginalized.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before himand said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Matthew 8:2 (NIV)
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Matthew 8:3 (NIV)
Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Matthew 8:3 (NIV)
“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. Matthew 25:34 (NLT)
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. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT)
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ Matthew 25:37-39 (NLT)
“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!’ Matthew 25:40 (NLT)
When we truly follow Jesus… we will stop identifying people by their brokenness and will start seeing them how HE sees them.
Our Job is to bring people to Jesus, not change them for our comfort.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:20-21 (NLT)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)
For God so loved the world that he gavehis one and only Son, that whoever believesin him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.John 3:17 (NIV)
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Never forget the life YOU left behind
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. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee... From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:13, 17 (NLT)
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. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:18-22 (NLT)
Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went... Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT)
- Occupy with VISION
Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God’s teachings. Proverbs 29:18 (GW)
Without a clear vision for your life, you will just aimlessly wander.
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36 (NLT)
He said to his disciples, “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.” Matthew 9:37-38(NLT)
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. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NLT)
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 (NLT)
- Occupy with AUTHENTICITY
…He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Matthew 16:13 (NLT)
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:14-15 (NLT)
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (NLT)
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; Matthew 3:16 (ESV)
and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV)
God doesn’t need you… God wants you.
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. Ephesians 2:10(NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
- Occupy with FAITHFULNESS
“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. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? Luke 16:10-12 (NLT)
People should be shocked by the size of the vision in your heart AND by the dedication to the task in your hand.
If you will be faithful with what God put in your hand, He’ll make sure you fulfill what He has put in your heart.
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it… Romans 12:1-2The Message (MSG)
We lead PEOPLE into a new life of FREEDOM in JESUS.
Value # 1 - We Keep Jesus the Main Thing
Value # 2 - We Live for the Other Person’s Good
Value # 3 - We Add Value to the World Around Us
Value # 4 - We Live with Urgency
Urgency: Of pressing importance; requiring swift action
“True urgency focuses on critical issues, not agendas overstuffed with the important and the trivial.” – John Kotter
…Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
70% of the World population is unchurched.
30% of the US population is unchurched.
57% of the Indiana population is unchurched.
53% of the Boone County population is unchurched.
64 Churches in Boone County…
- We are always PRAYING
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
We have to work like it depends on us and pray like it depends on God.
- We are always GETTING BETTER
…We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 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. Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
The casualty of a growing church is personal comfort.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)
Vision is the greatest deterrent of sin. – Jeannie Mayo
- We are always REACHING ONE MORE
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “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.” Matthew 9:36-38 (NLT)
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 (NLT)
“A big reason that a true sense of urgency is rare is that it’s not a natural state… it has to be created and recreated.” – John Kotter
You will never fully understand the vision of Freedom Church until you invite a friend who is far from God.
Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.John 4:35 (NIV)
- We are always BUILDING
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but take what we do seriously.
“Look, I am coming soon!My reward is with me,and I will give to each person according to what they have done.Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
We lead PEOPLE into a new life of FREEDOM in JESUS.
…Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
Value # 1 - We Keep Jesus the Main Thing
Value # 2 - We Live for the Other Person’s Good
Value #3 – We Add Value to the World Around us
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Matthew 5:13 (MSG)
…Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. Matthew 5:14 (MSG)
If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Matthew 5:15 (MSG)
Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (MSG)
…Let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. 1 John 3:18 (MSG)
- We SERVE
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Serving is simply when you intentionally focus your energy on meeting someone else’s need.
…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. Romans 12:3 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:4-6 (NLT)
So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 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. Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 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. 1 Corinthians 12:14-15 (NLT)
And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 1 Corinthians 12:16-17 (NLT)
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NLT)
The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 (NLT)
When the body is WORKING properly, the body can do more WORK.
…Among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 (NLT)
- We are Radically GENEROUS
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)
The hallmark of Christianity is radical generosity.
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 (NLT)
When we are generous with our EXCESS, we will always have an excess to GIVE.
- We are LIFE-GIVING
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
The greatest way we can breathe life into a situation is to SPEAK life.
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. Ephesians 4:29(NIV)
The hard conversation you need to have could be the most life-giving thing you could ever say.
Are we wind at their back or wind in their face?
- We Leave it BETTER Than We Found It
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:15 (NLT)
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world…following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. Ephesians 2:1-3 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us… Ephesians 2:6-7 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 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. Ephesians 2:8-11 (NLT)
We lead PEOPLE into a new life of FREEDOM in JESUS.
…Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
Value #2: We Live For The Other Person’s Good
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.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)
LOVE = Living for the OTHER person’s good.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)
- We SHARE our lives with each other
…Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of Godbut our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
Real LIFE-CHANGE happens in the context of RELATIONSHIPS.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 ESV)
We are not a church WITH small groups; we are a church OF small groups.
There is a better version of yourself on the other side of your decision to surround yourself with people who can make you better.
- We see the BEST in others
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Proverbs 11:27 (NLT)
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” – Benjamin Disraeli
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. 1 John 4:19-21 (MSG)
- We are insanely LOYAL
I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. Titus 3:9-10 (MSG)
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2 (NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)
If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. Matthew 18:15-20 (MSG)
- We push others to the FRONT
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NIV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 (ESV)
When we push others to the front, we kill the selfish insecurity in our hearts.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:20-23 (NLT)
The local church is the HOPE of the world!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
We lead PEOPLE into a new life of FREEDOM in JESUS.
…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out... Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
Value # 1 – We Keep Jesus the Main Thing
…Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)
- WE WORSHIP
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32 (NLT)
- WE HANG ON HIS EVERY WORD
All Scripture is God-breathedand is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (NLT)
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35 (NIV)
Before Jesus can be the MAIN THING in our church… He has to be the MAIN THING IN OUR LIVES.
- WE MARRY THE MESSAGE; NOT THE METHOD
…These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observeyour own traditions!Mark 7:6-9 (NIV)
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40 (NLT)
We will sacrifice PREFERENCE and TRANDITION… in the name of EFFECTIVENESS.
- WE ARE ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE FAR FROM GOD
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV)
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 (NIV)
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
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. 2 Timothy 2:22(NLT)
- Together we GET BETTER
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
There are BLIND SPOTS in your life that you need help SEEING.
- Together we HEAL
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
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. James 5:16 (NLT)
There are WOUNDS in your life that you need help HEALING.
- Together we are STRONGER
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
There are PROBLEMS in your life that you need help OVERCOMING.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble… 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. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
- Together we MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)
There is a VISION in your heart that need help LIVING OUT.
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 (MSG)
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 (NLT)
It’s not the EXTERNAL circumstances that determine your courage, but your INTERNAL condition.
“See it Through”
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Philippians 4:10 (NLT)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)
Contentment is not being ok WITH your situation, it’s being ok IN your situation.
I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
“All our fears are rooted in the idea that I may not HAVE enough or I may not BE enough.” – Pastor Steven Furtick
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)
1. Through the SHOCK
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 2 Kings 6:15 (NIV)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
2. Through the CONFUSION
“Don’t be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16 (NIV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
3. Through the NATURAL
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)
Faith doesn’t INSULATE us… it AWAKENS us.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Whatever the problem is… it’s just a LENS to see how big our God is!
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. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Message Title: “It’s Already Written”
(Paul – Philippians – Jail)
…Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) Good Report… There are a lot of bad reports. (Examples)
I want a good report… (People who only bring problems…)
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. Psalm 112:6-8New International Version (NIV) It is possible (in fact it’s God’s plan for us), to be people who are not shaken… not driven by our emotions.
The fear of bad news – Parents of driving teenagers, emails, church volunteers, report cards,
Wives – “We need to talk.”
Transition: We all want a “GOOD REPORT” But bad reports are inevitable…What do we do with bad news?
When Moses sent them to explore Canaan,he said, “Go up through the Negevand on into the hill country.18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified?20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)
23 When they reached the Valley of Eshkol,they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranatesand figs.24 That place was called the Valley of Eshkol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there.25 At the end of forty daysthey returned from exploring the land.
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadeshin the Desert of Paran.There they reported to themand to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land.27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey!Here is its fruit.28But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.We even saw descendants of Anakthere.29 The Amalekiteslive in the Negev; the Hittites,Jebusitesand Amoriteslive in the hill country;and the Canaaniteslive near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Calebsilenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. Numbers 13:17-32 (NIV) (What happened next…) Transition: I believe that there are times in our life that we are missing out on what God wants to do in our life… because we don’t have the courage to trust God when the bad report comes. When you receive a bad report… there are 3 questions you need to ask yourself: 1. What Has Already Been Promised?
God’s word is FULL of incredible promises… (Not a distant God… but active in out life)
Examples – ( Peace, close to the broken hearted, our sin was buried, a new mind, healing…)
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) Some of us hear the bad report… and immediately forget what God has promised.
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. 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. Exodus 3:7-8 (NIV) Over 170 times – “The Land I HAVE given you.”
The thing they were scared of… is the thing that God had already promised victory over.
There are things in our life that happen… that we can’t control… that don’t make sense… and we allow them to steal from us what God has already promised.
Stories that are “Already Written” (Pastor / West Wing)
Some of us approach our day… situation… with a story that is already written… based on what we believe about God. (Heart – Thoughts)
He tells them to size up their situation… not THEIR ability to handle it. (Explain)
It’s ok to size up your SITUATION, but don’t try to size up your to handle it.
If it’s your situation… you CAN handle it.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 8 The Lord gives his people strength. Psalm 28:7-8 (NLT)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2NLT) 2. What is My Reality?
27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey!Here is its fruit.
28But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. Numbers 13:27-28
Reality = things as they actually exist
That makes sense… but many of us don’t SEE things as they actually exist!
Grapes = reality (Look at the blessing… look at what God wants to give us…)
Report = perspective
We don’t experience our REALITY… we experience our PERSPECTIVE.
Remember… WE can control the environment of our heart… WE can think different… which will alter our perspective.
You can be staring at the reality of God’s faithfulness in your life… but so afraid of the giants that you never experience the blessing.
The news is the issue… the report is your interpretation.
Fear can turn good news into a bad report.
There were 12 people. Same reality. Different perspective.
I would if I could. NO you could if you would!
You can claim what God has given you… but still have to fight for it.
There is STILL action involved on our part… but when we choose to see HIS reality and not OUR perspective… we will take hold of the blessings He has for us!
“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.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
3. What Report Will I Believe?
30 Then Calebsilenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” Numbers 13:30-31
All 12 saw the same reality…2 believed a different report.
The report you BELIEVE is more important than the news you RECEIVE.
There will be all kinds of reports… from all kinds of people… sources… opinions… what will you believe?
We don’t have to have good NEWS to believe a good REPORT.
Hope this will change the way you look at your situation… YOU CAN WRITE the report… before the news comes.
…TheLordhas anointedmeto proclaim good newsto the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…
2 to proclaim the year of theLord’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. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)
“What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NIV)
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 4:1 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
God is more concerned with what is happening IN you than what is happening TO you.
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9 (NIV)
Hold That Thought
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT)
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” Matthew 14:24-26 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. Matthew 14:27-29 (NLT)
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT)
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said, “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31 (NLT)
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him, “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:32 (NLT)
Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
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… Romans 12:2 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27 (NLT)
- We don’t give FEAR control
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Bravery is not the absence of fear, but action in the face of fear.
- We take THOUGHTS captive
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. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
When you take a thought captive, you’ll reveal an enemy objective.
- We stay FOCUSED
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT)
“Faith is the byproduct of correct focus.” – Steven Furtick
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (AMP)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. Philippians 2:20 (NIV)
There is a big difference between genuine concern and needless anxiety.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)
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? Romans 8:32 (NIV)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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. Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)
Control what you can (YOU) and trust God with all the THINGS you can’t.
“Worry is a down payment on a problem you may never even have.” – Joyce Myers
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. Mark 4:35-39 (NIV)
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Mark 4:37 (NIV)
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?” Mark 4:38 (NIV)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 (NIV)
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41 (NIV)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 (NIV)
Jesus doesn’t allow storms to test us… but to TEACH us.
…When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6 (NLT)
If you learn how to calm the waves within… you’ll learn how to ride the waves without.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV)
The bravest thing you can do in the storm… is worship the one who controls the wind.
Intro: Welcome to Freedom Church!! (NEXT Sunday)
April is an exciting month… celebrating a new Season. (Easter, Baptism, New faces…)
Thankful today… that we serve a God who never changes BUT who is always doing NEW things!
New things in your life as well…(Our Prayer for you)
Today: We are continuing our series “Jesus is____” …Where we have been looking at some misconceptions of Jesus and laying out the TRUTH of who Jesus really is!
…And the fact that discovering Jesus, will completely alter our very existence!
Recap: We’ve learned that Jesus is ALIVE… and GRACE.
Transition: Today we are going to look another defining characteristic of Jesus that should be a great comfort to us all…
Message Title: “Jesus is a friend of sinners”
(I can be a neurotic neat freak… compulsive cleaner… BUT MY WIFE… her mom… HIVES!)
Most of us do this! Someone is coming over…frantically shoving stuff in drawer’s… cabinets… disguising the disorder of our homes. (As if our mess… will alter the relationship)
Transition: If were honest, we even do this with God.
We live with this assumption that until we get our lives in order, God will want nothing to do with us!
(Break down as you read)
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name.“Zacchaeus!”he said.“Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
9 Jesus responded,“Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.10 For the Son of Mancame to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:1-9 (NLT)
Transition: In this moment with Zaccheaus, Jesus shatters that assumption that we often live with… That we have to clean up, before God will show up.
We’ve learned over the past 2 weeks that we cannot earn God’s love.
There is no amount of giving, serving, reading, praying, doing… that can tip the scales in our favor!
No in fact you will find God consistently trying to open your eyes to the fact that there is no scale!!
So that is settled. Living right, does not make us right. Jesus makes us right.
Transition: So Jesus wants a relationship with me, despite all the things I have done and will ever do? Yes! Jesus is a friend of sinners!!
But wait a minute… what do I do about the sin that I STILL struggle with?
Do we just keep sinning… doing whatever we want… because Jesus loves us?
No. There is a solution to the sin problem in our lives… but as we live in the tension between what Jesus did for us… and the sin we still struggle with… we have to understand some things.
As a Friend of Sinners, there are 4 things Jesus wants us to know:
1. You are not WHAT YOU DO
Sin is a big deal. Sin controls us. Destroys us.
Rebelling against God’s standards only brings pain, suffering, and ultimately death.
It separates us from God. (That is why God hates SIN.)
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. Romans 7:24-25 (NLT) Our sin does not DEFINE us, what JESUS defines us. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:6-8 (NLT) Our value, identity and purpose were ALL determined… BEFORE we even met Jesus. And THAT NEVER CHANGES!!
We all have areas where we are prone to deviate from God’s standards… THAT is why we need grace…
When we focus too much on rules (doing right) and not enough on Grace… we teach people that what they do is more important than who they are.
2. Sin is NOT as POWERFUL as you think.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the powerof the life-giving Spirit has freed youfrom the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) You see, when we focus on how strong grace is… and how the cross took the POWER of sin away… We will realize how weak sin actually is! 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…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. 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. Romans 8:9-11(NLT) There is new life pumping through your spiritual veins… Sin has lost its power!
Then why does it seem to have such a hold in my life… Because we are so focused on NOT SINNING… DOING RIGHT and NOT DOING WRONG… that we become more and more aware of our sinful nature.
(Donut – and weight loss)
The more you starve the appetite for sin… the more you don’t want to sin… the more you realize how weak it is, and how strong God’s spirit is inside of you! (Pornography)
Jesus sees our sin more clearly than anyone, yet He LOVES us more than anyone.
What does that tell you about the power of sin?
We don’t focus on our sin… to stop sinning. We focus on Jesus and His grace and let His spirit teach us a new way to live… and we will find ourselves struggling with sin less and less.
3. There is a new way to LIVE.
“In God’s mind, Jesus’ death on the cross solved the sin problem, and now we can get back to the abundant life God originally created for us.” – Pastor Judah Smith
The reality of sin… reveals that there is an alternative… a DIFFERENT WAY to live your life!
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. Romans 6:22-23 (MSG)
It’s not change your behavior… than you can have a relationship with God.
It’s meet Jesus. Surrender to Jesus… and HIS spirit will lead you into a new way to live!
Zacchaeus and all his scheming, striving, rule following AND rule breaking… couldn’t find the new life that He experienced when he met Jesus… THAT is when his life changed.
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.3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.4 And when Christ, who is yourlife, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
5 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. 10 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. Colossians 3:1-11 (NLT) 4. Our sinful world needs more FRIENDS and less JUDGES.
The other 3 deal with us… This one deals with how we approach the world around us.
Just like there is this tendency to think we have to get our lives in order BEFORE God wants anything to do with us… We can very easily slip into this mindset when it comes to the people around us.
(The Church and Grace AND Truth) – The truth part gave people the right to focus on the sin in other peoples lives.
They are both personified in Jesus. We just need more Jesus. And Jesus saw people… not sin.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gavehis one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 (NLT) (The woman caught in adultery…) Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 (NLT) That wasn’t a threat… but a declaration of Freedom. You will find people who live and believe differently than you… even contrary to God’s plan and standard. Or job is not to pity them, rebuke them, or make projects out of them… Just be their friend. As you follow Jesus… and just love people… people will want to know your Jesus. Let’s not be too quick to preach what Jesus said… before we LIVE how Jesus LIVED.
And it wasn’t his perfection that attracted the lost to Him… but the way he befriended them. Saw value in them. Loved them.
Big Idea: Jesus is a Friend of sinners… He doesn’t identify us by our struggle with sin, but defines us by HIS love.
Challenge: We still deal with sin… we all continue to sin… but the power OF sin was forever dealt with. It doesn’t have to be a factor in your life… holding you back.
…Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Salvation: God take control of my life… It’s the easiest thing you will ever do, but I will cost you everything.
Welcome to week 2 of Jesus is. Wasn’t last week amazing?
Easter Sunday… so many new faces… lives changed…and today… today is baptism Sunday where over 10 people are letting all of you know how much they love Jesus!
But, we must realize that we live in a world where everyone doesn’t love Jesus. In fact, many aren’t sure what to think of Jesus.
Was He a good teacher? A prophet perhaps? A good man?
Last week we learned a central truth that set Jesus apart from anyone else… that truth is… Jesus is ALIVE!
This week I want to teach you another central truth about Jesus.
Title: Jesus is Grace.
When Rachel and I set out on this journey to plant Freedom Church, there was one glaringly obvious problem we had in our community. Jesus was misrepresented.
In fact, what I’ve noticed over these last 7-8 years is that many are believing a misrepresentation of Jesus not because they searched for themselves, but because of what others told them.
STORY: I heard about a pastor once who was talking with a man on the plane and when you are a pastor it’s weird when the question: What do you do for a living, comes up.
He told the man, I’m a Pastor and the countenance of the guy changed immediately.
Then, the next 10 minutes were filled with misconception after misconception of who he THOUGHT God was.
He said, I want nothing to do with God, he is mean, distant…doesn’t care about me and my problems, always mad, waiting on me to mess up, he stopped and the pastor said: Wow, I wouldn’t want anything to do with that God either, but that’s not my God.
Maybe that’s you today. Maybe you sit here and like the man on the plane, those were your thoughts…
Please know that we can’t always trust who others SAY Jesus is.
We have to discover for ourselves… you see, when people say Jesus is…
Mean?
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)(NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Distant?
(Isaiah 41:10)(NLT) 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.
Doesn’t care about you and your problems?
(Psalm 31:7)(NLT) I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.
Waiting on you to mess up?
(Micah 7:18)(NIV) Who is a God like you? …You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
As you can see, it’s easy sometimes to get the wrong impression about Jesus.
In our time left, I want to focus on the fact that Jesus is grace…
What is Grace?
Justice: Giving someone what he deserves.
Mercy: Not giving someone what he deserves.
Grace: Giving someone what he doesn’t deserve.
The word grace can be confusing… let me show you what I mean…
If SIN is bad, and it is.. and I asked you what the opposite of sin is, many of you would say righteousness.
Sin is bad, righteousness is good. Makes sense, but that’s not the opposite of sin.
The opposite of sin is Grace.
Here’s why…
If righteousness was the opposite of sin, then there would be at some point a place where you would have worked so hard at being good that you would’ve earned the grace and that’s not possible.
Here it is in scripture:
(Romans 5:20-21)(NLT) But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
IOW-Grace puts sin in its place!
Now… does grace change us? Of course it does!
Grace helps us change the way we live.
(Titus 2:11-12)(NLT) For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
So that begs the question… if you still WANT to live in this world and have no problem sinning, were you saved in the first place?
We have to understand that we can’t do enough good things in order to be righteous… grace is the only way that happens.
We have to understand that Jesus IS Grace…not has some grace to divvy up, or He is usually upset and mad at us, but then puts on the grace hat and gives it to us… NO! HE IS GRACE!!!! He isn’t acting outside of Himself.
Mercy is used 4 times more in the OT than it is in the NT.
Grace is used 3 times more in the NT than in the OT. Why?
Because Jesus is Grace.
(John 1:17)(NIV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
What is so amazing about Grace?
1. Grace is not a goal we achieve but a gift we receive.
Question? How many of you have received a gift?
It’s either works or grace not both.
(Romans 11:6) (NIV) And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Do you believe you were saved or you are STAYING saved because you earned it or because it was a free gift?
2. Grace is not cheap but it is free.
Crazy story of a man named Hosea in the OT. He is asked by God to go and pick out a wife. Not just any wife. A Prostitute... for a wife. You think that’s bad… her name was Gomer!
He rescues her…but she returns to her old ways… and look at what happens….
(Hosea 3:1)(NLT) Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.”
The price Hosea paid for his wife was significant. The reason for the payment was because she probably had become the legal property of another man or because she was being redeemed from service as a cult prostitute.
As for the price Hosea paid for his wife, the amount seems to correspond to the price paid for a slave according to the law of the goring ox:
(Exodus 21:32)(NLT) But if the ox gores a slave, either male or female, the animal’s owner must pay the slave’s owner thirty silver coins, and the ox must be stoned.
According to Leviticus 27:4, thirty shekels of silver was also the value of a woman when calculating the fulfillment of a vow.
Jesus is Grace…. He is a gift… not earned.. He is not cheap but freely He gave his life.. for how much?
(Matthew 26:14-15) (NLT) Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priestsand asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.
The story of Hosea & Gomer was a picture of what was to come.
Jesus is Grace…. Jesus is the bride of Christ who gave His life, a gift for us to have for free.
3. Grace is not an earthly transaction but an eternal transformation.
Grace isn’t just a thing we receive for this earth…. It’s a transformation that will take us from here to eternity.
(1 John 5:13)(NLT) I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
(Romans 6:23)(NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Listen, is anyone thankful that because Jesus is Grace that we can join Him in heaven forever and forever?
It’s true…let me say it this way…
If by your sins you’ve been sentenced to Hell then…
By His grace you have been sentenced to Heaven.
Make no mistake about it… Jesus is Alive…and wants to bring to life those dead things in your life…but He is also Grace.
A free gift, not a cheap one…a high price was paid…. And it’s all so that we can join Him forever in Heaven.
PRAYER
Today we are starting a brand new series called “JESUS IS______”.
(Series explanation – We teach the principals found in the bible, in creative forms….)
Jesus is______? (How would you finish that thought?)
(Good man… Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr, etc… teacher, a fable, mad at me, etc)
(Jesus Video)
No doubt that all of us have some concept of Jesus…
BUT DOES HIS EXISTENCE HAVE ANY EFFECT ON OUR LIVES?!
Transition: No matter how you would finish that statement… we want to invite you on a journey this month as we discover who JESUS IS! It’s so much more than knowing about HIM…
This message won’t change your life. Church won’t put your life in a new direction. BUT experiencing who JESUS really is… and HOW MUCH HE LOVES YOU… will change you forever!
Transition: Today we celebrate the greatest truth about Jesus… He didn’t just die for us… He defeated death for us!
Message Title: Jesus is _____ ALIVE!
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? If we are honest… that’s a lot of us. We are looking for life in all the wrong things! 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others…11 But they did not believethe women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:1-12 (NIV)
Maybe that’s you today… You’re wondering… “What does this all mean?”
We know there HAS to be more to life than we are experiencing… THERE IS!!
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT) If you want all your questions answered… I can’t help you. If you want an easy life… you won’t find it. But if you want a NEW LIFE… A life of Freedom… JOY… HOPE… it’s found when you DISCOVER JESUS! Transition: The fact that Jesus is alive is the greatest truth in history… Because anyone can die for you. His death expressed how much he loved us… “while we were still sinners…”
The fact that He is alive proved that He was God… and that for Him NOTHING is impossible!
Transition: SO today I want to walk you through 3 things that His death AND resurrection mean for us!
1. We have PEACE
He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans 4:25 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand… Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) You see, because of our SIN (rebellion against His standard) we were enemies of God.
(Not enemies because HE wanted nothing to do with us… BUT because we wanted nothing to do with him!)
Whether you believe in God our not… there is no denying EVIL in this world… in all of us.
(Babies – Bent toward sin (sinful nature) – Pictures of Eleanor
There is a mark… a standard… and we constantly fall short of it.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT) We can strive all we want… and a lot of us are! It’s exhausting… (Debt)
But WE HAVE PEACE… because of debt has been paid… our relationship reconciled!
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. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:10-11 (NLT)
God isn’t just willing to forgive us… He is passionate about it!
The Cross / “IT IS FINISHED!” There is more to that statement than we realize…
We need a greater view of God and a smaller view of sin.
Jesus came to break the cycle of sin and condemnation and give us our future back.
2. We have a new INDENTITY
The problem with being separation from God… is that our identity is only understood in the context of a relationship with our creator.
Without Him…we’re orphans… We’re lost… We don’t know who we are!
Jesus going to the cross was God screaming, “I LOVE you and will do ANYTHING to reach you!”
(I left my kid at church once… the feeling of losing your kid!)
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! Romans 8:15 (MSG) Your father… is searching for you. Calling you to come home. To the life He has always planned for you. You won’t discover your identity in anything this world can offer… or anything you can achieve. 3. We have new LIFE
(The video… “Why do you seek the LIVING among the DEAD?”)
To be honest… this is what we are all after.
(Always searching for “The Life”…but always coming up short.)
Some of us today… the search is ending… We’ve found what we’ve been looking for!
Jesus died for YOUR SINS… but He rose for YOUR LIFE
You see, the culmination of the story is not the Crucifixion… It was the resurrection!!
AND THE STORY ISN’T OVER… we are still living in the aftermath of it!
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. Very bleak… but look at the next verse. BUT GOD… God intervenes… butts in… not because of our efforts… or because we bugged Him enough, but because HE LOVED US SO MUCH!! 4 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. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 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. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT) His love is SO deep and wide that in one moment of faith he can forgive a lifetime of sins… past, present and future.
Jesus didn’t die to establish a moral code of conduct… world peace… so we would go to church and read our bibles…so that we would behave… (And these are all good things!)
Jesus didn’t die to take you from BAD to GOOD, but to take you from DEATH to LIFE!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) Big Idea: Jesus died for us… to take our place… our punishment.
He was buried to signify the death and burial of our sin… AND THEN he destroyed the power of death and sin… when HE rose to life!
This is what Easter is all about.
Challenge: Some of us today… if we are honest… are trying to find LIFE on our own. In our success… our ability… our addictions… And it’s not working… we’re lost.
THAT is why Jesus did what He did… to show that WE can’t… and that it’s time to stop trying.
HE DID IT!
Only Jesus can rescue you. Only Jesus can bring you peace. Only Jesus can bring you to life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT) All of this… is free gift from God. Free. Grace.
Salvation: God take control of my life… It’s the easiest thing you will ever do, but I will cost you everything.
(Exodus 12:26-27)(NIV) And when your children ask you, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” then tell them, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.”
(Luke 22:15-20)(NIV) “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
(1 Corinthians 5:7)(NLT) …Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
Jesus Our Passover Lamb
1. The Lamb was spotless.
(Exodus 12:5)(NIV) The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats.
(1 Peter 1:18-19)(NLT) 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. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
2. The Lamb was sacrificed.
(Exodus 12:6)(NIV) Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.
(Isaiah 53:5)(NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
(please leave Isaiah 53 on the screen until I say #3)
3. The Lamb was shared.
(Exodus 12:4)(NIV) If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor.
(2 Corinthians 5:19)(NIV) God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
(John 1:29)(NIV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Welcome to Freedom Church!
Welcome to the last installment of this wonderful series: Be Rich.
This series really has little to do with money and more to do with our mind set as a steward of all of God’s resources He has given to us.
Money is just part of those resources. The gifts He’s given to us… like our children… our spouse… jobs…friendships… the talents… are you living for yourself or others?
Title: Rich Towards God
Our theme passage and series comes from this incredible instruction from Paul to Timothy here in…
(1 Timothy 6:17-19)(NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
-Present Word… why would he say that? It’s because there is another world we live in. Another mind-set that says: I want it all! NOW! Earthly mindset.. when there is another world to live by.
-In this way…. Meaning… when you have an eternal mindset- being rich toward others while you’re here knowing you are going to a better place… you’ll unlock life that is truly life.
Pastor Ryan did a great job helping us understand that rich doesn’t mean just financial.
Rich means….More than you need.
That’s a different mindset. This world says… get more for yourself….
Eternal mindset says…. God has blessed me with more than I need…. so I will live my life doing my best to make an eternal difference in the life of others.
So…. I want to challenge you to not just leave here today and say….
Yea… I’m rich, I want to be able to make an eternal difference. No… all great things that happen, happen when we have a plan… a strategy if you will.
So here’s a question for you to ask yourself.
What is my giving strategy?
Pastor Ryan shared his with us last week. Here’s the thing…. We aren’t saying you have to have OUR strategy, we are simply saying….just have one.
Because here’s what I know to be true.
If you don’t have a strategy for your resources, I promise you, this present world will.
IOW- Your strategy to manage the resources God gives you is your filter.
TIME- We want you to work 70 hours a week and be on call during the weekend and you have 3 kids in sports. That’s the job offer…
You have to process that through your FILTER…your strategy of managing the resources God has given you… (your marriage, kids) and make the decision.
People who live by this world just jump in and say…YEP! I’ll do it and their family suffers and their marriage falls apart and they get upset at God over it.
Same is true for your money and other resources…. What is your giving strategy?
A mindset that is about eternity would have this type of giving strategy:
Eternal Giving Strategy:
1. I will intentionally share my stuff.
Remember…it’s not just money…that’s part of it, but your car….your truck to help people move.. your ability to fix things for people like me who know hardly anything about fixing things…..
Your house for example… would you intentionally share your home to have a small group in so that others can grow to become more like Jesus?
-The question is…
Am I leveraging what I have for eternal purposes?
Again…we are talking about an eternal giving strategy….
2. I will intentionally share my time.
One of the major problems we have in our PRESENT WORLD is that we do not live with margin.
With our money, our stuff…and certainly with our time.
I think more people would give more time to eternal things if they could, but they are stretched too thin as it is. No margin. Just like money.
We didn’t have a strategy and overcommitted our money, our time in this point… and instead of taking hold of life that is truly life….guess what’s happening…. We are letting LIFE take hold of us and we are trying to hold on for the ride. And it’s not fun.
So…. Make the decision today friend. Call time out on the field and say… I will be intentional with my time. I’m going to reorder my life and be intentional with my time.
(Ephesians 5:11-16)(MSG) Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
How? Get on a serving team here… go through growth track and we will help you with your strategy to make the most of your time.
The 3rd part of my strategy is…
3. I will intentionally share Christ.
Here’s the thing….
Let’s say by some crazy amazing super-hero ability, you knew that your friend had cancer and no one else did. Would you tell them?
Sure… else, what kind of a friend are you?
Of course….you’d tell them….why? Because you would want them to know and to do everything they can to try to live.
Please listen to me church. Every single day….right here in our own community…people are taking their last breath and facing either Heaven or Hell.
You have an ability to know whether or not someone will live forever with Jesus in Heaven or in Hell. To KNOW this and not share it with your friend would be a crime.
I know…I know the biggest reason is fear. What will they say?
Listen…let the fear of them spending eternity in Hell be greater than the fear of them hurting your feelings for a moment.
To help you in your strategy to share Christ, we make this a place where you can invite your friends. We aren’t going to do anything spooky, kooky or weird but we will give them an invitation to know Jesus every service.
We have invite cards for you today to help you have that discussion with them.
It’s why we planted this church….. we decided as a family that we would intentionally share Christ and the best way we knew how to do that was to plant a church…. And get this… since we opened the doors… 1, 839 people made a decision to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus.
Why have a strategy? Because eternity matters.
One of the things I love about scripture is how something written so long ago applies to our lives right here and now.
Jesus knew we would have a tendency to store up for ourselves the resources we are given. He knew we’d think it was “normal” to save things for later…. So, in Luke, He tells this Parable….this story….and example..which is exactly how we are living now….
(Luke 12:16-19)(NIV) And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “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. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”
IOW- he thought he had plenty of time to enjoy it all…if you don’t live with eternity in mind…this sounds great. But look at what God says to him…
(Luke 12:20-21)(NIV) “But God said to him, ‘You fool!
Not because he was rich, but because he didn’t know what to do with his richness.
This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
And look at what Jesus says….this is the point of the story…. Check it out….
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
So, because we love you… because we want you to live with eternity in mind, we want you to be rich toward God.
How do I do that?
Being rich towards God means I value:
Stewardship over ownership.
I’m going to realize that nothing is mine anyway, I’m a steward…a manager of God’s.
EVERYTHING I have..not just the 10%, the whole thing… all my “stuff” I manage not based on what I like, but I find out what He likes and try my best to manage it that way.
People over possessions.
Why? Because possessions burn….people last forever.
This is why a portion of what you give today goes to Stella’s voice. What’s Stella’s voice? A place that rescues people stuck in sex trafficking and finds a new home for them and help them rehabilitate. People matter.
Here’s what I know…this may sting a little but it’s true.
We will live one of two ways.
We’ll love people and use money or we’ll love money and use people.
I say we love people and use our money…our resources to invest in what lasts forever.
Eternity over temporary.
Paul speaks to this again…
(Philippians 3:18-20)(NIV) …many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Listen…one day He’s coming back… it’s true…and it will be wonderful to stand before Him and say…. I did my best with what I had to be rich toward God. How about you?
Intro: Welcome to Freedom Church… We’re so glad you’re here with us!
Today we are kicking off a brand new 3-week series, called “BE RICH”.
This series isn’t necessarily about money… but about a mindset. A mindset that reveals how “RICH” we really are. It’s about how we handle the resources God has entrusted to us. It’s about having a spirit of radical generosity.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
Rich = More than you need
Willing = “Don’t have to, I get to.”
If we have an abundance of any kind, we are RICH… and we are RICH so that we can meet needs around us.
When we are WILLING, we move beyond the “Need” for it, and understand the “Desire” behind it!
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. Philippians 2:13 (CEV)
Title: Willing and Able
Transition: Today we are going at what it means to have both the DESIRE and ABILITY to be generous.
We are not trying to guilt you into giving, but to simply stir the “WHY.” In fact, if the “WHY” isn’t there… don’t do it.
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: 4 three thousand talents of gold …and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings, 5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen.
(375 Tons of gold and silver = $21 Billion)
Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the LORD today?”
Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. 7 They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. 8 Anyone who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD... 9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (NIV)
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)
“Who is willing?”
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NIV)
Transition: Here’s the point, God is not looking at the WHAT, but the HEART behind it.
The goal of today = Not WHAT… but to remember WHY.
The WHY is the motivation behind what we do…
When you lose your WHY, you lose your WAY.
(Marriage analogy)
Transition: So I want to do today, is not to show you YOUR why… you have to discover your own WHY, but I want to show you MY WHY.
1.Obedience
My wife and I give… simply because God asks us to.
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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
A command… not a suggestion (my dad)
Tithe = FIRST %10
Again it’s not a money thing… it’s a faith thing.
God understands that our hope will naturally migrate toward OUR ability to provide… so he set up a way to keep that in check.
(Adeline and offering)
I give… because the one I’ve surrendered my life to, instructs me to give!
2.Joy
I give because it’s fun! (Girl Scout cookies)
You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’” Acts 20:35 (MSG)
When you are able to be generous AND willing… you will find yourself saying “Can you believe we get to do this?!”
3.Relationship
Because I am in a relationship with God and His people…
So I give up personal privileges… and I take up personal responsibilities.
(Marriage – Living for the other person’s good.)
4.Vision
Because I believe in the vision of this church…
-Kid’s learning about Jesus
-MOTION Night
-Small Groups
-Planting churches (500)
-One Hope
-Reaching those who are far from God
5.Blessing
This one is a little selfish… but that’s ok.
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. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field…” Malachi 3:11
We give to position ourselves for God’s blessing and protection!
This can get skewed… (TV preachers / “Give and God will…”)
No, give generously to needy persons. Don’t resent giving to them because it is this very thing that will lead to the LORD your God’s blessing you in all you do and work at. Deuteronomy 15:10 (CEB)
6.Legacy
I want to be characterized as a man that was faithful with what he had… and that modeled RADICAL GENEROSITY!
When you identify a characteristic you want your life to have… work backward!
My wife and I… Generosity is a core value of our family.
(We have stuff – If we want something usually we’ll buy it – but we LOVE giving.)
Freedom Church – The most generous church in the world!? (OPRAH)
(Starbucks last year – bibles – Missions)
7.Devotion
One day… I’m going to be walking in heaven and see Jesus for the first time.
“Well done… well done.”
“Thank you Jesus…”
“No… Thank you.”
Transition: As we discover our WHY… here are 3 ways to take our giving to another level:
1.Intentional Giving
What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.
7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.
11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 11 (CEB)
The truth is… I think a lot of people can be manipulated into giving… guilted… play on their emotions.
God doesn’t want us to be emotional givers, but PRE-DECIDED givers.
“YOU” in this verse = Pre-deciders
Intentional giving is what unlocks blessing.
(Will we tithe? When will we give? How much?)
2.Percentage Giving
41 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.” Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)
God is not looking at the amount, but the amount in relation to what you have.
Percentage matters. (If our giving is safe, is there really any faith involved?)
3.Eternal Giving
Paul describes our work on this earth (including our giving) as building something…
Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out.
The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely. 2 Corinthians 3:12-15 (MSG)
All “building” is not the same…what may look like building in this life, is really in vain.
(Social Justice without Jesus… is building in vain.)
What YOU build… wont last. What HE builds… will survive.
When we look at our resources as a tool to make an eternal impact… we will.
Big Idea:
Challenge:
Salvation: God take control of my life… It’s the easiest thing you will ever do, but I will cost you everything.
Today we are kicking off a brand new 3-week series, called “BE RICH”.
(I know what you’re thinking! – “You should give more” talk that churches are notorious for.)
And these assumptions and fears (that are legitimate at times) reflect that WE need to have a better understanding about the role money plays in our lives and how to have the right perspective when it comes to handling it.
This series isn’t necessarily about money… but about a mindset. A mindset that reveals how “RICH” we really are. It’s about having a spirit of radical generosity.
Generosity is something we as a church strive for… (Coffee, donuts, T-shirts, etc)
The hallmark of Christianity is radical generosity.
…Let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. 1 John 3:18 (MSG)
(Costco Samples)
That’s our job… in everything we do, to give people a sample of how GOOD God is!
Radical Generosity communicates something beyond meeting needs… it demonstrates LOVE in a tangible way.
(“I don’t know about them… I may not agree with them… but that group, they are the most generous people I know… They know how to love people and are making a difference!”)
Transition: It’s clear that generosity is something God wants us to be known for…but generosity is not first an action, but a mindset. So, before we can truly live right, we have to think right… because the way we think, affects the way we behave.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
In fact, real Christianity… a true follower of Jesus is defined in this way:
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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
God clearly has a different plan for us that we can’t figure out on our own… thinking our way.
“Think Right – Do Right”
Over the next 3 weeks we are going to look at an interesting letter the Apostle Paul (church planter) wrote to Timothy (Young Pastor of the church in Ephesus).
Applicable to your life / But it was directed to Timothy as a Pastored his church.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
(Instructions about what NOT to do AND what TO do…)
Why do we need this? Because generally rich people aren’t very good at it…
Statistically it’s proven… that the more money American’s make, the less we give.
Paul is teaching Timothy… As a pastor, teach your people who are rich… to be good at it. To understand you have the resources you do, for a reason! (The government…)
Transition: This is about a perspective shift… to change the way we look out our money and to learn how to live with radical generosity.
We are going to learn… that we all are richer than we think and we have to learn to be good at it!
Why is this such a big deal? Why does this need to be talked about? (3 reasons)
1.Rich people don’t like to admit they are rich.
Tall People = “I’m tall.”
Athletes = “I’m athletic.”
Singers = “I sing.”
Vegetarian = “I don’t eat meet.”
But being rich… is not something we don’t admit.
Gallup pole: How much money would you have to make to be considered rich?
Rich = $150,000
They asked those who make $30-34,000…
Rich = $75,000
They asked the subscribers of money magazine…
Rich = $5,000,000
Conclusion: Nobody is rich but everybody knows somebody who is.
What does this have to do with me?
If you make between $44k – $48k in combined household income… you are in the top 1% of wage earners in the world!
Not at the $44k mark? You have running water… You don’t have to worry about running out. We spray it on the ground!
Transition: Here’s the point… we are blessed! We have more than we need. We are rich!
NOT so we can obtain more stuff… or provide more comfort… but so we can do something with it!
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way... 2 Corinthians 9:11 (CEB)
2.Rich people are plagued with discontentment.
Simply put… The more you have, the more you want. (Appetite… clothes)
Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers 12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (NLT)
Our wealth (however excessive), is not about us.
Obtaining wealth just to keep it is a horrible way to live and just perpetuates the human condition of discontentment. (kids – toys – box / UPGRADES – iphone)
Having and enjoying stuff isn’t bad… but it’s not the end goal.
We just need reminded out that.
3.Rich people live with a false sense of security.
We believe we can build our way to safety… financial security. (As if that were such a thing)
“If I save enough…I can protect myself from anything bad that could happen.”
The truth is… “How much would you need to become financially secure against anything? More than you currently have.”
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Proverbs 18:11 (NIV)
I’m not saying don’t save or live foolishly… But to ask the question: “Where is my hope?”
Your HOPE will migrate to your money.
Again this is not… “YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE ANYTHING!” (Gnostic Gospels)
Transition: SO how do we change this?
(Your expectations of what I’m going to say… guilt...)
We just need to change our thinking… to THINK RIGHT
- I will be grateful.
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. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NIV)
Gratitude keeps our perspective in the right place.
(No room for pride… selfishness… discontentment.)
Gratitude makes you more generous… that’s our goal as a church!
Everything we have and have done… It’s GOD! We fight to never take it for granted. We didn’t earn this… It’s a privilege!! (Greenroom sign)
Result = Gratitude makes us more generous
- I will lead with generosity
Simply put… before I spend, I will give.
Our focus shifts from us and stuff… to others and need!
“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. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
So the question becomes, where do you want your heart?
(Your house? Car? Iphone? Your own success?)
I want my heart… in a place of Godly peace, not financial security.
I want my heart… in a place of gratitude, not discontentment.
I want my heart… invested in eternal purpose, not fleeting glory.
You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’” Acts 20:35 (MSG)
Result = Generosity leads, your heart follows.
- I will put my hope in God.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)
The chief competitor of your soul is your stuff.
When He is our Hope…
Result = I will not trust in riches, but in Him who richly provides.
Big Idea: We are rich… lets be good at it.
Challenge: It’s easy to migrate away fro God…
Salvation: God take control of my life… It’s the easiest thing you will ever do, but I will cost you everything.
Title: MARKED
(Acts 20:24) (NLT) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2) (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Reasons we don’t run:
- Fear of Harm
(2 Timothy 1:7) (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
- Identity Crisis
(Jeremiah 31:3) (MSG) “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!
(Ephesians 3:18) (NLT) 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.
SIX KEYS TO RUN THE RACE
- Prepare
(1 Corinthians 9:25) (NLT) 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.
- Perceive
(1 Corinthians 9:25) (NLT) 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.
- Purpose
(1 Corinthians 9:26) (NLT) Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
When people lose their WHY they lose their WAY.
- Proceed
(1 Corinthians 9:24) (NLT) Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
- Pursue
(1 Corinthians 9:24) (NLT) Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
(Philippians 3:14) (NLT) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
- Persist
(1 Corinthians 9:27) (NIV) No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(2 Timothy 4:7) (NIV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
"In order to run our race and finish our course, we need to understand that God has an appointed time that is usually different to our due date." –Christine Caine
Vows of Mother Teresa
God, I yield myself fully to you.
I embrace your calling on my life.
I will do your bidding without delay.
I will refuse you nothing.
I will endure all hardships.
When I don’t feel your presence, I will still be faithful.
I will seek to love you as you have never been loved before.
Here am I; send me.
Intro: Welcome to Freedom Church… We’re so glad you’re here with us!
We are in the middle of our series called the “FOUR CUPS”…which lays out 4 promises that God made to us…HIS ultimate plan for each of our lives.
Here’s why this matters… We are all on a spiritual journey…looking for answers.
This plan God has for us… answers our questions. This plan is found symbolically in the yearly Jewish Passover… as a reminder of God’s promises.
“I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV) The Four Cups
1. The Cup of Sanctification - “I Will Bring You Out.” (Salvation)
2. The Cup of Deliverance - “I Will Free You.”(Working on issues)
3. The Cup of Redemption – “I Will Redeem you.”(Discovering)
4. The Cup of Praise - “I Will Take You As My Own People.” (Fulfilled Living)
There is a huge disconnect in so may of us… We’re saved… BUT WHY?
“Why am I here?”
Transition: The answer to that question is found in cup 3…
The Cup of Redemption
…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV) Redeem:
1. To buy back or repurchase(Owned by someone else… wrong place… Jesus)
2. To change for better or reform (Low goals… most people… good = no bad)
3. Repair or restore(A restored car… back to its original intent, but now it’s priceless!!)
Transition: Ok… if this is God’s plan (which sounds great) why do so few experience it?
The answer… is actually found in the promise.
I’m going to redeem you, and I’m going to do it 2 ways.
…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV) Why an outstretched arm? Most you are in a place much lower than God sees us.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.Psalm 40:2 (NLT) Or lets put it this way… Most of us don’t see ourselves the way God sees us.
“Low… broken…going to heaven, but have nothing to offer… nothing you can work with.”
Two things that keep us from experience this promise:
1. Inferiority
We don’t see the greatness that God sees in us… (Sinners, wretched, Ready Now)
True… BUT then you met God. He does not want you to maintain that view. HE wants to lift you out.
…Your right hand has held me up, your gentleness has made me great. Psalm 18:35 (NKJV) Inferiority leads to insecurity, which affects our identity.
This is why so many of us are driven by what others think…
(Growing up…insecure… middle school… high school… music…my first message)
The more I learned to see myself the way God sees me, the more I stopped trying to prove myself and find acceptance through human approval… and the more I learned to walk confidently in my identity.
Too often we see life through the rear view mirror… instead of looking straight ahead to what God sees.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the powerof the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So how does God see us?
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. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) God sees things in you that you don’t see in yourself… and honestly that other people don’t see as well. (Sibling rivalry)
Get GOD’S view of yourself… and others. (Honor = God’s view of people)
Transition: That’s part of His redemption plan… the other part is the second part of that verse.
…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV) Acts of judgment… but not against us… against our enemy.
The devil has a DIFFERENT plan for your life. (Do you how?)
2. DIVERSION
(The part God didn’t plan… but you lived.)
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT) God’s judgment of the enemy… cancels His plan off of your life. 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. 15 In this way, he disarmedthe spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT) The enemy has no claim, debt, or authority on your life… and God is just waiting for us to realize it!
But…his plan of diversion is not just the bad things we’ve done or that have been done to us. Success can be a diversion… we try to realign our identity and purpose by what WE can accomplish. Regardless of how… the enemy is trying to divert us from living out our full purpose. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NLT) Prevent = to stop progress
He can’t physically touch you… but He can touch your path. (Broken world) 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. Romans 8:28 (NLT) (Map analogy… ANY path you have taken… there IS a road!)
God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. Romans 11:29 (MSG)
Which means… God has NEVER changed His mind about you. He never will.
He can always… redeem you. How?
How do we drink from the Cup of Redemption?
Spiritual Gifts…Simply put God has put something on the inside of you to do.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… Romans 12:6(NIV) Grace = Charis (Divine enablement)
Grace gift… something you are good and enjoy doing. (public speaking)
(Working with Kids… or my hands) …Music, helping the poor, leading others…GOD DID THAT!
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts… 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV) Go after it!! (Studies show that 87% of the body of Christ doesn’t know what their gift is)
We want to help you discover it… because when you do life gets fun.
(My favorite part of ministry)
“This weeks issue” --- TO --- Making such a difference and having so much fun…
God has better… He wants you to make a difference…live with purpose… to know why you are on this planet.
SO How do we?
1. Discover your gift
Your design reveals your destiny.
God had something for you to do, before he created you. (Not the other way around…)
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 139:13-14 (NLT) You are COMPLEX! (what you like, laugh at, do well, think about…)
HOW you were made… points to WHAT you are suppose to do.
The key to it all… is God. Schooling, success, ambition can’t do it.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG) For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible... everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16(MSG) 2. Develop your Gift
It’s never perfect when you discover it…
Our job as a church… is to help you discover it. Growth Track
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… Ephesians 4:7,11-12(NIV) 3. Use Your Gift
This is when life gets fun… this is when you can lay your head down at night and be satisfied… yea you have problems… but life is fulfilling because what I do is bigger than my problems!
This is how you live…(Honor all who are using their gifts).
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) Your real purpose is to serve God by serving others.
Our ultimate expression of worship is to love people on His behalf.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10 (NLT) Big Idea:
Challenge:
(Pray – Salvation / Discovery)
Communion
When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table.[a]15 Jesus said,“I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said,“Take this and share it among yourselves.18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying,“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”
20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:14-20 (NLT)
(Exodus 6:6-7) (NIV) “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under
the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will
redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will
take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I
am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the
Egyptians.
The Cup of Deliverance.
(Galatians 5:1)(NIV) 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.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)(NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And
you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward
for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
(Philippians 2:12-13)(NLT) Work hard to show the results of your salvation,
obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving
you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Triune beings:
Body – Physical part…has issues…cravings, appetites, lusts etc.
Mind – Thoughts, your free-will and emotions.
Spirit – In His own image.
Results of Deliverance:
- Victory over sin.
Sin: What we do to ourselves.
(Romans 7:21-25)(NIV) So I find this law at work: Although I want to do
good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;
but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind
and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a
wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to
death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
- Healing from wounds.Wounds: What others do to us.
(Ephesians 4:26-27)(NLT) And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t
let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the
devil.
- Authority over the enemy.
(Ephesians 6:10-12)(NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against
the devil’s schemes. 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.
(Romans 7:21-25)(NIV) So I find this law at work: Although I want to do
good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;
but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind
and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a
wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to
death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
(Romans 8:1)(NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to
Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:2)(NLT) And because you belong to him, the power of the lifegiving
Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
(Romans 8:5-6)(NLT) 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. So letting your sinful nature control your
mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and
peace.
What has the most influence on how we think?
Answer: Relationships.
The relationships I choose have a direct impact on my pursuit
toward a fulfilling life.
(Proverbs 28:13)(NLT) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if
they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
(1 John 1:9)(NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and
will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(James 5:16)(NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so
that you may be healed.
THE CUP OF SANCTIFICATION
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Help you identify where you are on the journey
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Help you move to you next step on the journey
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT)
When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us… Hebrews 6:17-20(MSG)
A life of fulfillment is not based entirely what YOU do, but what GOD promised.
...If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19 (NLT)
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT)
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
The Four Cups – God’s PROMISES for your life.
- I Will Bring You Out.
The Cup of Sanctification – SALVATION
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
- I Will Free You.
The Cup of Deliverance – FREEDOM
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
- I Will Redeem you.
The Cup of Redemption – RESTORATION
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)
- I Will Take You As My Own People.
The Cup of Praise – FULFILLMENT
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
The Cup of Sanctification
Sanctification = to be set aside
“At some point we’ve all found ourselves in bondage to something, living common lives with no purpose. We’ve settled for less, resigned ourselves to mediocrity, and started to believe we’re nothing special. This path always leads to slavery – which is a life we were never intended to live.” – Pastor Chris Hodges
Slavery = submission to a dominating influence
It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this. Titus 3:3-11 (MSG)
The desire to set people free is central to God’s heart.
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT)
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:8-10 (NLT)
- Make the Move
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. 1 John 1:9 (NLT)
- Let it Go
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? Mark 8:34-37 (MSG)
- Commit Your Life
But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms. It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s! Romans 8:10-11 (MSG)
Big Idea: God’s plan for your life has never changed… He wants to rescue you. He wants to exchange your old life for a new one!
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Title: Better Relationships
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
(Ecclesiastes 4:8) (NLT) This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
(Matthew 16:26) (NLT) And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Excuses that hinder better relationships:
Naivety.
Temperament.
Fear.
Past Experiences.
Busyness.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) (NLT) Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
I choose…
- To nurture important relationships.
(Colossians 2:19) (NIV) ...the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
- To restore broken relationships.
(Romans 12:17-18) (NIV) Do not repay anyone evil for evil...If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- To sever harmful relationships.
(Proverbs 27:19) (TLB) A mirror reflects a man’s face but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.
(Proverbs 13:20) (NLT) Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
(2 Corinthians 6:14) (NIV) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
- To initiate meaningful relationships.
(Hebrews 10:24-25) (NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
My Most Meaningful Relationships:
My relationship with family.
My relationship with a church.
My relationship with a small group.
My relationship with a team.
Consuming - Contributing = Selfish
Consuming + Contributing = Sharing
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) (NLT) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
My relationship with God.
(Hebrews 4:16) (NLT) 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.
Title: Becoming a Better You.
Mediocrity: To settle halfway to the summit of a difficult mountain.
Slipping Points & Stepping Stones
- Slipping Point: Aimlessness
People who are successful in their efforts to reach the mountaintops of their lives do so by refusing to let circumstances & feelings define who they are.
(Colossians 3:1-3) (MSG) So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.
(Colossians 3:5) (MSG) And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God.
(Colossians 3:7-10) (MSG) It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it.
(Colossians 3:12-14) (MSG) So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.
Stepping Stone: Know Your Identity
- Slipping Point: Comfort
The love of comfort is frequently the enemy of greatness.
(Philippians 3:13) (MSG) Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
(Philippians 3:15-16) (MSG) So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
(Philippians 3:17-19) (MSG) Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. But easy street is a dead-end street.
Stepping Stone: Gauge Your Progress
- Slipping Point: Ego
(Galatians 2:19-20) (MSG) What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20) (MSG) My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Stepping Stone: Nurture Your Teachability
Teachability: Be willing to re-learn what you think you already know.
- Slipping Point: Fear
Stepping Stone: Remember Your Faith
(Hebrews 11:1) (MSG) The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
- Slipping Point: Isolation
Stepping Stone: Find Your Friends
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
(Matthew 19:26) (NLT) … with God everything is possible.”
Intro: Welcome to Freedom Church… We’re so glad you’re here with us!
Motion Night Promo – Table – 3 ½ weeks away!
If you’re new with us, we welcome you. Welcome to a group of imperfect people who have encountered a perfect savior.
(7 Years as a Church…what a journey!)
In the bible, numbers have meaning attached to them… 7 is the number of spiritual completion.
We believe we have completed a work in the last 7 years… and are beginning a new season as a church… a new work of reaching people who have never been reached.
Series intro: We started a series last week called “V15ION – A Better Year” where we are looking at our lives and asking the question: “How can we be better?”
(Not perfect, not the best ever… just better than we have been… our next step in the journey.)
Transition: Today… we are looking at how we can be a “Better Church”.
We you hear the word church, what comes to mind?
(Stain glass windows, huge steeple, the pope, boring, scandal, your childhood?)
There is no mistaken that the there are all kinds of images and emotions stirred up in people when you talk about church… a lot of those are negative and usually justifiable.
2000 years of church history has not done the best job of promoting a healthy view of what Jesus intended the church to be.
(The institution, crusades, the kkk, protesting, countless scandals…)
Transition: We all have ideas about what church is or what it should be… But lets look at God’s plan for…
Before we can get better as a church, we have to have the right perspective of what the church is.
1.The Church is not a club for the perfect, but a hospital for the broken.
Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:15-19 (NLT)
2.The Church is not a good idea, but God’s only idea.
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 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. Matthew 16:15-18 (NLT)
The local church is the hope of the world.
The local church is the vehicle God designed to carry the hope of Jesus to the world!
3.The Church is not a place, but the church is YOU.
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. 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.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
“Church” = Eklessia (CALLED OUT ONES)
The bride of Christ…
Transition: So how do WE as a church get better?
1.We keep the church a priority.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Seek = intentional searching; seeking in order to find
Kingdom = dominion; territory
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (MSG)
2.We keep Jesus the main thing.
You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (MSG)
Next to people who are far from Him, I believe nothing breaks God’s heart like the denominational divide put up by His people.
We allow ourselves to be divided on things… that at the end of it all don’t make a difference on where someone spends eternity!
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. 2 timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)
Our goal as a church should be to add value to the world around us... not add discouragement.
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Matthew 5:13 (NLT)
We are the hope of the world, because we carry the Hope of the world.
Jesus. Always… only Jesus.
3.We keep the un-churched in mind
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT)
To get different results, we have to do something different.
The casualty of a growing church is personal comfort.
Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, “Son, I forgive your sins.” Mark 2:5 (MSG)
Title: Living a Godly Life
(2 Peter 1:1-2) (NLT) This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
(2 Peter 1:3) (NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
(2 Peter 1:4) (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
8 Qualities of a Godly Life
- Faith
(Hebrews 11:1) (NLT) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
- Virtue
(2 Peter 1:5) (NKJV) But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,
(John 5:39-40)(MSG) “You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
(2 Peter 1:5) (NKJV) …to virtue knowledge,
- Knowledge
(Psalm 119:66)(NLT) I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
(Proverbs 1:22) (NLT) “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) to knowledge self-control,
- Self-Control
Self-Control: Increasing your ability to tell your sinful nature no.
(Proverbs 25:28) (MSG) A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) …to self-control perseverance,
- Perseverance
Perseverance: Steady persistence in your faith in spite of difficulties.
The highway to a godly life is called perseverance.
(1 Timothy 6:11) (NLT) But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- Godliness
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) …to perseverance godliness,
(Proverbs 13:6) (MSG) A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.
- Brotherly Kindness
(2 Peter 1:7) (NKJV) …to godliness brotherly kindness
(Hebrews 10:24-25) (NCV) Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other.
(2 Peter 1:8) (NKJV) …and to brotherly kindness love.
- Love
(2 Peter 1:8) (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Peter 1:9) (NIV) But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
(2 Peter 1:10) (NIV) Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(Luke 2:9-11) (NIV) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Title: You
(John 8:12) (NLT) 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.”
(Acts 26:17-18) (NLT) Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
The Law, The Love, The Light.
- The law reveals our guilt.
(John 8:1-3) (NLT) Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
(John 8:4-5) (NLT) “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
Until we see ourselves as sinners we will not see our need for a Savior.
- His love reveals His grace.
(John 8:6)(NLT) They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.
(John 8:7)(NLT) They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
(John 8:9)(NLT) When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.
(John 8:10)(NLT) Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
(John 8:11)(NIV) “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
The language of the dark speaks death, the language of the light speaks life.
(Luke 8:11)(NIV) “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
- The Light reveals our hope.
(Luke 8:12) (NIV) 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.”
Title: Joy
(Luke 2:9-11)(NLT) Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,4) (NLT) For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. …a time to laugh.
(Psalm 2:4)(NIV) “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.”
(Proverbs 4:23)(NLT) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
(2 Timothy 3:1-3) (NLT) You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
- Ungrateful.
Ungrateful: Being so focused on what we want that we forget to see what we have.
- Unloving.
Unloving: No longer feel love or affection toward others.
- Unforgiving.
Unforgiving: Choosing not to forgive or show mercy toward others.
- Unholy.
Unholy: Allow little compromising sins in your life.
(Ephesians 6:12) (NCV) Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.
(John 10:10) (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Stop taking life so seriously and start taking God more seriously.
(Nehemiah 8:10) (NLT) …the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
(Proverbs 17:22) (NLT) “A cheerful heart is good medicine…”
Choose Joy:
- Make the choice every day.
You cannot determine what happens to you, but you can determine what happens in you.
(Hebrews 12:1-2) (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
(Hebrews 12:1-2) (NIV) 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.
(Psalm 19:14) (NIV) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
- Develop a high appreciation for life.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) (NLT) “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:28) (NLT) 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.
- Find something positive in everything.
(Philippians 4:8)(NIV) “Finally, brothers, 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.”
- Turn everything over to God.
(Philippians 4:6-7) (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Proverbs 4:23)(NLT) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
(Luke 2:9-11)(NLT) Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
(Luke 2:12)(NLT) The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:13-14)(NLT) Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Jesus didn’t come to bring peace on earth, He came to the earth to bring peace.
(John 14:27) (NLT) “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.
(Psalm 120:6-7)(NIV) Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Losing Peace:
· Distance.
· Walls.
· Escalation.
· False belief.
· Hostility.
Hostility isn’t the emotions you are feeling toward the other person, it’s actually revealing the condition of your heart.
· War.
(James 3:14)(NIV) “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
(James 3:15-16)(NIV) Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
(Ephesians 2:12) (TLB) “Remember that in those days you were living utterly apart from Christ; …You were lost, without God, without hope.
(Ephesians 2:13) (TLB) But now you belong to Christ Jesus, and though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought very near to him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you with his blood.
(Ephesians 2:14) (NIV) For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Pursuing Peace
- I’ll find peace when I make peace.
(James 3:17–18) (NIV) “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
(Matthew 5:9) (NLT) “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
- I make peace through reconciliation.
(1 Corinthians 13:5) (NLT) …Love, …keeps no record of being wronged.
(2 Corinthians 5:18) (NIV) “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting menʼs sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christʼs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christʼs behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- I can’t reconcile until I’ve been reconciled.
(Romans 5:10) (NIV) For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
(Proverbs 16:7) (NKJV) When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
(Romans 8:31) (NIV) If God is for us, who can be against us?
All I Want For Christmas, Week 1: Answers
Title of Message: Answers
(1 Corinthians 13:12) (NLT) Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
We spend too much time looking for the concealed part of God’s will, when God just wants us to obey the revealed parts of His ways.
3 Aspects of God:
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His Works
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His Ways
(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.
(Psalm 37:4) (NLT) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
- His Will
HIS WAYS:
How?
Why?
Who?
HIS WILL:
Where?
When?
What?
(Luke 1:26-27) (NLT) In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
(Luke 1:28-29) (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
(Luke 1:38) (NLT) Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
We spend too much time looking for the concealed part of God’s will, when God just wants us to obey the revealed parts of His ways.
The Answers are in the Questions:
- How am I living?
HOW I live is more important than WHERE I live.
- Why am I doing this?
WHY I’m doing something is more important than WHEN I do it
3. Who am I becoming?
Who I’m becoming is more important that WHAT I’m becoming.
When I walk in His ways I will always be in His will.
(2 Samuel 22.31) (NLT) God’s way is perfect.
(Proverbs 3:5) (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
(Proverbs 3:6) (NIV) in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
He will reveal His will when I choose to walk in His ways.
(Ephesians 5:17) (NIV) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
(Ephesians 5:17) (NLT) Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
(Romans 8:28) (MSG) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Disappointment is when our reality doesn’t meet our expectations.
When we change our expectations from the realities of this world to God’s way, we can handle disappointment.
Circle Maker, Week 4: The Legacy of a Circle Maker
What would our homes, workplaces and cities look like if everyone decided to commit to the church and connected to His plan for their lives? What if everyone decided to believe God's Word with all their hearts, served others, and gave from their heart? Our worlds would be transformed! Join us as we take a closer look at what it really means to live to the fullest the life that God intended. Get ready to be changed!
Toxic - Thoughts
Need a little personal poison control? Are there relationships,
thoughts, or behaviors that quietly compromise our well-being?
How can we learn to recognize and remove the hidden dangers in our lives?
(Colossians 2:6-7) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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.
(Colossians 2:8) (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powersof this world, rather than from Christ.
Title: Waiting vs. Willing
God doesn’t measure my life based on what I do, but based on what I do with what He has given to me.
A calling is: Bringing glory to God by faithfully displaying His grace to the world through our life.
(Isaiah 61:3) …They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
(1 Peter 4:10) (NIRV)God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully.
Calling Myths:
1. MYTH: My calling is passive.
TRUTH: My calling is active.
A calling can keep you so focused on the future that God has for you that you don’t forfeit that future for temporary fulfillment.
In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. –Mother Teresa
2. My calling is singular.
TRUTH: My calling is plural.
(Ephesians 4:15-16) (NIV) …we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
3. My calling is in the future.
TRUTH: My calling is now.
(Psalm 84:5-7) (NIV) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
(Psalm 84:5-7) (NIV) As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
(Psalm 84:5-7) (NIV) They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
4. My calling is a place.
TRUTH: My calling is about the person I’m becoming.
(Acts 17:28) (NIV) For in him we live and move and have our being.
If you cannot do the good that you would, do the good that you can. –Chuck Swindoll
Willing is: The practice of proactive waiting.
It’s not “what you would”, it’s “what you can.”
(2 Corinthians 3:18) (NLT) 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.
(Colossians 2:6-7) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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.
(Colossians 2:8) (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powersof this world, rather than from Christ.
(Romans 7:15) (NLT) 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.
Trying vs. Training
1. It becomes a part of our identity
2. We feel increasingly hopeless
3. We get defensive
4. We become a slave
5. We begin to lose our life.
(Romans 6:12-14) (NLT) Do not let sin control the way you live;do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God,
(Romans 6:12-14) (NLT) Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Basic Training
- Be Consistent
(Luke 14:18-20) (NLT) But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’
2. Be Strategic
(Proverbs 29:18) (CEB) When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.
3. Be Accountable
(Proverbs 18:1) (NKJV) A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
4. Be Balanced
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) (NLT) Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) (NLT) What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) (NLT) And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) (NLT) As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.
(Colossians 2:6-7) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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.
(Colossians 2:8) (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
Competition vs. Calling
(Ephesians 4:1) (NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
(Ephesians 4:2) (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Colossians 2:9-10 (NCV) All of God lives fully in Christ (even when Christ was on earth), and you have a full and true life in Christ.
Questions that Break the Spirit of Competition:
What am I trying to prove? Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 1:17 (NIV) Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
To whom am I trying to prove it? World
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT) Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
For what purpose am I trying to prove it? Worth
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT) But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
(Ecclesiastes 4:6) (NIV) Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
(Mark 8:36) (NLT) And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
All In: It’s not just another year. This is the year it all changes for you. The year you decide that you want more out of life. This is the year you’ve been waiting for. Here’s the kicker; you’ve got to approach this year different than any other year. How? By going all in! Join us for this unique approach to this new year and discover a new approach to the resolutions you make.
CHANGE the way we CHANGE.
(Colossians 2:6-7) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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.
(Colossians 2:8) (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powersof this world, rather than from Christ.
Growing in my relationship with God.
Our relationship with God is a PROCESS not a PROJECT.
(Colossians 2:6) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.
(Colossians 2:6-7) (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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.
(Galatians 6:9) (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.
(Galatians 6:9) (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Growing In God
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Delighting
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Disorienting
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Disturbing
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Discouraging
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Defeating
(Ephesians 2:8) (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed.
(2 Corinthians 4:15) (NLT) All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
(2 Corinthians 4:16) (NLT) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits arebeing renewed every day.
(Matthew 7:14) (NLT) But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
(John 15:4) (NLT) 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.
(John 15:5) (NLT) “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.
(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) (MSG) I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway.
(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) (MSG) God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
Today's Theme: We Will Not Forget
(Psalm 103:2) (NIV) Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
(Psalm 103:3-5) (NIV) …who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
(Romans 8:31) (MSG) So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?
(2 Timothy 1:6) (NLT) This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
(2 Timothy 1:6-7) (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Extra Benefits:
1. Power
(Colossians 1:11) (NLT) We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.
2. Love
(1 John 4:18) (NLT) Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
3. Sound Mind
(Psalm 139:17) (NLT) How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be outnumbered!
Title to message: Loving the Unlovable
(Isaiah 1:18) (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. If you will only obey me
The Unlovable:
1. Often use sedation to hide their frustration.
2. Often use laughter to hide their loneliness.
3. Often use intimidation to hide their insecurity.
(Matthew 5:47) (MSG) “If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.”
(Matthew 5:9) (MSG) You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
How to Love the Unlovable:
1. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
(Philippians 3:4)(NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
2. Speak well of them to others.
(Matthew 7: 1) (MSG) Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
(Ephesians 5:3-4) (MSG) Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.
3. Hope for their change of heart.
(2 Timothy 2:22-26) (MSG) Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
(Luke 2:8-10) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”
(Isaiah 1:18) (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. If you will only obey me,
Title of Message: It’s A Wonderful Life Worth Living
Betrayed
Falsely Accused
Rejected
Abused
Humiliated
(Hebrews 2:17-19) (MSG) That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.
(1 Peter 4:1) (NCV) Since Christ suffered while he was in his body, strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking Christ had.
(Luke 23:34) (NLT) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Choose to see the people or the situation you’re going through different.
It’s A Wonderful Life Worth Living So:
1. Live it selflessly.
(Matthew 20:25) (NLT) But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
(Matthew 20:26-27) (NLT) But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.
2. Live it to influence others for Jesus.
Are we using our influence for selfish ends or are we using our influence to bring glory to God?
(Philippians 1:12) (NLT) I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters,that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
3. Live it at peace with others
(Romans 12:18) (NLT) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
(Romans 12:18) (NLT) 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.
(Romans 12:19) (NLT) Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
From Humbug To Whoville: Stressed, worried, anxious, or afraid? Have you lost the joy of Christmas? Join us for our Christmas series: From Humbug to Whoville and rediscover the JOY of Christmas.
Theme Verse:
(Isaiah 1:18) (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.
Title: Getting Past My Past
(John 8:44) (NLT) 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.
Getting past our past will require us to stop believing the twisted lies of the enemy.
(Isaiah 1:18) (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.
DEALING WITH THE PAST
1. We hide it
(Proverbs 28:13) (NLT) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
2. We beat ourselves up
(Psalm 38:4-8) (NLT) My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.
(1 Timothy 1:12-13) (NLT) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.
(1 Timothy 1:14-15) (NLT) Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 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.
(1 Timothy 1:16) (NLT) 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.
Getting Past the Past:
1. Receive the gift of grace
(Ephesians 2:8-9) (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
2. Replace the lies with the truth
(2 Corinthians 10:5) (NIV) 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.
(1 Corinthians 1:30) (NLT) Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
3. Rely on God to turn it around for good
(Romans 8:28) (NIV) 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.
(Genesis 50:20) (NIV) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
(Acts 17:26) (GNT) From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live.
(Acts 17:27) (GNT) He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us;
Title of Message: #onemore
(Joshua 3:2-4) (NIV) After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”
(Joshua 3:6) (NIV) Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.
(Joshua 3:7-8) (NIV)And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”
(Joshua 3:9-10) (NIV)Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites.
(Joshua 3:14-15) (NIV)So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest.
(Joshua 3:15-16) (NIV)Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
(Joshua 3:17) (NIV)The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
(Joshua 4:1-3) (NIV)When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”
(Joshua 4:5-7) (NIV)Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
(Joshua 3:2) (NIV) “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.
(Acts 2:42-44) (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.
(Acts 2:45) (NIV) They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
(Acts 2:47) (NIV) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” -Calvin Coolidge
(1 Timothy 6:17) (NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
(1 Timothy 6:18) (NIV) Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
(1 Timothy 6:19) (NIV) In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Luke 16:10) (NLT) “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.
(2 Corinthians 9:6) (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
(Psalm 37:21) (CEV) An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving.
(Proverbs 11:25) (NLT) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
(2 Corinthians 8:1) (NIV) And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
(2 Corinthians 8:2-3) (NIV) In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
(2 Corinthians 8:4-5) (NIV) Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
(2 Corinthians 8:6) (NIV) So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.
(2 Corinthians 8:7) (NIV) 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.
(2 Corinthians 8:8-9) (NIV) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
(2 Corinthians 8:10-12) (NIV) And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Attitudes of the Generous:
1. They Give Joyfully
(Acts 20:35) (NIV) …‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
(Proverbs 21:26) (NLT) Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
2. They Give Selflessly
(2 Corinthians 8:5) (NIV) …They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
3. They Give Willingly
(2 Corinthians 8:12) (NIV) …For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable
(2 Corinthians 9:2) (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
4. They Give Thankfully
(Psalm 116:12) (NIRV) The Lord has been so good to me! How can I ever pay him back?
(1 Chronicles 29:14) (NIV) …Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
5. They Give Intentionally
(1 Timothy 6:19) (LB) By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourself in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity.
((Revelation 21:4-5) 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.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
“If you want God to do something new, you can’t keep doing the same old thing.”-Mark Batterson
Title of message: New or Improved?
(2 Corinthians 5:17) (TLB) When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
We change our lives:
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By changing from the OUTSIDE IN or by changing from the INSIDE OUT.
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By DOING SOMETHING different or by BEING SOMEONE different.
(Hebrews 10:16) (NLT) “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord:
(Hebrews 10:16) (NLT) I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
(Hebrews 10:17) (NLT) Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”
(Hebrews 10:19-20) (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
(Hebrews 10:21-22) (NLT) And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 10:23) (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
(Hebrews 10:24) (NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
(Hebrews 10:25) (NLT) 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.
Let us go right into the presence of God
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm
Let us think of ways to motivate one another
Let us not neglect our meeting together
In order to become NEW we must ask ourselves:
- Am I worshipping intimately?
(John 4:23) (NIV) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
(James 4:8) (NIV) Come near to God and he will come near to you.
- Am I feeding daily?
(Joshua 1:8) (NLT) 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.
(Psalm 119:105) (NLT) Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
- Am I serving faithfully?
(1 Peter 4:10) (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
- Am I connecting regularly?
(James 5:16) (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) (TLB) When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) (NIV) And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1. Warn those who are idle and disruptive (with their time,talent,treasure)
2. Encourage the disheartened
3. Help the weak
Title of Message: We Are Not Okay With Avoiding the Afflicted
(Mark 1:40-41) (NLT) A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion,Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
As Freedom Church we want to be filled with compassion and reach out to the afflicted.
The Course of Compassion:
1. Experience God’s love for yourself.
(Romans 5:8) (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. Open your eyes to the needs of others.
(Matthew 9:35-36) (NIV) “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…”
3. Be willing to reach out.
(Mark 1:41) (NLT) …Moved with compassion,Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
(Proverbs 3:27-28) (Message) “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.”
(Ephesians 3:12-13) (NLT) Because of Christ and our faith in him,we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.
(Romans 5:3-5) (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
The afflicted should remember:
1. It’s for my growth
2. It’s for others
3. It’s for the glory of God
(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, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Sometimes comfort is better than an answer.
Title of message: We Are Not Okay with Consumer Christianity
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) (MSG) Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) (NIV) And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1. Warn those who are idle and disruptive
2. Encourage the disheartened
3. Help the weak
The Purpose of Freedom Church – Why we exist:
To reach out as FRIENDS with the life-giving message of Jesus so that we all might become fully devoted followers of Christ.
(Luke 15:4) (NLT) “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?
Moving from Consumer to Contributor:
1. With our Treasure
(Malachi 3:8) (NLT) “Should people cheat God?
(Malachi 3:8) (NLT) …Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
(Malachi 3:8) (NLT) “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.
(Malachi 3:9) (NLT) You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.
(Malachi 3:10) (NLT) 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!
2. With our Time
94% of people said volunteering improved their mood.
(Luke 6:31) (NLT) Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
(Philippians 2:3-4) (NIV) …in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
(Ephesians 5:15-18) (MSG) Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God. Don’t get your stimulus from wine (for there is always the danger of excessive drinking), but let the Spirit stimulate your souls.
3. With our Talent
(1 Peter 4:10) (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
(2 Corinthians 4:2) (MSG) We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. 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 and judge for themselves in the presence of God.
When the odds are against you, God is for you.
Title of message: My Past is Too Bad
(Ephesians 4:29) (NIV) 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.
(Colossians 3:8) (NIV) But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
(Ephesians 5:4) (NIV) Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
We all have a past we are ashamed of, but God can use it if we’ll surrender it to Him.
(Acts 26:4-5) (NIV) The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
(Acts 26:9-11) (NIV) I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
(Acts 26:12-14) (NIV) “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
(Acts 26:15-16) (NIV)“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.
1. God’s Presence is what changes us
(Proverbs 16:25) (NIV) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
2. God always asks us to get up
(Acts 26:16) (NIV) Now get up and stand on your feet.
(Isaiah 60:1) (NIV) “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
(Acts 26:16) (NIV) I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.
3. Our Past can become our platform
When the odds are against you, God is for you.
Title: I’m not good enough.
1 Samuel 16:1 (NLT) Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.”
1. God wants to do something new in our lives.
What is the “something new” that God has placed in your heart that you are having trouble believing?
1 Samuel 16:2 (NLT) But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”
2. New things always come with fear.
False Expectations Appear Real
What excuses are you making?
1 Samuel 16:2 (NLT) “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.
1 Samuel 16:4 (NLT) So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”
1 Samuel 16:5 (NLT) “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.
1 Samuel 16:6 (NLT) When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
3. Gods plan is always different than our plan.
What area of your life is different than you thought it would be?
1 Samuel 16:8 (NLT) Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.”
1 Samuel 16:9 (NLT) Next Jesse summoned Shimea,but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.”
1 Samuel 16:10 (NLT) In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.”
1 Samuel 16:11 (NLT) Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”
1 Samuel 16:11 (NLT) “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”
4. There will always be “non-believers” on the path to our dreams.
What voices from your past or present don’t believe in your dream?
1 Samuel 16:11 (NLT) Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
1 Samuel 16:12 (NLT) So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”
5. God always chooses an underdog to change the world.
Do you believe that God could actually use you to change the world?
When the odds are against you, God is for you.
Title of message: Impossible Odds
(Judges 6:6) (NIV) Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.
(Judges 6:7-8) (NIV) When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian,he sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
1. God always chooses people.
You have permission to believe that it’s YOU that God would want to use to change a circumstance.
(Judges 6:12) (NIV) When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
(Judges 6:13) (NIV) “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.”
(Judges 6:14) (NIV) 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?”
(Judges 6:15) (NIV) “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.”
2. God’s not concerned with out excuses.
(Judges 7:1) (NIV) Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
(Judges 7:2) (NIV) The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’
3. God loves to stack the deck against us.
(Judges 7:3) (NIV) Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
(Judges 7:4) (NIV) But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
(Judges 7:5-6) (NIV) So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
(Judges 7:7) (NIV) The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”
(Judges 7:8) (NIV) So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.
4. God always asks us to trust His uncommon logic.
(Judges 7:9) (NIV) During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.
(Judges 7:16) (NIV) Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.
5. God always calls us to respond with bold obedience.
(Judges 7:20) (NIV) The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
(Judges 7:22) (NIV) When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords.
You Might Be an Underdog
1. I’m not qualified enough
2. My past is too bad
3. My reputation is too scarred
4. My dream is too radical
5. Nobody recognizes my potential
6. I’m not connected to the right people
7. My resources are too scarce
8. My chances are too slim
9. I’m insecure
10. My opponent is too great
(Philippians 2:4) (NCV) Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.
(Luke 14:15) (NLT) Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!”
(Luke 14:16-20) (NLT) Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’
(Luke 14:21) (NLT) The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious…
(Luke 14:21) (NLT) His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
The Underdogs to Invite:
1. The Poor – Those who have been cheated by the world.
2. The Crippled –Those who have been broken down by the world.
3. The Blind –Those who have never had a chance to see.
4. The Lame –Those who need a touch from Jesus.
(Luke 14:22-23) (NLT) After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.
Today we are diving into our last message in our series, “THE ANCHOR” (The HOPE we have because of Jesus…)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
Hope = Confident expectation based on something solid
“My hope is built on nothing less… than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
Maybe today you walked in, HOPELESS… If that’s you today, look around you, stop and ask someone to share their story.
Recap: What is HOPE? / Where does HOPE come from? / HOPE for my future
Our number one prayer for you is this… that you latch onto this HOPE we have in Jesus. HOPE that keeps us standing, when the entire world is shaken…HOPE that never fails. Because of this HOPE… we are anchored, secure…
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. Romans 15:13 (NIV) Transition: Today we will look at our final thought on HOPE… What some call, THE BLESED HOPE…The ultimate hope that there really is something beyond this life. (Pray)
Story/Illustration:
Transition: You see, the hope we have is not solely to get through this life… but it’s hope NOW that there is another level of HOPE… Heaven.
With as much HOPE as we have now, we still face things… hard times, difficulties, obstacles.
(My Season of ministry… “Why can’t I find balance?” “Because this isn’t home.”)
We will have seasons of pain/suffering/frustration… and we learned a couple weeks ago that that is part of God’s process of producing HOPE in us.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope… Romans 5:2-4 (ESV)
The ultimate HOPE we have is that this life is NOT all there is… there is an eternity of JOY and PEACE that awaits us!
11 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, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… Titus 2:11-13 (NIV) (Eternal life)
We have to change our focus… from just finding hope in this life, to living our life in light of our eternal hope…(Peoples efforts to find hope HERE)
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 (NIV) The HOPE of Jesus is what has caused “Death to lose it’s Sting”…(1 cor. 15:55) 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT) At the end of your life… and everyday… THIS is the goal (James… your life is but a vapor)
Heaven is a reality we need to live in… But there are a lot of misconceptions of Heave;
- Clouds, robes, halos
- Never ending church service (singing forever)
- Celestial retirement home
- So unreal…
Transition: But what does the bible say about Heaven?
- Heaven is a REAL place
Revelation 21… talks all about the city of Heaven, New Jerusalem.
1400 miles in every direction / walls 200 ft. thick of solid jasper / 12 gates made from a single pearl / transparent streets of gold… amazing!
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. John 14:2-3 (NIV) 2. Heaven is a RIGHT place
Think about every wrong with this life… your life…
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.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5 (NIV)
No pain, disappointment, insecurity, loss of innocence, worry, fear, bills, sickness...
- Heaven is a RELATIONAL place
A place where you will see your loved ones who walked with Jesus… (Those who didn’t?)
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. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (NIV)
- Heaven is a REWARDING place
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12 (NKJV) Transition: That’s great that we have that to look forward to, but how do we have ETERNAL HOPE… Now?
- Remove Your Doubt
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT) 2. Replace Your Anxiety
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) 3. Refocus Your Energy
When we truly understand heaven… we will live different.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) Big Idea: Hope is not some elusive idea or feeling that we are always chasing... Hope is not some cliche that hangs on our walls...
Hope is real... tangible... available.
Challenge: If we will commit to these 4 areas... Not only will we find supernatural levels of HOPE in our lives, but God will use us to carry that HOPE into our world...
Where are you this morning?
Salvation?
(Hebrews 6:19) (NIV) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”
Hope is a confident expectation based on something solid.
(Psalm 71:14) (NIV) “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
Title of my message: Hope for my Future
(Lamentations 3:19-20) (NIV) “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.”
Past Problems.
(Job 30:26) (NIV) “Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.”
Past Mistakes.
(Job 27:8) (NIV) “For what hope have the godless when they are cut off, when God takes away their life?
Past Relationships.
(Job 19:19) (NLT) “My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.
(Lamentations 3:21-23) (NIV) “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
How can we have Hope for our future?
1. Refocus our mind.
(Romans 12:2) (NLT) “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
(Ephesians 4:18) (NCV) “They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives.
(Ephesians 3:18-19) (NLT) “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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”
2. Release our past.
(Isaiah 43:18) (NIV) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
(Psalm 103:10,12) (NIV) “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
(Micah 7:18) (NIV) “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
Grace is getting what you don’t deserve
Mercy is not getting what you do deserve.
(Romans 8:1) (NIV) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
3. Renew our heart.
(Ezekiel 36:26) (NIV) “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.”
(Jeremiah 29:11) (NIV) 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.
(Jeremiah 29:12) (NIV) Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
(Jeremiah 29:13) (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
(Romans 10:9-10) (NLT) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
Today we are diving into our last message in our series, “THE ANCHOR” (The HOPE we have because of Jesus…)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
Hope = Confident expectation based on something solid
“My hope is built on nothing less… than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
Maybe today you walked in, HOPELESS… If that’s you today, look around you, stop and ask someone to share their story.
Recap: What is HOPE? / Where does HOPE come from? / HOPE for my future
Our number one prayer for you is this… that you latch onto this HOPE we have in Jesus. HOPE that keeps us standing, when the entire world is shaken…HOPE that never fails. Because of this HOPE… we are anchored, secure…
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. Romans 15:13 (NIV) Transition: Today we will look at our final thought on HOPE… What some call, THE BLESED HOPE…The ultimate hope that there really is something beyond this life. (Pray)
Story/Illustration:
Transition: You see, the hope we have is not solely to get through this life… but it’s hope NOW that there is another level of HOPE… Heaven.
With as much HOPE as we have now, we still face things… hard times, difficulties, obstacles.
(My Season of ministry… “Why can’t I find balance?” “Because this isn’t home.”)
We will have seasons of pain/suffering/frustration… and we learned a couple weeks ago that that is part of God’s process of producing HOPE in us.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope… Romans 5:2-4 (ESV)
The ultimate HOPE we have is that this life is NOT all there is… there is an eternity of JOY and PEACE that awaits us!
11 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, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… Titus 2:11-13 (NIV) (Eternal life)
We have to change our focus… from just finding hope in this life, to living our life in light of our eternal hope…(Peoples efforts to find hope HERE)
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 (NIV) The HOPE of Jesus is what has caused “Death to lose it’s Sting”…(1 cor. 15:55) 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT) At the end of your life… and everyday… THIS is the goal (James… your life is but a vapor)
Heaven is a reality we need to live in… But there are a lot of misconceptions of Heave;
§ Clouds, robes, halos
§ Never ending church service (singing forever)
§ Celestial retirement home
§ So unreal…
Transition: But what does the bible say about Heaven?
1. Heaven is a REAL place
Revelation 21… talks all about the city of Heaven, New Jerusalem.
1400 miles in every direction / walls 200 ft. thick of solid jasper / 12 gates made from a single pearl / transparent streets of gold… amazing!
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. John 14:2-3 (NIV) 2. Heaven is a RIGHT place
Think about every wrong with this life… your life…
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.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5 (NIV)
No pain, disappointment, insecurity, loss of innocence, worry, fear, bills, sickness...
3. Heaven is a RELATIONAL place
A place where you will see your loved ones who walked with Jesus… (Those who didn’t?)
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. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (NIV)
4. Heaven is a REWARDING place
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12 (NKJV) Transition: That’s great that we have that to look forward to, but how do we have ETERNAL HOPE… Now?
1. Remove Your Doubt
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT) 2. Replace Your Anxiety
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. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) 3. Refocus Your Energy
When we truly understand heaven… we will live different.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) Big Idea: Hope is not some elusive idea or feeling that we are always chasing... Hope is not some cliche that hangs on our walls...
Hope is real... tangible... available.
Challenge: If we will commit to these 4 areas... Not only will we find supernatural levels of HOPE in our lives, but God will use us to carry that HOPE into our world...
Where are you this morning?
Salvation?
The Anchor:When the storms of life come and we are tossed back and forth by the winds of change, we need an anchor. Something that will give us security, peace, and comfort. Find out what that anchor is and how it can save your life.
Title to my message: My Anchor
(Hebrews 6:19) (NIV) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”
(Proverbs 13:12) (NIV) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”
Without an Anchor:
We become disoriented.
(Job 17:15) (NIV) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
We began to drift.
(Isaiah 53:6) (NIV) “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.”
We find ourselves in despair.
(2 Corinthians 1:8) (NIV) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.”
Hope is not:
Wishful thinking
Blind optimism
Ambitious dreams
Hope is a confident expectation based on something solid.
(Hebrews 11:1) (NLT) “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
(Psalm 71:14) (NIV) “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
How can I find my anchor?
Finding Hope:
1. Hope is anchored in trust.
(Romans 4:18) (NIV) “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…”
(Psalm 42:11) (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God.
2. Hope is anchored to something unseen.
(2 Corinthians 4:17-18) (NIV) “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.”
3. Hope is anchored in a relationship with God.
(Romans 15:13) (GWT) “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope…”
(Psalm 62:5) (NLT) “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
(Isaiah 40:31) (NIV) “…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.”
Title to Message: Because We Love
(1 Corinthians 13:13) “In this life we have three lasting qualities -- faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.”
(1 Corinthians 14:1) (NLT) “Let love be your highest goal…
(1 Corinthians 14:1) (MSG) “Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.”
(1 John 2:9-11) “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.”
(John 13:34-35) Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another! As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Love means: Living for the other person’s good.
(Matthew 5:44) (NLT) But I say, love your enemies!Pray for those who persecute you!
1. Without love, all that I say is ineffective.
(1 Corinthians 13:1) (NIV) “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
(Ephesians 4:15) (NLT) …We will speak the truth in love . . .
2. Without love, all that I know is incomplete.
(1 Corinthians 13:2) (NIV) “If I have the gift of prophecy, and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge... but do not have love, I am nothing.”
(1 Corinthians 8:1) (NIV) “…Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
3. Without love, all that I believe is insufficient.
(1 Corinthians 13:2) (NIV) “... and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
(Galatians 5:6) (NIV) “... The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
4. Without love, all that I give is insignificant.
(1 Corinthians 13:3) (NIV) “If I give all I possess to the poor... but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
5. Without love, all that I accomplish is inadequate.
(1 Corinthians 13:3) (NIV) “… (if I) give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Why do we love?
(1 John 4:19) (NLT) We love each otherbecause he loved us first.
(1 Corinthians 13:7-8) (PHILLIPS) “Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.”
(Colossians 3:14) (LB) “Most of all, let love guide your life…”
Why do WE SERVE?
Title: Because We Are Free
(John 8:36) (NLT) So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
(Galatians 5:13) (CEV) My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.
(Luke 10:29) (NIV) But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
(Luke 10:30) (NIV) 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.
(Luke 10:31) (NIV) A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
(Luke 10:31) (NIV) So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
You will always have an excuse to justify not getting involved.
1. Interruption
(Luke 10:33-34) (NIV) But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 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.
2. Contribution
(Luke 10:35) (NIV) The next day he took out two denariiand 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.’
3. Transformation
(Luke 10:36-37) (NIV) “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
(Matthew 9:36) (NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
(Matthew 9:37-38) (NLT) He said to his disciples, “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.”
(Philippians 2:20-21) (NIV) I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
(1 John 3:16) (Message) This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
What Rick Warren said is true: “The only way you can serve God is by serving other people”. This is exactly what our new series is all about. We will unite together to serve our county, community and church. WE serve isn’t just a series, it’s who we are.
Why do WE SERVE?
Title to Message: Because we care.
(Mark 10:45) (NLT) 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.
Serving Stoppers
- A wrong view of self.
(1 Peter 2:9) (NLT) …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
2. A wrong view of people.
(Matthew 9:36) (NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
3. A wrong view of God.
(Jeremiah 32:17) (NLT) “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!
(Ephesians 4:1) (NLT) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
(John 14:12) (NLT) 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.
(Ephesians 3:20) (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
(Ephesians 3:21) (NLT) Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Where do we start?
(2 Kings 3:9) (NCV) So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After they had marched seven days, there was no more water for the army or for their animals that were with them.
(2 Kings 3:12) (NCV) The king of Israel said, “This is terrible! The Lord has called us three kings together to hand us over to the Moabites!”
(2 Kings 3:12) (NCV) But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there a prophet of the Lord here? We can ask the Lord through him.” An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was Elijah’s servant.” Jehoshaphat said, “He speaks the Lord’s truth.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to see Elisha.
(2 Kings 3:13) (NCV) Elisha said to the king of Israel, “I have nothing to do with you. Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother!” The king of Israel said to Elisha, “No, the Lord has called us three kings together to hand us over to the Moabites.”
(2 Kings 3:14) (NCV) Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord All-Powerful lives, whom I serve, I tell you the truth. I wouldn’t even look at you or notice you if Jehoshaphat king of Judah were not here. I respect him.
(2 Kings 3:15) (NCV) Now bring me someone who plays the harp.
(2 Kings 3:15) (NCV) While the harp was being played, the Lord gave Elisha power.
(2 Kings 3:16) (NCV) Then Elisha said, “The Lord says to dig holes in the valley.
(2 Kings 3:17-19) (NCV) The Lord says you won’t see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water. Then you, your cattle, and your other animals can drink. This is easy for the Lord to do; he will also hand Moab over to you. You will destroy every strong, walled city and every important town. You will cut down every good tree and stop up all springs. You will ruin every good field with rocks.
(2 Kings 3:20) (NCV) The next morning, about the time the sacrifice was offered, water came from the direction of Edom and filled the valley.
1. Serving is birthed in God’s presence.
2. Serving goes beyond inspiration to participation.
3. Serving happens regardless of what is seen.
(1 Corinthians 3:7) (NLT) It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
WE Serve our:
1. COUNTY
2. COMMUNITY
3. CHURCH
COUNTY: 10,000 Cans of food.
COMMUNITY: Block Parties.
CHURCH: Adding 2 Saturday Night Services starting October 5th: 4:30 & 6:15.
WE SERVE CENTRAL!
Title of Message: The Walk
(Luke 24:13) (NIV) Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven milesfrom Jerusalem.
(Luke 24:14-17) (NIV) They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
(Luke 24:17-18) (NIV) They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
Observations from The Walk:
1. Jesus shows up at the worst moment.
(Luke 24:19-23) (NIV) “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
2. Jesus’ words will cause your heart to burn
(Luke 24:25-27) (NIV) He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
(Luke 24:31-32) (NIV) Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
3. Jesus will cause you to take hope back to where you lost it.
(Luke 24:33-35) (NIV) They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
(Hebrews 4:12) (NIV) 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.
We would experience the POWER that comes from the stories for ourselves.
(Luke 18:35-37) (NIV) As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
(Luke 18:38-39) (NIV) He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
(Luke 18:40-42) (NIV) Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
(Luke 18:43) (NIV) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
How to pray:
1. Pray with urgency
(Psalm 142:1) (NLT) I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
2. Pray with perseverance
(Matthew 7:7)(NIV) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
(Luke 18:39) (NIV) Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
(Colossians 4:2) (GNT) Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) (NLT) Never stop praying.
3. Pray specifics
(Luke 18:41) (NIV) Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
4. Pray with faith
"Heaven is full of answers to prayerfor which no one bothered to ask." –Billy Graham
(Jeremiah 33:3) (NIV) Call to me and I will answer you…
(Job 30:20) (NIV) “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me.
(Hebrews 11:39) (NIV) These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,
(Hebrews 11:40) (NIV) God had planned something better…
5. Pray with a heart of thankfulness
(Luke 18:43) (NIV) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
(Isaiah 59:10) (NLT) We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.
Luke: You’ve heard the stories, now experience the power of these stories as we take an in depth look at the gospel according to Luke.
Luke: You’ve heard the stories, now experience the power of these stories as we take an in depth look at the gospel according to Luke.
Luke: You’ve heard the stories, now experience the power of these stories as we take an in depth look at the gospel according to Luke.
Title of Message: The Temptation
(James 1:13-14) (NIV) When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
(James 1:15-16) (NIV) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
(Luke 4:1-2) (NIV) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was temptedby the devil.
(Luke 4:2-4) (NIV) He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
(Luke 4:5-8) (NIV) The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
(Luke 4:9-12) (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. 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.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
(Luke 4:13-14) (NIV) When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
The Top Temptations:
1. Temptation toward something good.
(Luke 4:2-4) (NIV) He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
(Luke 4:5) (NIV) The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
2. Temptation to Instant Gratification
(Luke 4:12) (NIV) Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
(1 John 2:16) (NIV) 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.
3. Temptation for Security
(2 Corinthians 2:10-11) (NIV) I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Leaving Temptation in the Spirit
1. When am I tempted?
2. What is my temptation?
3. Who is with me when I’m tempted?
Title of Message: Real Dating
The key ingredient to a successful relationship is authenticity.
(Romans 12:2) (NLT) 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.
(Song of Solomon 1:1) (NLT) This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other.
(Song of Solomon 1:2) (NLT) Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.
(Song of Solomon 1:2) (NLT) How fragrant your cologne; your name is like its spreading fragrance. No wonder all the young women love you!
(Ecclesiastes 3:1) (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
(Song of Solomon 2:8-10) (NLT) Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room.
1. The Season of Perfection
Love isn’t about finding a perfect person; love is about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.
Dating in the Perfection Season:
A. Limit your time.
B. Limit your talk.
C. Limit your touch.
(Song of Solomon 2:11) (NLT) Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.
Stop praying for a spouse and start praying for the character that’s worthy of the spouse God is bringing. –Pastor Peter Haas
(Song of Solomon 2:12) (NLT) The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birdshas come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.
(Song of Solomon 2:14) (NLT) My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely.
2. The Season of Preparation.
Dating in the Preparation Season:
A. Have extremely high standards
B. Involve the family C. Access is Conditional
(Song of Solomon 2:14) (NLT) Catch all the foxes, those little foxes,
before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!
3. The Season of Purity
(Song of Solomon 3:1-2) (NIV) All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him.
(Song of Solomon 3:3-4) (NIV) The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. “Have you seen the one my heart loves?” Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother’s house, to the room of the one who conceived me.
(Song of Solomon 3:5) (NIV) Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
REALationships: Don’t give up. Culture doesn’t have to define your relationships. You can be honest and real. In this series, we’re going to get real with relationships and build strong families. We’ll take a look at how to be real in our marriage, friendships, relationships, family and community
Title of Message: Keeping it Real
The key ingredient to a successful relationship is authenticity.
The Love Stages:
1. Wow
2. Vow
3. How
4. Pow
5. Now
(Proverbs 20:25) (NIV) It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
1. We get distracted
(Mark 4:19) (GNT) but the worries about this life, the love for riches, and all other kinds of desires crowd in and choke the message, and they don't bear fruit.
2. We get complacent
(Romans 12:11) (GW) Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.
How to have a REAL Marriage Relationship.
1. Commit to pay the price.
Commitment: Be willing to be unhappy until we work it out.
(Matthew 16:24) (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
(1 Corinthians 4:7) (NIRV) The wife’s body does not belong only to her. It also belongs to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong only to him. It also belongs to his wife.
2. Give it your best effort.
(Proverbs 14:23) (RSV) In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to want.
3. Keep your eyes on the prize.
(Proverbs 4:25-27) (NLT) Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
4. Commit to Christ first.
(2 Chronicles 16:9) (NLT) The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
REALationships: Don’t give up. Culture doesn’t have to define your relationships. You can be honest and real. In this series, we’re going to get real with relationships and build strong families. We’ll take a look at how to be real in our marriage, friendships, relationships, family and community
Title of Message: Let’s Get Real
The key ingredient to a successful relationship is authenticity.
4 REAL Relationships I need:
1. A REAL Relationship with God.
2. A REAL Relationship with Godly friends.
3. A REAL Relationship with Church.
(Ephesians 2:19) (ESV) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
4. 4. A REAL Relationship with a Team.
(1 Corinthians 3:9) (GNT) For we are partners working together for God,
(Colossians 2:19) (CEV) Christ gives the body its strength, and he uses its joints and muscles to hold it together, as it grows by the power of God.
Email or Text us at: ask@freedom-church.org
4 Results of REAL Godly Relationships:
1. Encouragement
(Hebrews 3:12-13) (CEV) My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day.
2. Prayer
(Colossians 4:12) (NIV) Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,
(Colossians 4:12) (NIV) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
3. Authenticity
(Proverbs 28:13) (NLT) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
(Ephesians 4:25) (NIV) Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
4. Growth
(Colossians 2:19) (CEV) Christ gives the body its strength, and he uses its joints and muscles to hold it together, as it grows by the power of God.
(Romans 1:12) (NLT) When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours
(Genesis 2:9) (NLT) The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
(Revelation 22:2) (NLT) Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit,with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.
(Proverbs 11:30) (NKJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.
Title of message: Old Life vs. New Life
1. The old life focuses on self.
(Galatians 2:20) (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The new life focuses on brokenness.
(1 Corinthians 15:31) (NCV) I die every day.
(Galatians 5:24) (NIV) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
2. The old life focuses on the desires of the flesh.
The new life focuses on holiness.
(Galatians 6:6) (NCV) We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin.
3. The old life focuses on the world.
(Galatians 6:14) (NLT) As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
The new life focuses on separation.
(2 Corinthians 6:17) (NIV) Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
"A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it." G.K. Chesterton
(Romans 6:4) (NIV) 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.
Don’t miss this compelling look at the very first relational story in the Bible. Within this incredible story lies absolutes that define how we read and interpret the rest of the Bible but most importantly how we live as followers of Jesus.
Title of message is: Slave vs. Son
(Galatians 3:26) (NLT) For you are all childrenof God through faith in Christ Jesus.
(Galatians 4:4-5) (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Are you a Slave or a Son?
The slave has a master.
The son has a father.
(Galatians 4:6) (ESV) And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
The slave is poor.
The son is rich.
(Galatians 4:7) (NLT) Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
The slave is driven by duty.
The son is driven by devotion.
(Galatians 4:9) (NLT) So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?
Your relationship WITH Him is far more important than anything you can DO for Him.
(Matthew 7:21-23) (NIV) 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. 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?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
What does it mean to know Him?
1. View Him as a perfect Father.
(Matthew 7:9-11) (NIV) “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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!
(Deuteronomy 31:8) (NLT) Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.
2. Approach Him through relationship not rules.
(John 14:15) (NLT) “If you love me, obeymy commandments.
(1 John 5:3) (NLT) Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
3. Seek Him with your whole heart.
(Jeremiah 29:13) (NLT) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
(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.
4. Respond to sin with life.
(Romans 8:1) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
(Romans 8:2) …because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set youfree from the law of sin and death.
Don’t miss this compelling look at the very first relational story in the Bible. Within this incredible story lies absolutes that define how we read and interpret the rest of the Bible but most importantly how we live as followers of Jesus.
Title of message is: Law vs. Grace. Living in the Tree of life means: Making choices that lead to life.
Living in the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil means: Making choices that lead to death.
(Proverbs 14:12) (NLT) There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
(Genesis 3:6) (NIV) 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.
MISGUIDED MYTHS
(2 Timothy 4:3-4) (NIV) 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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
1. If I do something wrong, I should do something right.
2. If I do something right, I deserve something good.
(Galatians 3:1) (NLT) Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you?
(Galatians 3:1-2) (NLT) For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ.
(Galatians 3:3) (NLT) How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
(Galatians 3:10) (NLT) But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.”
(Galatians 3:11) (NLT) So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
(Galatians 3:19) (NLT) Why, then, was the law given?
(Galatians 3:24-25) (NLT) Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
1. Where there is no law, there is no sin.
2. The Law leads us to Christ
Grace is:
1. G - God’s gift to me.
(Romans 6:23) (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord
2. R - Received by faith.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
(Romans 4:16) (NCV) So people receive God’s promise by having faith. This happens so the promise can be a free gift.
3. A- Available to everyone.
(Romans 10:13) (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
4. C- Comes through Christ.
(John 1:17) (NIV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:15) (NCV) …many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace from God was much greater; many people received God’s gift of life by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 2:21) (NLT) I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
5. E - Extended throughout eternity.
(Romans 6:1-2) (NLT) Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not!
(Isaiah 30:18) (NIV) ...the Lord longs to be gracious to you.
Don’t miss this compelling look at the very first relational story in the Bible. Within this incredible story lies absolutes that define how we read and interpret the rest of the Bible but most importantly how we live as followers of Jesus.
Title of message: Religion vs. Christianity
(Genesis 2:9) (NLT) The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
(Genesis 2:16) (NLT) But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—
(Genesis 2:17) (NLT) except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”
(Genesis 3:1) (NIV) 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’?”
(Genesis 3:2-3) (NIV) The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 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.’”
(Genesis 3:4-5) (NIV) “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
(Genesis 3:6) (NIV) 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.
The gospel is: The transformation on the inside of you that causes a change of behavior on the outside of you.
Characteristics of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil:
1. Victimization
2. Shame
(Romans 8:1) (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Characteristics of The Tree of Life:
1. Innocence
(Matthew 18:3) (NIV) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
2. Freedom
(Galatians 1:6) (NLT) I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News
(Galatians 6:10) (NIV) 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.
Religion vs. Christianity:
1. Religion is spelled DO.
Christianity is spelled DONE.
(John 5:39) (MSG) You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
2. Religion is man’s attempt to reach God.
Christianity is God’s attempt to reach man.
(Romans 5:8) (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
3. Religion focuses on the external
(Matthew 23:26) (NLT) You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,and then the outside will become clean, too.
Christianity focuses on the internal
(1 Samuel 16:7) (NIV) The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Happy Easter! The Pastors and leaders of Freedom Church pray you find the love and hope that only Jesus provides in this special Easter message.
We’ve always belonged to Jesus.
(Ephesians 1:4) (NLT) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
(Jeremiah 3:22) (NLT) “My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.
Title of Message: Found
(Luke 19:10) (NLT) For the Son of Mancame to seek and save those who are lost.
(Luke 15:3-7) (NLT) So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
(Luke 15:13) (NLT) A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.
(Luke 15:17) (NLT) “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
Miserable times will reveal the condition of our hearts.
(Luke 15:20) (NLT) “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Are you ready to be found?
We’ve always belonged to Jesus.
(Ephesians 1:4) (NLT) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
(Jeremiah 3:22) (NLT) “My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.
Title of Message: The Searching
(Luke 19:1-2) (NIV) Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
(Luke 19:3-4) (NIV) He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
(Luke 19:5-6) (NIV) When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
(Luke 19:7) (NIV) All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
The searching:
1. Have a past they're not proud of.
2. Have a desire for something significant.
(Luke 19:8) (NIV) 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.”
(Luke 19:9-10) (NIV) Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
When the searching find Jesus they find:
1. The future they hoped for.
(Jeremiah 29:11) (MSG) “…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”
2. The significance they longed for.
(Luke 19:6) (NKJV) So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
Goals of this series:
1. To see you invite 2 people each week to church.
2. To see those you invited give their hearts to Jesus.
Title of my message: The Lonely
PLAY SONG
"I have my books and my poetry to protect me.
Shielded in my armor, Hiding in my room, Safe within my womb,
I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock; I am an island."
WHY do we have loneliness?
WHO are the lonely?
WHAT is the cure to loneliness?
Why all the loneliness?
1. We are not meeting together.
(Hebrews 10:24-25) (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.
2. Sin propels us into isolation.
God creates us with a longing for belonging.
Sin creates within us desperation for isolation.
(Genesis 3:8) 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.
(Psalm 68:6) (NCV) God gives the lonely a home. He leads prisoners out with joy, but those who turn against God will live in a dry land.
Who are the lonely?
Divorced
On Benefits
College Students
Single Moms
Housewives
Elderly
What is the cure for loneliness?
1. Seek out relationships.
(Proverbs 18:1) (NKJV) A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
(2 Timothy 4:9-11) (NLT) Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone. –Margaret Wheatley
2. Serve other people.
(2 Timothy 4:13) (NLT) When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
(Philippians 2:4) (NLT) Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
3. Stay with the Lord.
(2 Timothy 4:16-17) (NCV) The first time I defended myself, no one helped me; everyone left me. May they be forgiven. But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength so I could fully tell the Good News to all those who are not Jews. So I was saved from the lion’s mouth.
(Jeremiah 3:22) (NLT) “My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.
Goals of Coming Back Series:
1. To see you invite 2 people each week to church.
2. To see those you invited give their hearts to Jesus.
We’ve always belonged to Jesus.
(Ephesians 1:4) (NLT) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
(Jeremiah 3:22) (NLT) “My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.
Title of my message: The Lost
o I hate to admit it.
o I want to be found.
(Luke 15:1-2) (NLT) Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
(Luke 15:3-7) (NLT) So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Lost people, like sheep are:
1. Prone to wander off.
(Isaiah 53:6) (NLT) All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
2. Vulnerable when separated from the Shepherd.
(1 Peter 5:8) (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
3. Unaware they are lost.
(Ezekiel 34:16) (NIV84) I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak,
(Jeremiah 3:22) (NLT) “My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.
Pastor Shane, our lead pastor is out of town… (SO COME BACK NEXT WEEK)
But it’s my privilege to share with you this morning as we close out our series “In Case of Fire.”
We as humans (mostly men) have a borderline obsession with fire… we love it, but it can lead us to do some crazy things…
Story: “Trashcan Fire”
Part of my job… is to pastor teenagers, but sometimes I’m not the greatest example.
Transition: Fire is very unpredictable thing… and if you aren’t careful, it can get out of control.
The past few weeks we have learned how to survive the “fires’ in our life… the moments and circumstances that leave us hopeless… looking for a way out! (Marriage / Finances)
Today… we are going to look at this from a different angle. Fire can be a good thing, an inviting thing… a powerful thing.In fact all through the bible you see FIRE used to describe God’s presence!
(The wilderness, Elijah and Mt. Carmel, Acts 2 and the birth of the church…)
“I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.” Matthew 3:11-12 (MSG)
When we say yes to a relationship with God… this is His goal for our lives. And he never stops!
So our question today is this… “What do we do when there is a fire in our hearts?”
“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. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
Vs.14 You are the LIGHT of the World = “Phos” FIRE LIGHT
Vs. 15 No one LIGHTS a lamp = “Kaio” SET ON FIRE / Gives LIGHT to everyone = “Lampo” RADIATE
Vs. 16 Light = Fire /Shine = Radiate
“You are the FIRE of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one STARTS A FIRE and then puts it under a basket. Instead, THE FIRE is placed on a stand, where it RADIATES to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your FIRE RADIATE out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16
Fire = God’s presence alive in you… a spiritual fire that burns with hope, peace, joy, strength, love…
When we give our lives to Jesus… we COME ALIVE on the inside. A spiritual fire starts to burn… so much so that it will start to affect the outside. (A change in countenance…)
Transition: SO for the rest of our time we are going to look at FIRE as a good thing… the very presence of God burning in us. A FIRE that has the power to change us… but what do we do with this FIRE?
Here are 3 things we have to do… when there is a FIRE in our hearts:
1. We feed it
Like any fire that you want to keep burning… there are things that the fire inside of you needs to keep burning:
· Bible – wood Prayer
· Prayer – Lighter fluid
· Surrender – Air (surrender of your will, struggles, addictions, sin, etc.)
Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed. God himself is Fire! Hebrew 12:28-29 (MSG)
There will… be moments in our life where it feels like our fire is dying… but as long as you are breathing there is a spark ready to ignite a flame in your heart again!
Perfection does not fuel the fire of God... Surrender does.
2. We share it
One of the most comforting… relaxing… life-giving things for me is to sit around the fire with friends… we can sit for hours and just stare at it!
(Josh / fires /blow torch) (camping… beans in the fire)
But we can relate to this… fire is inviting!! It’s warm… you want to be around it.
But our tendency is… we let our own fears, failures, frustrations smother the FIRE of God in our lives!
But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! Jeremiah 20:9 (NLT)
Bottom line is that the fire of God CANNOT be contained… you either let in burn or you smother it.
In fact I’m convinced that EVEYRTHING we do in our lives is either sharing it… or smothering it.
At work… at home… at school… in conflict… on facebook…
3. We spread it
“Set yourself on fire… and the world will come to watch you burn.”
This is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 5:14-16…
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)
Jesus is saying, “BURN so people can see it… and when they see it they’ll come to it!”
What happens if the FIRE of God consumes us to the extent that a spiritual forest fire breaks out in this county? “Oh Ryan, you’re just being idealistic.” I am?! Or is this what Jesus has called us to?!
I don’t believe we can truly understand this… until we see it happen to someone close to us.
Big Idea:
Close the Loop: Just like the trashcan… our lives are holding a fire that is meant to consume us.
Challenge: What is your next step?
Maybe you need to feed your fire… maybe you been smothering it and it’s time to let it shine (specific moments)… or maybe it’s time to spread that fire to someone who needs it.
Or maybe life for you is cold and seems hopeless… you are dead on the inside and you need the fire of God to bring you to life. To change you. To consume you.
Pray…
(Hebrews 12:2) (MSG) 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.
(Hebrews 12:3) (MSG) 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!
Title of Message: In My Finances
(Isaiah 9:6) (NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Hebrew: Sar Shalom
Prince means: Sar: the one in charge, Lord, chief, general.
Peace means: Shalom: rest, tranquility, wholeness, completeness, contentment.
Is Jesus the Prince of Peace in your finances?
Make Him LORD of your finances.
(Acts 10:36) (NLT) 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.
Principals that get you out of the fire.
1. Obedience.
(Malachi 3:7) (NIV84) Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.
(Malachi 3:7) (NIV84) Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
(Malachi 3:8-9) (NIV84) “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings.You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.
(Malachi 3:10) (NIV84) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
(Malachi 3:10) (NIV84) 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 you will not have room enough for it.
(Malachi 3:11) (NIV84) I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty.
(Malachi 3:12) (NIV84) “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
Obedience is the key that unlocks the peace in your finances.
2. Contentment
(Philippians 4:12) (NIV84) 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.
(Proverbs 30:8-9) (NIV84) …Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
3. Generosity
(2 Corinthians 8:7) (NIV84) But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
(Psalm 112:5) (NIV84) Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely…
(Proverbs 11:25) (NIV84) A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
4. Integrity
(Proverbs 20:23) (NIV84) The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
(2 Corinthians 8:21)(NIV84)For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
5. Dependence
(John 16:24) (NIV84) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
(James 4:2) (NIV84) You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
(Hebrews 12:2) (MSG) 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.
(Hebrews 12:3) (MSG) 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!
Title of Message: In My Marriage
(Matthew 19:26) (NIV84) Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
A person on their face before God will never fall from that position.
How do we fight for our marriage in the fire?
1. Know the REAL cause of the fire.
(Ephesians 6:12) (NLT) For weare 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.
(1 Peter 5:8) (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
(John 10:10) (NIV84) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2. Take responsibility during the fire.
(Romans 12:18) (NIV84) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
3. Extinguish the fire
Encouragement.
(Philippians 2:1-2) (NIV84) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
(Philippians 2:3-4) (NIV84) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Matthew 19:26) (NIV84) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
(Hebrews 12:2) (MSG) 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.
(Hebrews 12:3) (MSG) 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!
Fear and insecurity are two pieces of evidence that I do not have my eyes focused on Jesus! – Perry Noble
(Job 3:23) (MSG) “What’s the point of life when it doesn’t make sense, when God blocks all the roads to meaning?”
Until I get to heaven, there are some things I will never understand.
Title of Message: In My life
How to survive a fire in my life:
1. STOP thinking earthly thoughts.
START thinking eternal.
(Job 42:2) (NLT) “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. “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.
(Isaiah 55:8-9)(CEB) “My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans.
2. DROP the Reigns of Control.
(Proverbs 3:5-6) (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
(Psalm 32:8) (NLT) The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
PICK UP the promises of God.
(Jeremiah 29:11) (NLT) 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.
(Proverbs 19:21) (NIV84) Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
3. ROLL up your sleeves.
Go Forward in Faith.
(Ephesians 6:11) (NLT) Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
(Ephesians 6:14) (NLT) Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
(Ephesians 6:15) (NLT) For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
(Ephesians 6:16) (NLT) In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
(Ephesians 6:17) (NLT) Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Random acts of greatness pale in comparison to habitual acts of faithfulness.
(James 5:11) (MSG) “Youʼve heard, of course, of Jobʼs staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.”
Title of Message: What’s Most Important
(Psalm 103:2) (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
(John 20:29) Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
(Matthew 1:18) This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 1:19) Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
(Matthew 1:20) 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.
(Matthew 1:21) 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.
(Matthew 1:25) But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Leaving a Legacy that Honors God:
1. Live with Guidelines.
a. The greatest guide you’ll every have is God.
(Psalm 25:5) …guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
(Psalm 25:9) He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
(Psalm 48:14) For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
b. The greatest guideline you’ll ever have is the Bible.
(Psalm 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
2. Lead with Grace.
(Romans 3:25-26) (NLT) 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, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
3. Love to Give.
(1 John 3:16) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
(Psalm 103:2) (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Reasons you watch from the stands:
1. Experienced a false start
2. Comfortable being a spectator
(Acts 17:26) (NIV84) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
(Acts 17:27) (NIV84) God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
(Acts 17:28) (NIV84) For in him we live and move and have our being.
(Hebrews 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
(Ephesians 2:10) (NLT) 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.
(Romans 12:6-8) (NLT) 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. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.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.
(Romans 12:9-11) (NLT) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
(Romans 12:13) (NLT) When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
How do I run the race?
1. Explore the possibilities.
2. Experiment with as many as you can.
3. Examine your feelings.
(Psalm 37:4) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
(Philippians 2:13) …for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
4. Evaluate your effectiveness.
(Proverbs 18:16) (NKJV) A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
5. Expect confirmation.
(1 Corinthians 1:5-7) For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
(Hebrews 4:12-13) (NLT) The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.
(Hebrews 4:14) (NLT) Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!
(Nehemiah 4:20) (NLT) When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!
Join us this week as executive pastor, Scott Drummond brings a dynamic message asking us to to look who we have partnered around us.
Who’s in your boat?
Scott Drummond
12/30/2012
Matthew 8:23-27
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.
There were also other boats with him.
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 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?"
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: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.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Join us for this Christmas Eve celebration as we finish up our series, Love Came Down.
Title: To Adopt Me into His Family
(John 1:6-9) (NLT) God sent a man, John the Baptist,to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
(John 1:10-11) (NLT) He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.
(John 1:12-13) (NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
(John 1:14) (NLT) So the Word became humanand made his home among us.
(Ephesians 1:5) (NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Family Benefits:
1. I have a place to belong
(Ephesians 2:19) (CEV) You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God.
- I have a place to share
(Acts 2:44)(NLT) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
What do I share?
-Experiences
(Proverbs 21:17) As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
-Home
(1 Peter 4:9)(NLT) Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
-Problems
(Galatians 6:2) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8)(NLT) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
- I have a place to contribute
(1 Corinthians 3:9) For we are God’s fellow workers…
(Ephesians 4:16) (NLT) 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.
(Galatians 6:10) Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Join us this Christmas weekend as Pastor Shane continues our series, Love Came Down.
Title of Message: To bring me peace
(John 6:51) (NLT) I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
(Luke 2:6-7) “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
(Luke 12:51) “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
(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.”
The Peace Predicament
1. Unavoidable circumstances.
(Jeremiah 4:20) “Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment.”
2. Unbearable people.
(Psalms 109:3) “With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.”
3. Unexplainable problems.
(Matthew 27:46) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Luke 2:10-14) “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
(Luke 2:14) (GW) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!”
(John 14:27)(LB) “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Find the favor of God by:
1. Receiving God’s pardon.
(Romans 5:1) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Running to God’s presence.
(Isaiah 26:3) “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
3. Respecting God’s principles.
(Psalm 119:165) “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Join us this week as Pastor Shane Frazier delivers another Christmas message on love and life.
Title of Message: To give me life.
(John 6:51) (NLT) I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
(Proverbs 16:25) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
(Proverbs 16:25) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
The Death Trap
3 Levels of Death Trap
Level 1: Drifting
(Hebrews 11:24-25) (ASB) By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
Level 2: Deception
(John 5:39) (MSG) You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
(Revelation 3:1-2) “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
Level 3: Dying
(2 Corinthians 1:8-9) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.”
How do I avoid the death trap?
Avoid the death trap by:
1. Renewing your vision for life.
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
2. Making a decision to live.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
(John 16:33) (NLT) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
3. Exposing the enemies of life.
(Hebrews 12:1) “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
4. Protecting life with accountability.
(Ecclesiastes 4:8-9) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
5. Sustaining life by living for God.
(Romans 8:13-14) “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
(1 Corinthians 15:55) (NLT) “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
(1 Corinthians 15:57) (NLT) But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Theme Verse:
(John 6:51) (NLT) I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Title of Message: To Make Me Clean
(Psalm 38:4)(NIV84) “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden to heavy to bear.”
(Matthew 11:28)(GW) “Come to me, all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”
(Psalm 31:4-5)(NIV84) “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
(Galatians 3:1)(NLT) Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross.
(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.”
The Guilt Trap:
1. When we start to regret.
(Acts 7:54-58)(NIV84) “When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young Man named Saul.”
(Romans 8:1) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
2. When we hold on to it.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)(NIV84) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
3. When we choose to pay for our own sin.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)(NIV84) “ʻMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.ʼ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christʼs power may rest on me. That is why, for Christʼs sake, I delight in weaknesses…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
(Romans 11:6)(WEB) “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
**Living clean will:
- Change how you relate to God.**
(Hebrews 12:2)(NIV84) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame.”
2. Change how you relate to people.
(Philippians 2:1-3)(NIV84) “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”
3. Change how you are used by God.
(Psalm 18:35)(NIV84) “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.”
This Christmas at Freedom we will be diving into the reason Love Came Down. Love came down to set us free, to make us clean and give us life. Love came down to bring us peace and adopt us into His family. Learn these biblical truths this season and have the most fulfilling Christmas of your life.
(John 6:51) (NLT) I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
(John 10:10) (NLT) … My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Title of Message: To set me free.
(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
WORRY FACTS:
1. Worry is unreasonable.
(Matthew 6:25) “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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
2. Worry is unnatural.
(Matthew 6:26) “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?”
3. Worry is unhelpful.
(Matthew 6:27) “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
4. Worry is unnecessary.
(Matthew 6:30) “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?
(Philippians 4:6-7) (LB) “Donʼt worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs … If you do this, you will experience Godʼs peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.”
Love Came Down to set me free from worry.
(Psalm 31:4-5) (NIV84) “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”
Worry Free Living:
1. Get to know God.
(Matthew 6:31-32) “So do not worry, saying, ʻWhat shall we eat?ʼ or ʻWhat shall we drink?ʼ or ʻWhat shall we wear?ʼ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
(Matthew 6:32 Message) “People who donʼt know God and the way He works worry over these things…”
2. Put God first in every area of your life.
(Matthew 6:33) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
3. Live one day at a time.
(Matthew 6:34) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
"Remember that failure is an event, not a person." –Zig Ziglar
Join us this week as pastor Shane closes up our series, Grace Effect. We hope you enjoy this message.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
Title of Message: Grace Transferred
(Hebrews 9:27) (MSG) Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences.
(Psalm 39:4-5) (NLT) “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
(Matthew 18:21-22) (NLT) Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someonewho sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
(Genesis 4:23-24) (NIV84)“Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killeda man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”
(Matthew 18:23-24) (NLT) “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.
(Matthew 18:25-27) (NLT) He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
(Matthew 18:28-30)(NLT) “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.
(Matthew 18:31-33) (NLT) “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’
(Matthew 18:34-35) (NLT) Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sistersfrom your heart.”
(Matthew 5:23-24) (MSG) “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
How to transfer grace:
1. Initiate the conversation.
(Luke 6:13) (NIV84) When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them…
(1 Corinthians 9:22) (NIV84) …I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
2. Arrange an environment of grace.
(Hebrews 12:15) (NIV) See to it that no one misses the grace of God.
3. Nurture the fractured relationships.
(Galatians 5:13-15) (NIV84) …serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
(Malachi 4:6) (NIV84) He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
(Romans 12:17-18) (NIV84) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
4. Severe the bad relationships.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) (NIV84) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(Proverbs 13:20) (NIV84) He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
(Psalm 90:12) (NIV84) Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
What do I want my life to be about?
(Micah 6:8) (MSG) But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.
Join us again this week as we continue our series, The Grace Effect. We hope you enjoy Pastor Shane speaking on grace experienced.
I do not at all understand the mystery of grace—only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. –Anne Lamott
Title of Message: Grace Experienced
(Luke 7:47) (CEV) “So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love.
Grace won’t ignore you because grace was created for you.
(Hebrews 13:9) (NCV) “Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you into the wrong way. Your hearts should be strengthened by God’s grace, not by obeying rules”
(Psalm 103:2) (ESV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
Experience Grace:
1. Experience Forgiveness
(John 8:2-5) At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
(John 8:6-7) They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
(John 8:8-10) Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
(John 8:11) “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Grace is the face that God wears when He looks at my failures.
2. Experience Freedom
Confessors find a freedom that deniers don’t because they find grace.
(1 John 8-9) (NCV) If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.
(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.
(2 Corinthians 12:9) “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
The grace-given give grace.
3. Experience Family
(Ephesians 1:5) (NLT) “to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.”
(Romans 8:15, 17) (NCV) “become his children and call him our Father.… we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
4. Experience Friendship
(Matthew 26:69) (NLT) Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
(Matthew 26:70) (NLT) But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
(Matthew 26:71-72) (NLT) Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.
(Matthew 26:73-74) (NLT) A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
(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.
(Mark 16:6-7) “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 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.’”
5. Experience Forever
(Hebrews 13:9) (NIV) “It is good that the heart be established by grace.”
Grace is the gift of feeling sure that our future, even our dying, is going to turn out more splendidly than we dare imagine. –Lewis Smedes
(Titus 2:11-12) “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”
(2 Timothy 2:1) “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
Do you know this grace?
Do you trust this grace?
(Proverbs 3:5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Grace. What is it? How do we experience it? What do we do with it? Join us for this in depth study of Grace and it’s effect on our lives.
Title of Message: Grace Defined
Grace is GETTING what you don’t deserve.
Mercy is NOT GETTING what you DO deserve.
1. Grace is a choice.
(Colossians 3:3) (NLT) “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”
(1 John 2:1) (NLT) “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.”
(Romans 8:1) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”
Do you trust your Advocate or your Accuser?
2. Grace took my place.
Grace is God loving, God stooping, God coming to the rescue, God giving himself generously in and through Jesus Christ. –John Stott
(Matthew 27:11) (NLT) “Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him. Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
(Matthew 27:12-14) (NLT) But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
(Matthew 27:15-16) (NLT) Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas.
(Matthew 27:17-18) (NLT) As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”(He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
(Matthew 27:19) (NLT)Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”
(Matthew 27:20-21) (NLT) Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
(Matthew 27:22) (NLT) Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
3. Grace is available for all.
(Romans 3:23-24) (NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
(Romans 3:25-26) (NLT) 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, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
This week join us as associate Pastor Ryan Vinson lays out what it means to live a life of worship. We hope you enjoy this message straight from the heart.
Worship on Sunday morning… does beyond a time filler or you sounding good… it’s deeper.
Define… Praise and worship
I want to present this idea to you that the verbal praise and worship that could come out of your mouth, has the power to change your perspective, your situation, your community, and even your life. (PRAY)
(Breakdown Story)
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:25-30 (NLT)
(Breakdown Story)
NO matter how dark their situation… no matter how bleak their circumstance… They were going to praise God. They understood the potential that the praise coming out of them had to change their situation. And miracles happened… ALL BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T LOSE THEIR VOICE.
3 reasons why you can’t lose your voice:
1. Your Voice has Power
(Talkers vs. non-talkers… me and my wife)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
What if we really believed Proverbs18:21? What if “The power of life and death is in the tongue” was more than just a principal on how we should talk to people…but was actually a truth that had the power to transform our perspective on the things we are facing?!
This is why we sing… this is why the first 20-30 min of our Sunday morning experience is music and signing… because we understand that if you can exercise your faith verbally DESPITE your circumstances that it will set you up to be transformed by God’s Truth for your life!
Worship is not about your ability to sing, personal preference, feeling, or what you are facing… We don’t praise Him because life is good… we praise Him because HE IS GOOD! (Paul and Silas… not emotional, actually logical!)
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! James 3:3-5 (MSG)
Your voice has power…to REALIGN you with the truth of who God is and that he is for you!
2. Your Voice is a Problem
Piggybacking off of point number one… because of the power your voice holds, it can literally be a problem for your problem.
Simply put… YOUR PRAISE can be a problem for your circumstance, your sickness, your doubt, your marriage problems, your addiction, YOUR PRAISE CAN BE A PROBLEM… for YOUR PROBLEM.
(The devil expects you to be silent!!!)
(All through the Psalms…Giving attention BACK to God… THIS IS WORSHIP)
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:1-3 (NLT)
You see… I hope by now we have all realized that we live in a broken world filed with conflict, strife, hurt and pain… This is NOT our final destination. But what the devil will try to do is get us SO FOCUSED on what we are going through that we forget who God really is!! (PAUL AND SILAS)
Worship when we come together… “Lift your voice!”
“I’ve come to worship…”
3. Your Voice can set People Free
(Our worst Rehearsals…it has nothing to do with music)
(Music IS powerful… even spiritual) “Free Bird”
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3 (NLT)
When we praise… His presence is manifested… that’s when lives change…
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:25-26 (NLT)
It’s not our job to understand… just praise him anyway. It’s not your job to heal people, just talk about how He’s our healer. It’s not your job to save your friends and family, just be a living response to who HE is and what HE has done.
IT’S NOT OUR JOB TO SAVE OUR CITY… JUST POINT PEOPLE TO HIM! (The chains of others)
We think praise and worship is limited to the 20-30 min on a Sunday morning… no, it’s a lifestyle.
“Have you heard?”
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV)
What if your neighbor, co-worker, you kids, your parents, your friends… HEARD you talk about how good your God is… regardless of what you are facing. How many “prisoners” might be set free because you pointed people to HIM.
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; raise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:1-6 (ESV)
How do develop a lifestyle of worship? How do we make sure we don’t lose our voice?
1. Understand how God wired you (you voice has power)
2. Set aside time daily (God’s Word worship music… NOT waiting for a feeling)
3. Resolve to Praise HIM anyway (HE IS GOD... ALWAYS)
Challenge: This morning…maybe you’ve walked in for the first time. Maybe this morning… you need your voice back. Where ever you are…
This week Freedom Church's executive Pastor Scott Drummond, delivers a powerful message on forgiveness. We hope you enjoy it.
Join us this week as lead Pastor, Shane Frazier, discusses God's ways of dealin with "conflict".
(Hosea 6:2) (NLT) In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.
Title of Message: Conflict
(Psalm 55:12-14) (NLT) It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.
(Proverbs 18:13) “He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame.”
4 Don'ts when handling Conflict:
1. Don’t ignore it
(Psalm 39:2-3) (NLT) But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words:
2. Don’t run from it
(Psalm 55:6) (NLT) Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!
(Proverbs 14:12) (NLT) There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
3. Don’t hide it
(Genesis 32:27) (AMP) [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]!
(Genesis 32:28) (AMP) And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed.
4. Don’t stir it
(Proverbs 29:22) An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
4 Do's when handling Conflict:
1. Do seek the Lord
(Isaiah 30:21) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
(James 1:19-20)… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
2. Do walk and not run through the valley
(Psalm 23:4) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
(Colossians 1:11) (NCV) God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient.
3. Do work toward a solution
(Romans 12:18) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
(Ephesians 4:3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
(Matthew 18:15) (MSG) If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you.
4. Do have a proper perspective
(Isaiah 43:2) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
(Philippians 1:6) (CEV) God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!
(Galatians 5:22-23) (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
(Hosea 6:2) (NLT) In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.
Join us this week as we start our brand new series, Restored. We all want healthy, dynamic relationships. However, some of us never seem to find health. We need to be RESTORED. This unique series will require us to take a good look inside. A look that may uncover areas we aren’t proud of. A look that will help bring us back to a state of health. A look that will bring us back to a former position. Finally a look that will help us regain that which was lost. As a result, we will be Restored.
(Hosea 6:2) (NLT) In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.
Title of Message: Insecurity
(Proverbs 4:23) (GN) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Deceptive Definitions:
1. We let culture define who we are.
2. We let our past define who we are.
(Romans 12:3) Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Don’t have an unhealthy view of yourself, but rather be set free of the wrong view and let God give you right thinking by being assured of who He is and what He believes about you.
You’ll never be right until you can see right.
How can I see right?
(Judges 6:11) The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.
(Judges 6:12) When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
(Judges 6:13) “But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.”
(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?”
(Judges 6:15) “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
(Judges 6:16) The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”
(Judges 6:24)...So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace.
To Overcome Insecurity:
1. See God correctly.
Your relationship with God can be no better than your view of God.
(Psalm 59:10 LB) My God is changeless in his love for me…
(Isaiah 38:16) (NLT) Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!
2. See myself the way God sees me.
(1 Peter 2:9) (TLB) But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the (Winepress) darkness into his wonderful light.
3. Get around people who see me the way God sees me.
(Proverbs 27:17) (NKJV) As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Right relationships help us define who we are and what we become.
Join us this week as we look at important subject of sexual morality. Pastor Shane Frazier delivers a very practical approach to dealing in moral margin. We hope you enjoy it.
Margin: The amount available beyond what is necessary.
Margin: Putting distance between you and temptation.
(James 1:13-14) When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
(James 1:15) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
(1 Corinthians 6:18-20) Flee from sexual immorality…
flee: pheugo (fyoo'-go); to run away; to shun; to escape, to distance oneself.
(1 Corinthians 6:18-20) …All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
(Ephesians 5:3) But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality…
8 WAYS TO FLEE:
· DRESS FOR SPIRITUAL SUCCESS.
· KEEP FOUR FEET ON THE FLOOR.
· NO SLEEPOVERS OR PLAYING HOUSE.
· NO TONSIL HOCKEY.
· AVOID DANGEROUS PLACES.
· MONITOR INTERNET ACTIVITY.
· AVOID TIME ALONE WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE.
· GUARD YOUR EYES, MIND, AND HEART.
(Romans 6:12-14) Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Margin: The amount available beyond what is necessary.
(Ephesians 5:15-17) Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
How to make margin?
1. Start asking: “Is this wise?”
2. Start saying: “No” to the good things and “Yes” to the best things.
(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.
3. Start scheduling: Times of rest.
(Matthew 11:28-29) (MSG) “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.”
4. Start spending: Time with God.
(Matthew 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Please join us this week as we continue our series, Margin. This week executive pastor, Scott Drummond, talks about the benefits of living with financial magin. We hope you enjoy it!
Financial Margin Message
How many live occasionally with financial stress?
See how normal this is for us?
Financial margin is having $3000 come in for the month and spending $2500. You are left with $500 in margin
If you get n $3000 and spend $3000 how much margin do you have? 0
If you get in $3000 and spend $3500 you are over the edge
Margin – the distance from where you are to the edge of the cliff
Freedom to give without stress
Money to purchase time margin
Money to do something you have wanted to do
Ability to be at rest
Most people do not have financial margin
Prov. 21:20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down
But a foolish person lives paycheck to paycheck
This is not dependent on income
In the house of the WISE is more than enough
Wise way and foolish way of doing things
friend – wealthy friends not living with margin
Fighting to keep up with their lifestyle
Other friend – plain, house…peace in this home
Most people with an untrained eye would say, “they are not rich”
But that is wrong.
Home with margin is rich in what matters most
Verse.
I timothy 6 6 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 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.
Godliness with contentment is great gain…
Cultures definition of happiness
Most of us have lifestyle way past margin
Its not an income problem, it’s a lifestyle problem
Not a lifestyle problem but a spiritual problem
Matthew verse… 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.
So what do we do?
Earn more or spend less…
But you are smart and already know that.
The problem is a deeper root problem
How do we create margin?
You must put God first in your finances
Tithe – you will experience 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.
2 key principles:
- When we bring our first and our best, God will bless the rest
Tithing builds our faith
- When you put God first you will be supernaturally content
Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Better, better, better, better
When you realize its better you do things different
You will end up with more of what matters
Proverbs 8:18-19
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
Gave away cars, sponsor children,
Better, better
Sometimes it seems like the only way to keep up with all the demands on our lives is to run at maximum capacity,”and then some. But there is another way…one where we have room to breathe and space to respond to what life brings our way. Come explore what it means to live with Margin.
Title of Message: What is Margin?
Margin: The amount available beyond what is necessary.
Margin: The difference between what you have and what you need.
(Luke 10:38-40)As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
(Luke 10:40)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!"
(Matthew 7:13) …For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
(Matthew 7:14) But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
(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.
(Luke 10:41)"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
When Margin Decreases:
1. Stress Increases
2. Relational Intimacy Decreases
Where Margin Begins:
(Matthew 11:28-29) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.
(Psalm 46:10) Be still, and know that I am God.
(Isaiah 58:11) 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.
[SALVATION PRAYER]
(Luke 10:38-40)As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
(Luke 22:19) And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
(Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
[COMMUNION]
Join us this week as Pastor Shane talks about the importance of reaching one more person for the cause of Christ. We hope you enjoy it.
Title of message: Reach One
(1 Timothy 6:17-19) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
(Titus 3:1) Remind the people …to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.
(Titus 3:8) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
(Titus 3:14) Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
(Ephesians 2:10) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Luke 10:2) He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
How can I reach one?
1. Believe it
(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.”
2. Live it
3. Model it
(Matthew 25:35-36) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
a. Find a need and fill it
b. Find a hurt and heal it
(Ephesians 5:1) (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved usand offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Join us this week as we welcome guest pastor and Freedom Church overseer, Pastor Matt Keller from Next Level Church in Fort Myer's, Florida. Pastor Matt will be talking about the forgotten virtue of honor. We hope you enjoy this energetic sermon.
1. God has Called us to Live a Life of Honor.
Mark 6:1 “Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
v. 2 “When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.”
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?
v. 3 “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
v. 4 “Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
· “Without honor”: atimos (at'-ee-mos); to dishonor; to treat as common or ordinary.
· “Honor”: time (tim-may’); to value, respect, or highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty or valuable.
2. There is a Difference between Respect & Honor.
v. 5 “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.”
v. 6 “He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
3. We are Called to Honor 3 Groups of People in the Bible:
A. Our Parents.
Exodus 20:12 ““Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
B. Those in Authority.
Romans 13:7 “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
C. Our Pastors & Church Leaders.
I Timothy 5:17 “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
4. The Reason our Culture is Dishonoring is b/c People aren’t honoring God.
Isaiah 29:13 “The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’”
5. Honor is a condition of the H
Join us this week as we tackle another of God's Fogotten Virtues, integrity. We hope you enjoy it.
Title of message: Integrity
Evangelism is: The spreading of the Christian gospel by preaching orpersonal witness.
What is Integrity?
Integrity = When your behavior matches your beliefs
(Proverbs 11:3) (NIV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but theunfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
(Psalm 15:1-2) (GW) O Lord, who may stay in your tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one who walks with integrity, does what is righteous, and speaks the truth within his heart.
(Psalm 15:3-5) (GW) The one who does not slander with his tongue, do evil to a friend, or bring disgrace on his neighbor. The one who despises those rejected by God but honors those who fear the Lord. The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it. The one who does not collect interest on a loan or take a bribe against an innocent person.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
The Benefits of Integrity:
1. An intimacy with God.
2. A built-in guide
(Proverbs 11:3) (NIV) Theintegrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful aredestroyed by their duplicity.
(Psalm 119:105) (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
3. A constant peace in your heart
4. A gain of trust, respect, honor and influence.
(Matthew 23:25-26, 28) “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
What is your integrity worth?
(Job 27:5-6) I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Hypocrisy's solution: Get to know Jesus personally
(Matthew 5:37) Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
(Matthew 7:22-23) (NIV) 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?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
(Romans 10:13) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Join us this week for our second message in our series, Forgotten Virtues. This week Pastor Shane takes on the virtue of Loyalty. We hope you enjoy it.
Title of message is: Loyalty.
Disloyalty is very difficult to see in the mirror.
(Matthew 26:33-35) Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
True loyalty is proven not proclaimed.
Where Loyalties can be Lies:
1. Marriage:
(Malachi 2:15) (NLT) Didn’t the Lordmake you one with your wife?...So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.
(Malachi 2:16) (NLT) “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says theLord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
2. Friendship:
(Proverbs 20:6) Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
(Proverbs 17:17) A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
3. Church:
(Acts 2:42) All the believers devotedthemselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
(Acts 2:44-47) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
4. Relationship with God:
All disloyalty is born out of a divided heart
(Deuteronomy 4:24) (NLT) The Lordyour God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.
(Matthew 22:37) (NIV) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart…
Reestablishing Loyalty:
(James 4:8) (NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is dividedbetween God and the world.
1. Come close to God
2. Wash your hands
3. Purify your heart
(Psalm 51:1-9) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
(Psalm 51:2-3) Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
(Psalm 51:7) Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
(Psalm 51:10-12) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
(Deuteronomy 4:24) (NLT) The Lordyour God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.
Join us this week as we start our brand new series, Forgotten Virtues. Lead Pastor, Shane Frazier, tackles the forgotten idea of gratitude in today's society. You don't want to miss this message.
(Luke 17:11-13) (NIV) Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosymet him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!
(Luke 17:14) (NIV) When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
(Luke 17:15) (NIV) One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
(Luke 17:17-18) (NIV)Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Will you be the one?
Ungrateful Mindset:
1. I Want it Now
(Commercial)
(Luke 15:11-12)(NIV) Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’
2. I Deserve More
(Luke 15:29)(NIV) 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.
Exposing Any Ungratefulness:
1. Material or Financial
2. Relational
3. Circumstantial
How can I develop an attitude of gratitude?
1. Turn blessings into praise
(Job 1:20-22) (NIV) At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
2. Turn resentment into contentment
(Philippians 4:13) (NIV) I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:13) (NIV) I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:11) (NIV) …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
(Philippians 4:12) (NIV) 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.
It’s time to stop living with resentment and learn to live with contentment.
(Ecclesiastes 6:9) (NLT) …Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.
Join us this week for the final part in our summer series, Proverbs. Lead Pastor Shane Frazier challenges us to review our level of generosity in comparison to Christs. We hope you enjoy.
The Evidence of a Generous Person:
1. Compassionate
(Proverbs 11:24) One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
(Proverbs 11:25) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
(Proverbs 22:9) The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
2. Extravagant
(John 12:3) Then Mary took about a pintof pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
(Ephesians 5:1-2) Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
3. Driven by Eternity
(Ecclesiastes 3:11) “…He has planted eternity in the human heart”.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19) Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
(2 Corinthians 6:9) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
(Genesis 4:2-5) …Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 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, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
How much faith does it take to bring the leftovers?
How much faith does it require for us to bring our best and first?
If generosity were a crime would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Join us this week as Freedom Church's executive Pastor Scott Drummond brings week 4 of our current series, Proverbs. We hope you enjoy it.
Join us this week for part three of the Freedom Church series, Proverbs. Lead Pastor Shane Frazier breaks down the power of the tongue. We hope you enjoy it!
(2 Chronicles 1:10) Give me wisdom and knowledge…
Title of Message: Sticks and Stones
(Proverbs 15:1-2) (GNT) A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up. When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense.
(Proverbs 16:24) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Proverbs 12:18) Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(James 3:1) Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
(James 3:2) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
(James 3:3-5) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 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.
(James 3:6) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
(James 3:7) All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
(James 3:9-11) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring?
(James 3:12) My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Wisdom's Response:
1. Close your mouth
(Proverbs 10:19) When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
(Proverbs 17:27) A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
(James 1:19) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
(Proverbs 15:28) The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
2. Check your heart
(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.
(Matthew 12:34) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
(Matthew 12:35) The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
What is stored up in your heart today?
(Proverbs 18:21) (NLT) “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Join us this week as lead Pastor, Shane Frazier, continus our series Proverbs with a message on wisdom.
(2 Chronicles 1:10) Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
(Proverbs 8:1-5) Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.”
Title of message: Find Wisdom Find Life
(Proverbs 4:23) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
(Proverbs 4:23) (GNT) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Thoughts that lead to an affair:
1. I deserve to be happy
2. I need another person to make me happy
3. I married the wrong person so I deserve to start over
4. I’m not good at marriage so I want out
12 Steps to an affair.
1. You lean away from your marriage.
2. You notice someone else.
3. You take innocent meetings too far.
4. You replace innocent meetings with intentional meetings.
5. You try hard to set up purposeful conversations with the person.
6. You change the conversation to feelings.
7. You have isolated meetings with this person.
8. You have isolated meetings for pleasure.
9. Your embraces become affectionate and playful.
10. Your embraces become passionate.
11. You commit adultery.
12. The affair is made public.
Sin will take you farther than you want to go and cost you more than you are willing to pay.
(Proverbs 5:7-14) (MSG) So, my friend, listen closely; don't treat my words casually. Keep your distance from such a woman; absolutely stay out of her neighborhood.
(Proverbs 5:7-14) (MSG) You don't want to squander your wonderful life, to waste your precious life among the hardhearted. Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you? Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?
(Proverbs 5:7-14) (MSG) You don't want to end your life full of regrets, nothing but sin and bones, Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life? Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously? My life is ruined! I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!"
Sin grows in the dark. Sin dies in the light.
(Daniel 11:35) And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come.
(Proverbs 5:15-17) Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.
(Proverbs 5:18-20) Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
What captivates you?
How to affair proof your marriage:
1. Pray together
2. Date each other
3. Talk openly about sexual temptations
4. Stay accountable
5. Praise one another
(Proverbs 8:32-33) (NLT) “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
(Proverbs 8:34-36) (NLT) Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.”
Join us this week as we start our brand new series, Proverbs.
Title: Explorer or Fool?
(2 Chronicles 1:1) Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
(2 Chronicles 1:7) That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
(2 Chronicles 1:8-9) Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.
(2 Chronicles 1:10) Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
(Colossians 1:9) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
(Colossians 2:1-3) My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
(2 Chronicles 1:10) Give me wisdom and knowledge,
(Daniel 11:35) And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come.
(Proverbs 1:1-4) (NLT) These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
(Proverbs 1:5-7) (NLT) Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Are you going to be an explorer or a fool?
(Proverbs 1:8-9) (NLT) My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
(Proverbs 1:10-14) (NLT) My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.
(Proverbs 1:15-19) (NLT) My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.
(Proverbs 1:20-23) (NLT) Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.
(Proverbs 1:24-27) (NLT) I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
(Proverbs 1:28-31) (NLT) “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.
(Proverbs 1:32-33) (NLT) For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
An Explorers Toolbox:
1. Metal Detector
(Proverbs 1:20) (NLT) Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.
2. Sledge Hammer
(Proverbs 1:24) (NLT) I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.
3. Heavy Duty Equipment
(Proverbs 1:32-33) (NLT) For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
(2 Chronicles 1:11-12) God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
This week please join us as our new associate pastor Scott Drummond brings this powerful message about obedience. We hope you enjoy it!
Happy Father's Day and welcome to week three of our summer series, "Bold". Join us this week as Pastor Shane Frazier brings part three entitled, Bold Speaking. We hope you enjoy!
(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.
Title of message: Bold Speaking
We speak boldly about what we believe deeply.
(Acts 9:28) So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
(Acts 14:3) So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord,
(Acts 14:16) “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.
(Acts 14:17) But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.
(Acts 14:18) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
(Acts 14:19) (NLT) But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?
(Acts 14:20) For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
(Acts 14:20) For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
I cannot help speaking:
1. The truth to myself.
(1 Samuel 30:6) And David was greatly distressed;… but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
2. Encouragement to someone else.
(Hebrews 3:13) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today,
3. Correction motivated by love.
(Ephesians 4:15) 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.
4. About the things that will lead people to Christ.
(1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn’t use big words or try to sound wise. In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross.
(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) At first, I was weak and trembling with fear. When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom.
Join us this week as lead pastor, Shane Frazier, continues our series "Bold". Today we discuss bold prayer. We hope and pray this message speaks to you.
Title of message: Bold Prayers
Boldness is behavior born out of belief.
What you pray for reflects what you believe about God.
What do you believe?
(Acts 4:23) 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.
(Acts 4:24) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
(Acts 4:24) …“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
(Acts 4:25) You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
(Acts 4:27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
(Acts 4:28) They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
(Acts 4:29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
(Acts 4:30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
How should I pray?
1. Pray for Boldness
(Acts 4:29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
2. Pray for Miracles
(Acts 4:30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Can your faith handle God saying no?
Join us this week for the start of our brand new series, BOLD. Lead Pastor Shane Frazier kicks off the first message in the series with this week's message, Amazing Boldness.
Title of Message: Amazing Boldness
Boldness is behavior born out of belief.
Boldness: parrhesia; Outspokenness, assurance, courage, confidence, to act without fear
(Acts 4:7) They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
(Acts 4:8-9) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?
(Acts 4:10) 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 4:13) 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. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Bold Facts:
1. Spiritual boldness is for ordinary people.
(Acts 4:13) …they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.
2. Spiritual boldness will amaze the world.
(Acts 4:13) …The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3. Spiritual boldness comes from knowing Christ.
(Acts 4:13) …They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
The Circle of Boldness:
1. Time
2. Faith
3. Boldness
4. Results
This week lead pastor Shane Frazier discusses transformed service.
Title of Message: Transformed Service
An Attender is a Consumer.
A Member is a Contributor.
(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.
Why be a contributor:
1. They have it all covered.
2. You did it before and hated it.
3. You are not qualified.
Biblical Serving says:
1. I am a minister
(1 Peter 2:9) But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
2. I am important
We are not going to be rewarded on what we do, but how faithful we were to obey what God asked us to do.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) (NKJV) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
(Ephesians 4:11-12) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
3. I am one of a kind
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7) (MSG) God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:
(Psalm 139:13-14) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
This week pastor Shane Frazier discusses tranforming friendships.
(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.
3 LEVELS OF FRIENDSHIP
1. Surface Friendships.
2. Structured Friendships.
3. Solid and Secure Friendships.
Biblical Friendship:
1. Few friends are true friends.
(Proverbs 18:24) “Friends come and friends go but a true friend sticks by you like family.”
(Proverbs 17:17) “Friends love through all kinds of weather.”
2. Friends will speak truth to you.
(Proverbs 27:6) “The wounds from a friend are worth it; kisses from an enemy do you in.”
3. Friends refresh us.
(Proverbs 27:9) ““…A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”
4. Friends sharpen one another.
(Proverbs 27:17) “You use steel to sharpen steel and one friend sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 18:24) (NKJV) A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
How can I have a transforming friendship?
1. Change who you are. (Be Transformed)
“Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got.” – Jim Rohn.
(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. Commit your time and energy. (Join a Group)
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
(Acts 2:42) They spent their time learning the apostles' teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together.
(Luke 10:27) The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
(Luke 10:37) The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
God’s Transformation Plan for your life:
1. He wants you to have a friendship with others.
(Romans 12:9-10) (MSG) Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. … Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
2. He wants you to have a relationship with Him.
(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.
Title of message: Transformed Families
VIDEO
(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.
(Proverbs 24:3) By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established
How can I have a Godly family?
1. Make Jesus the center of my home?
(2 Corinthians 5:14) (Message) Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.
2. Make my home a place of protection?
(Proverbs 14:26) (GW) In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.
We will trust each other. Our home will always be a place of physical and emotional safety.
Unhealthy homes ignore pain; healthy homes bring it to the center where Jesus is.
3. Change the climate of my home?
(Psalm 126:2) Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
(John 13:34-35) (MSG) "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."
We will have fun and laugh together, enjoy meals together, read together, share our faith together, and minister together.
1. Laugh Together[Photos of kids]
2. Share the wins
3. Raise the Honor
(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
(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.
(Revelation 3:2) Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
(Revelation 3:3) Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, 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.”
Title of Message: Live Again
The Causes of Spiritual Death:
1. Unrelenting trial and temptation.
(Psalm 143:3-6) “The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”
2. Attacks from others.
(Psalm 109:3) “With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.”
3. Personal tragedy.
(Psalm 61:2) “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”
4. Guilt and shame.
(Psalm 38:4-5) (NLT) My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins.
(Psalm 38:6-7) (NLT) I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken.
(Psalm 38:8) (NLT) I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.
(John 5:39) (MSG) You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
(Revelation 22:17) “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
How do you live again?
1. Respond to the invitation.
(Isaiah 55:1-2 NLT) “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.”
2. Renew your relationship with God.
(Isaiah 55:3 NLT) “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”
3. Repent of everything that is in the way.
(Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT) “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
Title of Message: Laugh Again
(Jeff Allen CLIP)
(Proverbs 17:22) “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
(Acts 27:13) “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.”
(Acts 27:14-15) “Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along…”
(Acts 27:18-19) “We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.
(Acts 27:20) When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
(Psalm 34:18) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Storm Warnings:
1. Storms are inevitable.
(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.”
2. Storms are unpredictable.
(Jeremiah 4:20) “Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment.”
3. Storms are impartial.
(Matthew 5:45) “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
4. Storms are temporary.
(Hebrews 10:35-37) “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”
(Hebrews 10:39) “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
How Do I Laugh Again?
1. Worry about nothing.
(Philippians 4:6) (NLT) “Don’t worry about anything…
(Matthew 6:27) “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
(Matthew 6:34) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
2. Pray about everything.
(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.”
(Philippians 4:7) “…And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Think about the right things.
(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers, 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.”
“Joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God" -Corrie Ten Boom
(Psalm 126:1-3) (MSG) “It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations— ‘God was wonderful to them!’ God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
(Psalm 126:4-6) (MSG) “And now, God, do it again—bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest. So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.”
(2 Timothy 1:12) “I am suffering…Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
The “I Know” of Dreaming Again:
1. I know that God loves me.
(Lamentations 3:21-23) “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORDʼs great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
2. I know that God wants the best for me.
(2 Corinthians 1:20) “For no matter how many promises God has made they are yes in Christ.”
(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!”
3. I know that God has a plan for me.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-17) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Message flagged Thursday, April 12, 2012 3:22 PM
(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
What dream has died within you?
Title of Message: Dream Again
Any dream that doesn’t honor God is a nightmare.
(Genesis 37:5, 19-20) Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “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.”
(Genesis 37:23-24) So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe--the richly ornamented robe he was wearing--and they took him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
(Genesis 39:2) The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
(Genesis 39:6-9) Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 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. 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?”
(Genesis 39:21-23) The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 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. 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.”
Signs of a Dream Come True:
- The dream starts off bad.
2. The dream takes a wrong turn.
3. The dream makes you want to give up.
(James 1:2-5) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
4. I know that God will bring me through.
(2 Timothy 4:18) “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.”
(Philippians 1:6 NAS) “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
(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.”
Is there anything in your life that is dead, or is in the process of death?
(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.
Signs of Emotional Death:
1. Exhaustion
2. Emptiness
3. Enslavement
(Revelation 1:18) (NLT) “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
(John 11:1-3) Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
(John 11:4-6) 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.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
(John 11:7) Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
(John 11:11-15) After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
(John 11:16) Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
(John 11:17) On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
(John 11:20-23) When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
(John 11:24) Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
(Revelation 21:5) And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
Key #1: Believe
What are you doing to let them know where He can be found?
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15) “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
(2 Corinthians 5:16-20) “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
Title of Message: The 3 Invitations
(Mark 5:21-24) “When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.”
(Mark 5:25-32) “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 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. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.”
(Mark 5:35-36) “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
(Mark 5:38-40) “When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.”
(Mark 5:41-42) “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”
The 3 Invitations:
1. The Helpless
(Mark 5:41-42) “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”
(Psalm 46:1) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
2. The Hurting
(Mark 5:27) When she heard about Jesus,
3. The Hopeless
(Mark 5:38-40) “When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.”
(Mark 5:42) “Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
(Psalm 71:14) “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
(Acts 11:21) “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”
Title of Message: The Cause Decided
(Mark 16:15) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Will you follow Jesus?
I Have Decided:
1. To Let Go
(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 of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
(Hebrews 2:1) “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
(Jeremiah 29:13-14) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.
2. To Live
(Romans 6:3-4) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.
(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. 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.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
3. To Learn
(Hebrews 6:1) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity...”
(Proverbs 23:12) “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
4. To Love
(John 13:34-35) (NLV) I give you a new Law. You are to love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers.
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20) God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
(Acts 11:21) “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”
Never confuse activity for significance or impact.
Title of Message: The Cause Distractions
The Cause Distractions:
1. Unchecked Priorities
Unchecked priorities can lead us to a surviving mentality and keep us from a thriving reality.
(Ephesians 5:15-16) “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
2. Unreasonable Faith
(Hebrews 11:1) (NLT) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
(Luke 16:10) (NLT) If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.
3. Underestimating God’s Power
MIRACLE GAP
(John 5:1-7) (NLT) Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda,with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
(John 5:8-9) (NLT) Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
(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.
How to Eliminate the Distractions:
1. See
(Isaiah 43:19) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
2. Move
(Psalm 37:23) The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
3. Trust
(Psalm 37:3) (NLT) Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
(Proverbs 3:5-6) (NLT) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
(Acts 11:21) “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”
Title of message: The Cause Defined
(Acts 17:26) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
A transforming cause is never about you. It is always about using the resources God has given you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Defining the CAUSE within you:
1. Compassion
“A feeling* of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” -Dictionary.com***
The cause within you isn’t defined by the situation but by the compassion in your heart.
(Matthew 9:36) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
(2 Corinthians 1:3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
What have you been moved by lately?
2. Abilities
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale
(Matthew 25:14) (MSG) “It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities.”
3. Understanding
(Ephesians 2:10) (NCV) God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing. 4. Spirit that's willing
(Matthew 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
5. Experiences
(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.
Title of message: Amazing Love
(Hosea 1:2-3) When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord." So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
What I’m missing is better than what I have.
(Hosea 2:5) …She said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.'
God’s response to spiritual adultery:
1. Righteous Anger
(Hosea 2:8-10) She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold… "Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover her nakedness. So now I will expose her lewdness before the eyes of her lovers; no one will take her out of my hands.
2. Unfailing Love
(Hosea 2:14-15) Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
(Hosea 3:1) The Lord said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…"
(Hosea 10:12) Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
Title of message: Faithful or Faithless
What do you want out of your marriage?
(Genesis 12:1-2) “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. "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."
(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.
God will often call us to a life of blessing and the only way there is the faith road.
During seasons of required faith:
1. We can fall victim to fear.
(Genesis 12:11-13) As (Abram) was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you."
April 10, 2007
God has been working in our lives for the last 18 months or so preparing us for a new place in ministry. We have been called to plant a church in Lebanon, Indiana, a life-giving church called Freedom. We are so excited and can't wait to see what God will do with our obedience. It's quite scary, but we know we are doing what He wants us to do.
2.* We can get ahead of God.***
(Genesis 16:1-2) Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her."
3. We can give up on God’s promise.
(Genesis 17:17) Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?"
(Genesis 18:12-13) So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?'
(Genesis 18:14) Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
(Romans 4:19-21) 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. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
(Proverbs 19:21) Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
(Genesis 29:16-17) “Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weakeyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful.”
When marriage is your answer:
1) You compromise more than you should.
(Genesis 29:18) Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel…"
2) You become very demanding.
(Genesis 29:21) Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her."
3) You always end up dissatisfied.
(Genesis 29:23,25) But when evening came, (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her... When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?"
(Genesis 29:31-32) When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now."
o To be really fulfilled in life, you have to find the ONE.
(Genesis 29:35) She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, "This time I will praise the Lord." So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
(Jeremiah 6:16) This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
Title of Message: Faulty Five
(Judges 5:2) “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves--praise the LORD!”
The Faulty Five:
1. Misuse of time.
(Judges 5:16) “Why did you stay among the campfires to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart.”
(Proverbs 6:10-11) “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.”
2. Obstacles.
(Judges 5:17) “Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan.”
(Luke 14:18-20) “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’”
(Philippians 4:13) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
3. Possessions.
(Judges 5:17) “And Dan, why did he linger by the ships?”
(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.”
4. Pleasure.
(Judges 5:17) “Asher remained on the coast and stayed in his coves.”
(Romans 6:12,14) “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…For sin shall not be your master.”
5. Fear.
(Judges 5:18) “The people of Zebulun risked their very lives; so did Naphtali on the heights of the field.”
(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.”
God's Part
(Ezekiel 36:25-27) “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 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. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Cleanse your past.
(Hebrews 8:12) “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Change your heart.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Move you to do it.
(Philippians 2:13) “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Title of message: Five Friendships
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
(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.”
(Luke 6:39-40) “He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
Five Friendships:
1. The Friend Inside
(Ezekiel 26:36) (NLT) “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”
(James 2:23)(NLT) “And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”He was even called the friend of God.”
(Psalm 16:11) (NLT) “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
2. The Friend Ahead
(2 Kings 2:6) “Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.”
Who do you respect that is a little bit ahead of you?
3. The Friend Beside
(Acts 16:40) “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.”
(Acts 20:2) “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,”
(Ephesians 6:21-22) “Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.”
4. The Friend Behind
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63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census)
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90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
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85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes (Center for Disease Control)
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80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)
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71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (National Principals Association Report)
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
5. The Friend Far Away
(Matthew 18:12-13) "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
(Proverbs 17:24) “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
(Matthew 6:33) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Title of my message: Freedom’s Five
1. Prayer.
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray continually.”
“I never pray more than 20 minutes but I never go more than 20 minutes without praying.”
(Psalm 68:19) “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
o Time
(Psalm 5:3) “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
o Place
(Mark 1:35) “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
o Plan.
(Luke 11:1-2) “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘when you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.’”
(Jeremiah 29:13-14) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.
Prayer connects us to God. Fasting disconnects us from the world.
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” -Oswald Chambers
2. The Word.
(Isaiah 40:8) “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Battles – 1 John 4:4, Luke 10:19, Romans 8:37
Money – Philippians 4:19, Psalm 1:1-3
Fear – Psalm 27:1
Sickness – Psalm 103:3
Confidence – 2 Corinthians 3:6
Safety – Psalm 121:8
(Joshua 1:8) “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.”
(Psalm 1:1-3) “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
3. Generosity
(Proverbs 3:6-10) “In all your ways acknowledge him…Honor the
LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
(1 Timothy 6:18-19) “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
4. Life-Giving Relationships.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(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.”
(Hebrews 10:25) “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
5. Leadership.
(2 Corinthians 5:18) (NLT) “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.” (Mark 16:15 NCV) Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”
(Romans 12:1) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritualact of worship.”
(Matthew 18:12-13) "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
"The goal isn’t behavior modification it’s life transformation." - Pastor Ryan Vinson
Title of message: The Rule of Five
(Jeremiah 6:16) This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
We base our resolutions and goals on the success stories we see in people instead of the failures that helped them get there.
(Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
(Isaiah 43:19) “…I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
The only adequate preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today.
5 Principals of Five.
1. Find your five.
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
2. Prioritize your five.
(Psalm 90:12) “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
3. Enjoy your five.
(Hebrews 12:1-2) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…”
4. Fight for your five.
(Hebrews 12:11) “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.”
5. Evaluate your five.
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Ephesians 1:19-20) (LB) “I pray that you’ll begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It’s the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.”
(1 Peter 1:3-4) (Message) “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now!"
(Luke 2:8-14) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Title of message is: The Birth of Hope.
What can you hold onto during the days of darkness?
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
(1 Timothy 6:17) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
(Romans 15:13) (GWT) “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope…”
Where does this hope come from?
Hope comes from:
1. His Presence.
(Psalm 62:5) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
(Isaiah 40:31) “…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.”
2. His process.
(Romans 5:2-4) “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
(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.”
3. His purpose.
(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.”
4. His place.
(John 14:1-2) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In 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.”
Is what I’m worrying about going to matter in 50 years?
(1 Peter 1:4-6) (LB) “God has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you…And God, in His mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting Him…So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”
Title of message: Seeker or Spectator?
Top Christmas Gifts:
o 1930 – Mickey Mouse Hankercheif
o 1938 – Monopoly
o 1943 – Slinky
o 1952 --Mr. Potato Head
o 1959 – Barbie
o 1975 -Pong –ATARI
o 1977 – Green Slime
1980 –Rubicks Cube
o 1983 –Cabbage Patch Kids
o 1989 –Nintendo Gameboy
o 1992 –Barney
o 1996 --Tickle Me Elmo
o 2009 –Notebook E-Reader
o 2010 –iPad
(Matthew 2:1-2) (NLT) “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise menfrom eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,and we have come to worship him.”
(Matthew 2:3-5) (NLT) “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born? In Bethlehem in Judea…”
(Matthew 2:7-8) (NLT) “Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
(Matthew 2:9-11) (NLT) “After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Lessons from the Wise Men:
1. Seek the Truth
(James 4:8) (NKJV) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
2. Find Joy
Worrying never solves tomorrow’s problems, it only robs today of its peace.
(Luke 2:10) “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
(Matthew 2:9-10) (NLT) “After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
3. Worship Him
(Matthew 2:11) “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
What are you going to find this Christmas?
(Jeremiah 29:13) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Title of message: Now’s the Time
“Healthy things grow,
Growing things change,
Changing things challenges us,
Challenge leads us to trust God,
Trusting leads us to obedience,
Obedience leads us to health,
Healthy things grow.”
The Church is NOT:
o The Church is not a building
o The Church is not a music style
o The Church is not a location
What is the Church?
The Church:
1. Is Jesus’ plan for the World
(Matthew 16:17-18) “Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 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 hellwill not conquer it.”
(2 Corinthians 5:18) (NLT) “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.” 2. Was worth dying for
(Mark 16:15 NCV) Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”
3. Is me
(1 Peter 2:5) “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.”
(Romans 12:1) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritualact of worship.”
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) (NLT) “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, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
3 Responsibilities of THE CHURCH
1. We are blessed to be a blessing.
(Genesis 12:2 NLT) “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.”
2. When we bless others God takes care of our needs.
(Luke 18:29-30 (GW) “I guarantee this. Anyone who gives up anything for the kingdom of God will certainly receive many times more in this life and will receive eternal life in the next world to come.”
3. The more we’re blessed by God the more He expects us to help others.
(Luke 12:48 LB) “…Much is required from those to whom much is given. For their responsibility is greater.”
Now’s the time to:
1. Rise Up
(Isaiah 60:1-3) (ESV) “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
2. Carry Hope
(Matthew 18:12-13) "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
3. Show Mercy
(Matthew 5:7) “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
(Jude 1:22-23) (NLT) “And you must show mercy tothose whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”
(Mark 8:35 LB) “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.”
(2 Corinthians 4:2) (MSG) “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes… Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open…”
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
(Proverbs 14:13 TLB) “Laughter cannot mask a heavy heart. When the laughter ends, the grief remains.”
The Title Message: Unmasking Our Conflict.
The Conflict Masks:
Dominate it.
Ignore it.
Whine about it.
White flag it.
End it.
(James 4:1) “What causes fights and quarrels among you?
(James 4:1) “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?”
(James 4:2) “You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.”
(James 4:2) “You do not have, because you do not ask God.”
Living Mask Free in Conflict:
1. Look within myself.
(Matthew 7:3-4) “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? 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?”
2. Talk to God first.
(Philippians 4:6) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
(Philippians 4:7) “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Proverbs 18:13) “He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame.”
3. Let God do a work in me.
(1 Peter 1:6-7 TLB) “So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.”
4. Don’t expect from man what should only come from God.
(Psalm 33:22 NLT) “Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”
(2 Corinthians 4:2) (MSG) “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes… Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open…”
"Live your life as if there are no secrets."
Title of message: Unmasking Our Relationships
“If you try to build intimacy with another person before you have done the work of getting whole on your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself.” -Dr. Les Parrott
Living Mask Free:
1. Understand Your Significance.
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(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. 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."
(Ephesians 3:17) (NLT) “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.”
(Ephesians 3:18) (NLT) “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.”
(Ephesians 3:19) (NLT) “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
2. Unswerving Confidence.
(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.”
(Psalm 27:13) “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
(Philippians 1:16) “…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.”
(Ephesians 4:1 MSG) “I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere.”
(2 Corinthians 4:2) (MSG) “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes… Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open…”
3. Unselfish Love.
(Matthew 5:41) (NLT) “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,carry it two miles.”
(Matthew 5:43-44) “You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”
(Ephesians 4:2-3 MSG) “And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.”
(John 10:10) “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
(Revelation 2:2-4) I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance…Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”
(Psalm 90:12) “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Title of message: (Ephesians 5:15-17) “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
5 Principals of Time:
1. Our most valuable asset is time.
2. We cannot manage time.
3. We cannot do everything.
4. There is cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period.
5. Decide what is important and then manage that decision daily.
The distance between the truth you know and the truth you live equals the pain you experience.
(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.”
Make time for what matters:
1. Make time for renewal.
(2 Corinthians 4:16) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
(Psalm 23:2-3) “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”
(Exodus 20:8) “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…”
(Mark 2:27) Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
(Proverbs 10:27 LB) “Reverence for God adds hours to each day…”
2. Make time for reward.
(Ecclesiastes 1:14) “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
(1 Timothy 6:18-19) “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
3. Make time for relationships.
(Hebrews 10:25) “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
I will put first things first and give focus and energy to the things that are eternal.
(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.
(Revelation 12:11) “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;”
Title of Message: Joy Will Come
(Philippians 1:3-6) “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.”
Joy vs. Happiness
Happiness is external.
Joy is internal.
(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. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Happiness is based on circumstances.
Joy is based on Christ.
(Philippians 4:11) “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Happiness is based on chance.
Joy is based on choice.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…”
How can I find joy?
1. Get over the distraction of what happened.
(Philippians 1:12) “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
(Philippians 2:5) “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”
(Philippians 1:12) “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
2. Discover the new opportunities.
(Philippians 1:13-14) “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
“Nothing will stop Freedom from bringing God glory.”
“Freedom will prevail!!!!!! Still living for the good of others, even when they take from us!!!”
“Praying! We shall overcome the enemy!”
3. Focus on what really matters.
(Philippians 1:21) “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Title of Message: The Big Rocks
(Psalm 90:12) “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The Order is Important.
3 Biblical principals surrounding order.
1. Order determines capacity.
(Matthew 6:31-33) “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.”
2. Order communicates priority.
(Revelation 2:2-4) I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance…Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”
3. Order impacts the rest.
(Proverbs 3:6-10) “In all your ways acknowledge him…Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
The distance between the truth you know and the truth you live equals the pain you experience.
How to find your big rocks:
1. Discover your values.
(2 Corinthians 13:8 NLT) “Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times.”
What do you stand for?
What do you love deeply?
What makes you righteously angry?
2. Determine what is most important.
(Proverbs 29:18 KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
What is my lifeʼs mission?
(Acts 20:24) “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
(Ephesians 5:15-17) “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”
3. Decide who is most important.
(Matthew 22:37-40) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
(1 Peter 4:7-8) “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
Title of my message today is: What’s First?
(Psalm 39:4-5) (NLT) “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.”
(James 4:13-14) “Now listen, you who say, ʻToday or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.ʼ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
(Proverbs 4:23) (GNT) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” (Psalm 90:12) “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
ORDER IS IMPORTANT!
(Job 28:23-26) (NLT) “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning.”
(Job 28:27-28) (NLT) “Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”
2 Big Ideas
1. Place first things
2. Spend the rest of your life giving attention and energy to what’s first.
What’s first?
(2 Corinthians 6:2) “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”
(1 Peter 4:7) “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”
Title of message is: . My Church Loves Serving
(Daniel 6:3) “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
The poured out life.
(2 Timothy 4:6) (NLT) “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God.”
What will your life honor as a result of being poured out?
“Find someone in need and go give yourself to help that person. Only as you focus on others will you ever get over yourself. Be more concerned with what you give than what you get. The real question isn’t, are you slipping in to depression it’s who and what are you investing your life into today.”
(Ecclesiastes 2:11) Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
(Titus 3:8) “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
(Titus 3:14) “(Christ-followers) must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may not live unproductive lives.”
Why Serve?
1. Because we were created to serve.
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(Matthew 20:28) (NLT) “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.”
“The great use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” - Williams James
Who am I pouring my life into?
Who am I helping that can’t help me in return?
2. Because you will find fulfillment.
(Mark 8:35 NLT) “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.”
“In my view, people are never closer to living out the teachings of Christ than when they are adding value to someone else’s life. And people who are far from God are rarely more impacted than when they see 21st-Century Christ-followers behaving as Christ behaved.” -Bill Hybels
(Hebrews 6:10 NLT) “He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.”
(Ephesians 4:16) (NLT) “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.”
SERVOLUTION WEEK SCHEDULE: 9am-9pm Monday-Saturday
Monday – Tuesday HEAVY DUTY CLEAN UP
Tuesday – Saturday PAINTING & LIGHT CLEAN UP
(John 13:17) “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
The Title of message is: My Church Loves People.
(Daniel 6:3) “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
Agape = unconditional love.
Love means, living for the other person’s good.
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
Love is intentional.
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Why Love Other People?
1. Because you are loved.
(Genesis 12:2 NLT) “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.”
2. Because we are created to love.
(1 John 7-10) (MSG) “My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but thathe loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
The goal of salvation is not reserved for heaven only. It’s for you to love as many people as you can on earth before going there.
3. Because other’s need our love.
(1 John 4:11-12) (MSG) “My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!”
(Matthew 22:27-40) (MSG) “Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."”
(Ephesians 3:17-18) (LB) “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your heart, living within you as you trust Him. May your roots go deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love, and may you be able to feel and understand…how long, wide, deep, and high His love really is, and experience this love for yourselves…”
Title of message: My Church Loves God
(Deuteronomy 6:5) “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
(Deuteronomy 6:1) (NLT) “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy,”
(Deuteronomy 7:9) “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”
(Daniel 6:3) “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
Why do we love God?
Because we have experienced Him personally.
How do I love God?
1. Experience His Presence
(Acts 2:28) “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
(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.”
(John 5:39-40) (Message) "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.”
(2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Message) “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it!”
(2 Corinthians 3:17) “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2. Experience His power
(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”
(John 9:17, 25) Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him?” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know.
One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
(Matthew 13:14-15) “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”
(Hosea 10:12) “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”
Title of message: Wake us up.
(Acts 20:7) “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
(Acts 20:8) “There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep.”
(Acts 20:9) “Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.”
“You don’t understand that you are asleep until after you wake up.”
“You don’t understand that you are asleep until after you wake up.”
(Ephesians 5:15-17) “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
(Ephesians 5:14) "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Are you asleep?
Slumber:
1. to sleep, especially lightly; doze; drowse.
- to be in a state of inactivity, negligence, quiescence, or calm
3 Areas the church is asleep.
1. Asleep to knowing
Are you asleep to knowing God?
2. Asleep to sowing
We’ve fallen asleep to sowing in 3 ways: Time, Talent, Treasure
A. Time
(Hebrews 10:25) “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
B. Talent
C. Treasure
Are you asleep to sowing your treasure?
(Acts 2:42-45) “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
(Proverbs 21:20) “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”
28,568 people under 40 in Boone County = 52.97%
Boone County 4th fastest growing County in State.
21,655 people are under 30 = 40.15%
Next Generation Ministries: 135 kids (0-18)
16,422 people 0-18 in Boone County
0.822%
3. Asleep to growing
How do you mature?
You mature by serving.
Next Steps
Week 1: Fresh Start.
Week 2: Church Life.
Week 3: Discovery Day.
Week 4: Jump In.
“You don’t understand that you are asleep until after you wake up.”
(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.”
Wake up and know Me.
Wake up and sow into My Kingdom.
Wake up and grow to your full potential.
Title of message: Clouds of Sin
(1 John 1:8) “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
(Micah 6:8) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A path to clear skies.
1. Act justly
(Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(Revelation 3:7) “…What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”
(Revelation 3:8) “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
(Ephesians 5:15-16) “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
(Ephesians 5:17) “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
(Micah 6:8) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
2. Love mercy
Mercy is: “Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23) (MSG) “God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.”
(Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
(1 Timothy 1:12-13) “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief”
3. Walk humbly
(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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
(Romans 5:20) “…But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”
(Romans 6:1-2) “…Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
(Isaiah 30:21) “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Message Title: Who? What? Why?
(Luke 3:21-22) (MSG) “After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."
Definition of Prayer: A conversation with God.
(Genesis 3:8) “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.”
(John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(Matthew 6:5-8) “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 men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
(Matthew 6:9-13) ““This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
- Who? - Our Father
(Luke 11:11-13) “Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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!”
- What? - Praise
(Matthew 6:9-10) (NLT) ““This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What? - Requests
(Philippians 4:6) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
What? – Provision
(Matthew 6:11-13) Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Why? – Change
(Philippians 3:8-11) “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
(Mark 5:35) “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”
(Mark 5:36) “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
(Mark 5:37-40) “He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.”
(Mark 5:40-43) “After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.”
(Mark 5:35) “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”
(Mark 5:36) “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
(Mark 5:40) “…After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.”
Selective hearing is the ultimate ally in the fight of faith.
(Romans 10:17) “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Title of message: Audacious Faith
(Genesis 22:2) “Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
(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.”
(Genesis 22:3-6) “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 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.”
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,”
(Genesis 22:7-8) Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.”
(Genesis 22:9-11) “When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.”
(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.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ramcaught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 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.” (Genesis 22:15-18) “The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 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, and through your offspringall nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Where will we find you today?
(2 Peter 2:21) (MSG) “If they've escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they're worse than if they had never left. Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command. They prove the point of the proverbs, "A dog goes back to its own vomit" and "A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud."”
How do I know if I’m trusting God in the valley?
(Genesis 22:14) “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.”
Are you withholding from God something that you love more than Him?
Title: A New way to Pray
Joshua 10:7-10) (NLT) “So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon. “Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. The Lord threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah.”
(Joshua 10:11) (NLT) “As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword.”
(Joshua 10:12-13) (NLT) “On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.”
(Joshua 10:13-14) (NIV) So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself onits enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!”
(Ephesians 3:20) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”
(Ephesians 3:20) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”
The Prelude to the Dream is a throwback to the humble beginnings of what is now the biggest sport in America: professional stock car racing. The seventh annual event highlights modern-day superstars returning to the roots of car racing by competing on a dirt track in a dirt Late Model stock car. This event allows avid fans to not only see the origins of the sport, but to also experience racing’s biggest names performing beyond their routine element. The drivers do not compete for points and winnings, but for charity.
The Prelude to the Dream is not only looking back to the humble beginnings of what is now known as Christianity, but living the dream each and every day. Instead of superstars, God is asking every day, ordinary people to return to the roots of what it means to live by faith. The goal is to not only see the origins of faith in scripture but also experience the true meaning of it. The dream is to go beyond the routine way of living into the faith zone of living. We do not seek to gain points or winnings but for God to receive all the glory.
(Joshua 10:12-14) “On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself onits enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!”
The Faith Gap:
1. Unchecked Habits
(Romans 8:2) (NLT) “And because you belong to him, the powerof the life-giving Spirit has freed youfrom the power of sin that leads to death.”
2. Unhealthy Perspective
(Proverbs 16:2) (NLT) “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”
3. Unrealistic Expectations
(Romans 10:11) (NLT) “As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
(Hebrews 4:16) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The key to the impossible becoming possible:
Believe that God can do a miracle.
(John 16:33) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
(Exodus 15:11) (GNT) “Lord, who among the gods is like you? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work miracles and mighty acts like yours?”
(Micah 7:18) (GNT) “There is no other god like you, O Lord; you forgive the sins of your people who have survived. You do not stay angry forever, but you take pleasure in showing us your constant love.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8) “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
(Luke 12:16-19) “And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “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. 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.”’
(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?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”
How to be Dissatisfied.
1. Become great at being ungrateful
(Hebrews 12:28) “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”
2. Compare what you have to people who have more
(2 Corinthians 10:12) “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
3. Pursue temporary possessions over eternal treasure.
(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.”
4. Resent God for where you are in life.
(Psalm 43:2) “For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?”
5. Develop an attitude of entitlement.
(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Genesis 3:4-5) (NLT) “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
(Philippians 3:7-8) “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 6:12) “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
What has mastered you?
We’re seeking to find what only God can provide in something besides God Himself.
5 Easy Ways to be an Addict.
1. Never admit you have a problem.
(Jeremiah 3:13) (NLT) “Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree.”
2. Gratify your fleshly desires.
(Galatians 5:16-17) “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”
3. Rationalize your behavior and make excuses.
(Luke 14:19-20) “The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’”
4. Always keep your addiction a secret
(Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
5. Depend on your own power, never God’s.
(Psalm 28:7) “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
(2 Peter 2:19) (NLT) “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5) “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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."
(2 Corinthians 12:9) (NLT) “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.”
(Galatians 2:20) (NLT) “My old self has been crucified with Christ.It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
(Philippians 4:13) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
(Revelation 12:11) (GWT) “They won the victory over him because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life so much that they refused to give it up.”
(Proverbs 28:13) (NLT) “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
He alone meets every need I have.
(Exodus 20:14) “You shall not commit adultery.”
Up to 65% of husbands and 55% of wives will commit adultery by age 40. (Journal of Psychology & Christianity)
The title of my message today is: How to commit adultery.
Five easy steps to commit adultery:
1) Neglect your marriage.
2) Enjoy common interests and form an emotional bond with someone else.
3) Anticipate time together.
4) Flirt whenever possible.
5) Make excuses and rationalize your actions.
Up to 65% of husbands and 55% of wives will commit adultery by age 40. (Journal of Psychology & Christianity)
Do whatever it takes:
1) To significantly reduce the risks.
(Proverbs 5:8-10) “Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man's house.”
(Matthew 5:28) “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
5 practical ways to reduce the risks:
· Keep a growing relationship with Christ.
· Never be alone with the opposite sex.
· Never talk badly about your marriage with the opposite sex.
· Surround yourself with strong marriages.
· Avoid inappropriate places and situations.
2) To invest passionately in your marriage.
(Proverbs 5:18-20) “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?”
5 ways to invest in your marriage:
· Get transparent.
· Get alone.
· Get spiritual.
· Get help.
· Get naked.
3) To visualize the destruction.
(Proverbs 5:3-5) “For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
What % of people actually marry the forbidden lover?
3%
What % of those marriages end in divorce?
75%
What are the odds of a lasting marriage?
.075?
(2 Timothy 2:13) “…if we are faithless, he will remain faithful…”
Title of my message today: I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.
Characteristics of Friendships in Low Places:
-
Build their life on false teaching
-
Belong to no one
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Become someone they hate
-
Behave based on feelings
(Psalm 68:5-6) (CEV) “Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and let them prosper, but all who rebel will live in a scorching desert.”
(Psalm 68:5-6) (GOD’S WORD Translation) “The God who is in his holy dwelling place is the father of the fatherless and the defender of widows. God places lonely people in families. He leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land.”
Having friends in church helps me:
- Build my beliefs
(Ephesians 4:14) “Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray.”
(2 Timothy 4:3-4) (LB) “There is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.”
- Belong to a real family
(Romans 12:3-5) “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” 3. Become all that God wants me to be.
(Galatians 6:9-10) (NLT) “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
Are my friends helping me become all God wants me to be?
- Behave in a Godly way
(Romans 13:13-14) “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
- Live a bigger life.
(Psalm 92:12-14) (NLT) “But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”
Title of my message today is: Dancing with Myself.
(1 Samuel 18:1-4) “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
There is power in the…we
There is defeat in the…me
Four qualities of a friend.
1. A friend is willing to sacrifice.
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
2. A friend is a loyal defense.
(1 Samuel 20:11) "Come outside," said Jonathan. "Let's go to the field." When the two of them were out in the field, Jonathan said, "As God, the God of Israel, is my witness, by this time tomorrow I'll get it out of my father how he feels about you. Then I'll let you know what I learn. May God do his worst to me if I let you down! If my father still intends to kill you, I'll tell you and get you out of here in one piece. And God be with you as he's been with my father! If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family—forever. And when God finally rids the earth of David's enemies, stay loyal to Jonathan!" Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David. He loved David more than his own soul!”
3. A friend gives you freedom to be yourself.
(Proverbs 18:24) (NKJV) “A man who has friends must himself be friendly,But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
4. A friend is a source of strength and encouragement
(Proverbs 25:13) “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!”
The title of Message: The Chase to The End.
(2 Chronicles 16:9) “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
(Galatians 5:7) “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”
(Revelation 1:3) “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
7 principals of chasing to the end.
1. Chase with your first love
(Revelation 2:4-5) …“You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
2. Chase with faithfulness
(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.”
3. Chase with a Balance
(Revelations 2:14-15) “…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. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
4. Chase without Immorality
(Revelations 2:20) “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.”
(2 Timothy 4:3-5) (MSG) “You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.”
5. Chase with Zeal
(Revelations 3:2) “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
6. Chase with respect toward the Word of God
(Revelations 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.”
7. Chase with repentance
(Revelations 3:15) “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!”
(Revelations 3:17-18) “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. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
(Revelations 3:19-20) “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 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.”
(2 Chronicles 16:9) “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
The title of the message: The Chase after God
(2 Corinthians 3:16-18) (MSG) “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”
3 Things we need when chasing God…
1. We need power not words.
(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”.
2. We need an encounter not an explanation.
(John 5:39-40) “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
3. We need presence not practice.
(Romans 8:11 Message) “It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!”
(Proverbs 8:17)“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”
(Jeremiah 29:13) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(James 4:8) (NLT) “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
(Acts 17:26-28) “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.”
When we chase after God we find:
1. A new strength.
(Isaiah 40:29-31) “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.”
(Matthew 11:28-29) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”
2. A new identity.
(Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
3. A new joy.
(Psalm 28:7) (NLT) “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
Title of message: The Chase that Gives you Hope
(Genesis 3:8-9) (NLT)
“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the manand his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
(2 Chronicles 16:9) “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
(Luke 22:34) (NLT) “But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
(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.”
(Mark 16:5-6) (NLT) “When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.”
(Mark 16:7) (NLT) “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.”
(Luke 15:13) (NLT) “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.
(Luke 15:14-16) (NLT) “About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.”
(Luke 15:17-19) (NLT) “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
(Luke 15:20-24) (NLT) “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
(Luke 19:10) (NLT) “For the Son of Mancame to seek and save those who are lost.”
(John 19:30) “…Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
(Revelation 22:13) (NKJV) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End…”
(Hebrews 3:14) (GW) “After all, we will remain Christ’s partners only if we continue to hold on to our original confidence until the end.”
(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.”
(Job 42:2) (GW) “I know that you can do everything and that your plans are unstoppable.”
Title of message: Unstoppable Servants
(John 13:1-3) It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love…
(John 13:4-5) “…so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him…”
(John 13:12) “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.”
(John 13:13) “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.”
(John 13:14) “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.”
(John 13:15) “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
How do you love? How do you serve this way?
2 simple ways:
- Find a need and fill it.
(Titus 3:14) “(Christ-followers) must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”
- Find a hurt and heal it.
(Isaiah 61:1-3) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
(John 13:17) “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
(Titus 3:8) “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
(1 Timothy 6:17-19) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
(John 15:8, 11) “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
(Hebrews 6:10 NLT) “He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.”
Unstoppable Serving means..
- I am doing my part
(Ephesians 4:16) “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
- I am His hands and feet
"Christ prays in me, Christ speaks in me... Christ looks through my eyes, Christ speaks through my words, Christ works with my hands. Christ walks with my feet, Christ loves with my heart." Mother Teresa
(Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- I will never regret it
(Matthew 25:21) “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17) (GW) “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.”
Title of message: Changed Legacy
(Philemon 1:17-21) “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”
To change my legacy I must:
- Believe in people.
(Philemon 1:10) (NLT) “My plea is that you show kindness to Onesimus. I think of him as my own son because he became a believer as a result of my ministry here in prison.”
- Take risks on people.
(Philemon 17-19) “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-not to mention that you owe me your very self.”
PICTURES
Who is your Paul?
Who is your Onesimus?
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
FAMILY DEDICATION
(Luke 2:22) “When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”
(Deuteronomy 6:5-10) (The Message) “Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside 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 to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes….”
(2 Corinthians 5:17) (GW) “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.”
The title of message: Changed Lives
Lessons from a changed life.
1. Don’t deny my problem, face it.
(Philemon 1:12) “I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.”
What’s your problem?
(Psalm 51:1) (NLT) “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.”
(Psalm 51:7) (NLT) “Purify me from my sins,and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”
Facing a problem we…
Curse it.
Nurse it.
Let God reverse it.
(2 Chronicles 20:15,17) “…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…go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'”
2. Don’t focus on what was, but on what can be.
(Philemon 1:11) “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.”
(Ephesians 5:8) “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”
(Colossians 1:21-22) “Once you were alienated from God…But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death…”
(Ephesians 2:12-13) (NLT) “You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you belong to Christ Jesus…
(John 9:3) “…this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
(John 9:25) “…One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
VIDEO
(2 Corinthians 5:17) (GW) “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.”
The title of my message is: Changed Heart
(Philemon 1:1-2) “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:
(Philemon 1:7-9) “Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.”
(Philemon 1:10-12) “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.”
(Philemon 1:10-14) “I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.”
(Philemon 1:15-16) “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.”
(Lamentations 3:40) “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”
My current heart condition:
Drifting.
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
Dying.
(2 Corinthians 1:8-9) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.”
Stages of Death
· Physically fatigued.
· Emotionally fatigued.
· Spiritually fatigued.
Deceived.
(Revelation 3:1-2) “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
(John 11:25-26) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
The Pathway to Life:
- Make a decision to live.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
- Renew your vision for life.
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Expose the enemies of life.
(Hebrews 12:1) “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
- Protect life with accountability.
(Ecclesiastes 4:8-9) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
- Live for God.
(Romans 8:13-14) “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
(John 8:44) (NLT) “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. 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.”
How do I stay free?
Title of the message: Baggage Free
(Luke 11:24-26) “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”
Bondage Cycle
Freedom.
Prosperity.
Bondage.
(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.”
Secrets of staying baggage free:
- Humility.
(Proverbs 16:18) (NLT) “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”
(1 Peter 5:6) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
(Psalm 51:1-2, 17) “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
- Honesty.
(1 John 1:9-10) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
- Holy Spirit.
(Romans 8:9) “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.”
(2 Corinthians 3:17) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
(Psalm 16:11) “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4) “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Title of my message: Attached Baggage
(Romans 7:15 NLT) “I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.”
Cycle of Destruction:
You think it's your identity.
You feel increasingly hopeless.
You become defensive.
You become a slave.
You learn to live with it.
(Romans 6:12-14 NLT) “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God… Sin is no longer your master… Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”
What has mastered you?
Do your family and friends say you have a problem?
Do you continue even though you’re hurting people?
Do you arrange your schedule around it?
Can you go one week without it?
Is it leading you to isolation?
Are you trying to keep it a secret?
(2 Corinthians 3:17) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
My plan to detach the baggage:
1. Stop the excuses.
(Luke 14:18-20) “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’”
(Philippians 4:13) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
2. Cut the ties.
(1 Corinthians 15:33-34) “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning…”
(James 4:7) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
3. Fill the void.
(Ephesians 5:18) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Fill the void with:
1. God’s Word.
(Ephesians 5:26 NLT) “…washed by the cleansing of God’s word.”
2. Prayer.
(Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT) “(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and grace to help us when we need it.”
3. A Small Group.
(Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
4. Serving.
(Romans 12:21) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The Baggage of Guilt
Series goal: Travel Light-Live Free
(Matthew 11:28)(GW) "Come to me, all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.
(Psalm 38:4) “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden to heavy to bear.”
(Genesis 2:25) “…the man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
(Genesis 3:8-10) (NLT) “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Living Guilt-Free means:
-
Freedom is still God’s plan for me
(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.” -
Sin leads me to guilt and separation
-
Jesus died so I would put the bags down
(Acts 7:54-56) “When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
(Acts 7:57-58) “At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul."
(Romans 8:1) “…there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus”
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) “‘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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
(Romans 11:6) "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
When you put the bags down:
1. It changes how you relate to people.(Philippians 2:1-3) “…if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose”
2. It changes how you relate to God.
(Hebrews 12:2)(NLT) “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.Because of the joyawaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
3. It changes how you are used by God.
(Psalm 18:35) “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.”
(Psalm 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."
BAGGAGE
"Checked Baggage"
Goal of this series is to: Travel Light-Live Free
What baggage am I carrying?
- Unfulfilled expectations.
(Proverbs 13:12) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
- Untreated pain.
(Jeremiah 6:14) “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
- Unresolved yesterdays.
(Ephesians 4:26-27) “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
- Unhealthy view of self.
(Romans 12:3 Message) “The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.”
- Unrepented sin.
(Psalm 32:3-4) “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah”
How to we get rid of my baggage?
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4) “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Stronghold means: A prisoner locked by deception. Living life by something that is not true.
(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.”
(Romans 12:2) “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
(Ephesians 4:22-23) “You were taught...to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds…”
(John 8:32) “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Traveling Truths:
- God still loves me.
(John 3:16-17 Message) “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help.”
- God can free me.
(Romans 8:1-2 Message) “(You) no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.”
- God will restore me.
(Psalm 71:20) “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
God wants me to move within His purposes.
Title of My Message: Friendships Part 2
Friendship Principals:
- Start with yourself.
(Matthew 7 Message) “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults--unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own… Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.”
- Believe the best about people.
(1 Corinthians 13:7 LB) “If you love someone…you will always believe in him, and always expect the best of him…”
- Always build up – never tear down.
(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.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
- Help people win.
(Psalm 18:35) “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.”
- Stay faithful.
(1 Corinthians 13:7-8 Php) “Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love never fails.”
(Proverbs 20:6) “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
God wants me to move within His purposes.
Title of My Message: Friendships Pt. 1
“What kind of life do you want?"
“Why don’t you have it?”
(Matthew 5:48) “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5 Message) “When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.”
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God.”
“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.”
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, ‘Grow up.’ You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity.”
Growth Questions:
1. Am I willing to change?
(2 Corinthians 5:17-18) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…"
2. Am I willing to put others first?
(Mark 9:35) “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
3. Am I willing to let go of the past?
(1 Corinthians 13:5) “(Love)… keeps no record of wrongs.”
(Colossians 3:13) “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
4. Am I willing to live for the other person’s good?
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
5. Am I willing to value people?
(Ecclesiastes 4:9) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
Message Title: Freedom
God wants me to move within His purposes.
(Matthew 27:50-51) “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.”
(Matthew 27:52-53) “The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”
(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.”
(Philippians 3:10 GN) “All I want to know is Christ and experience the power of His resurrection.”
Detours to Freedom
1. Confusion
(Romans 7:15, 18 LB) “I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. No matter which way I turn I can’t make myself do right. I want to but I can’t.”
2. Frustration
(Romans 7:21 LB) “It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.”
3. Discouragement
(Romans 7:24 NLT) “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?”
(Romans 7:25 NLT) “Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
How can I live in freedom?
1. Acknowledge the root cause.
(1 John 1:8 LB) “If we say that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refusing to accept the truth.”
Sin is shutting God out and doing things your own way.
(John 8:32 NIV) “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
2. Believe that Jesus can set me free.
(Ephesians 4:18 LB) “Many are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against Him, so they can’t understand His ways.”
(Ephesians 1:19-20 LB) “I pray that you’ll begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It’s the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.”
(Romans 8:11 MSG) “It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself?”
3. Commit all I am to Christ.
(Luke 17:33 MSG) “If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you’ll lose it, but if you let that life go, you’ll get life on God’s terms.”
(Mark 8:34-35 MSG) “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself.”
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
(Jeremiah 6:16) This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Message Title: Faith
God wants me to move within His purposes.
(Matthew 22:36-37) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
(Colossians 1:28) “We proclaim him(trying to reach people), admonishing(hooking up with each other in small groups..working through our issues) and teaching(we are growing through our teaching and seeing God’s character develop in our lives) everyone with all wisdom, (Why?....why have MOVEMENT in our FAITH? ) so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
(Matthew 5:48) “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Faith Questions:
1. Am I worshiping freely?
(Luke 19:37-40 Message) “The whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed. Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!” But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them.”
2. Am I sharing Christ passionately?
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20) “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
3. Am I connecting regularly?
(Romans 12:10) “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…”
4. Am I growing daily?
(Hebrews 6:1) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…”
(1 Timothy 4:7 MSG) “Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!”
5. Am I serving effectively?
(1 Peter 4:10) “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
(Philippians 3:12) “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
(Mark 8:35 LB) “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.”
MOVEMENT
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.”
(Jeremiah 6:16) This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
God wants me to move within His purposes.
Title of Message: Movement
Movement Reminders:
1. God is the Dream Giver
(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. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 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.” 2. Delays are inevitable.
(Genesis 16:1-2) “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
(Genesis 16:3-4) “So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.”
(Genesis 16:5) Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
(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.”
(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.” 3. God’s timing is perfect.
(Genesis 21:1-3) “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaacto the son Sarah bore him.”
(Genesis 21:5) “Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.”
(Romans 5:3-5) "Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
(1 Peter 1:3-4 Message) “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now!
(Ephesians 4:11-12) “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” Title of Message: Live the Dream
I don’t serve because:
1. It doesn’t look like they need me.
2. I did it before and hated it.
3. I’m just an ordinary person.
I can serve because:
1. Every Christian is a minister.
(1 Peter 2:9) (NLT) “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
2. Every task is important.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) (NLT) “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 3. Every person is unique.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7) (MSG) “God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful”
4. Every person does something with excellence.
“How do I love God? …by doing beautifully the work I have been given to do, by doing simply that which God has entrusted to me, in whatever form it may take.” Mother Teresa
(Psalm 139) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
LOVE MUCH
(Matthew 1:21) “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.”
(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.”
(Matthew 22:36-39) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Title of Message: Love Much
(1 John 3:16) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
(John 13:34) Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another! As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
(John 13:35) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
How to Love Much.
1 1. Experience God’s love for yourself.
(Luke 7:47) “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
(1 John 4:19) “We love because he first loved us.”
2 2. Make the choice to love.
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
3 3. Respond to love by doing something.
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
(Proverbs 3:27-28 Message) “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.”
(Luke 2:8-10) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to laugh.”
(Psalm 2:4) “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.”
(Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
(2 Timothy 3:1-3) “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving…”
4 Conditions of the heart:
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Ungrateful.
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Unholy.
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Unloving.
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Unforgiving.
(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.”
Title of message: Laugh Often
(Nehemiah 8:10) “…the joy of the Lord is your strength."
(Proverbs 17:22) “A cheerful heart is good medicine…
How can I laugh often?
- Make the choice every day.
(Hebrews 12:1) “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(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.”
- Develop a high appreciation for life.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(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.”
- Find something positive in everything.
(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers, 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.”
- Turn everything over to God.
(Philippians 4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Title of my message today is: Live Well
(Ecclesiastes 2:17) “So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
**1. Life seems useless.****
(Ecclesiastes 1:2-4 GN) “Life is useless, all useless. You spend your life working... but what do you have to show for it? ... The world just stays the same.”
**2. Life seems tiresome.****
(Ecclesiastes 1:4-8 GN) “The sun rises and goes down... the wind blows round and round and back again. Every river flows into the sea... [then] the water returns to where the river began and starts all over again. Everything leads to weariness…”
**3. Life seems unfulfilling.****
(Ecclesiastes 1:8-10 LB) “No matter how much we see, we're never satisfied; no matter how much we hear, we're not content. History merely repeats itself.”
**4. Life seems uncontrollable.****
(Ecclesiastes 1:15 GN) “You can't straighten out what is crooked; you can't count things that aren't there!”
How do you connect meaning to life?
**1. Why am I alive?****
(Jeremiah 20:18 TEV) “Why was I born? Was it only to have trouble and sorrow, to end my life in disgrace?”
Video – Everybody Loves Raymond Clip 1
(Proverbs 16:4 GW) “The Lord has made everything for his own purpose.”
**2. Does my life matter?****
(Isaiah 49:4 NLT) “My work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and for no purpose at all.”
Survival level
Success level
Significance level
Which level are you living in?
(Psalm 139:16 LB) “You... scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!”
(1 John 5:12) “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” **3. What is my purpose?****
(Psalm 89:47 NCV) “Why did you create us? For nothing?”
Video – Everybody Loves Raymond Clip 2
(Acts 17:26-28) “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’”
(Colossians 1:16 MSG) “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.”
(Proverbs 9:6 MSG) “Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.”
(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. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Live life in view of eternity.
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…”
(Proverbs 18:21) (NLT) “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 29:20) (NLT) “There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” Title of message: Words of Wisdom
T- is it truthful?
H- is it helpful or harmful?
I- is it inspirational?
N- is it necessary?
K- is it kind?
(Proverbs) (12:25) “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (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.”
(Philippians 4:8) (NLT) “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.”
(2 Corinthians 10:5) “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(Proverbs 4:23) (GN) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
**1. Speak Faith****
(Romans 4:17) (NIV) “As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”
**2. Speak Hope****
(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.”
Hope is a confident expectation based on something solid.
Faith is being sure of what we have hoped for.
(Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
**3. Speak Praise****
Praise is thanking God for who and what He is.
(Psalm 100:4) (NLT) “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”
(Proverbs 18:21) (NLT) “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Title of message: Words of Thanksgiving
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” How to live out my words of thanksgiving:
1. Follow the example of Jesus
(Mark 15:31) (MSG) “The high priests, along with the religion scholars, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: "He saved others—but he can't save himself! Messiah, is he? King of Israel? Then let him climb down from that cross. We'll all become believers then!"” (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.”
2. Find a person to serve
(Luke 10:30) (NLT) “Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.” (Luke 10:31-32) (NLT) “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistantwalked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.”
(Luke 10:33-35) (NLT) “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins,telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”
How to serve?
A. See and feel the need.
B. Don’t be callous.
C. Express your compassion.
D. Be willing to sacrifice.
(Luke 10:35-37) (NLT) “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
(2 Corinthians 9:13) “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.”
3. Focus on life change not life issues
(Philippians 2:14-18) (NLT) “Do everything without complaining and arguing, 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.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18) (NIV) “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:10) (MSG) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
We apologize but sermon notes will not be available for this episode. Please check back for notes on future teachings.
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(Proverbs 18:21) (NLT) “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Title of message: Words of Power
(James 3:2) “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
Words have the power to:
1. Direct my life
(James 3:3) “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.”
(James 3:4) “Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.”
(James 3:5) “…Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
(James 3:6) “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.”
(James 3:7-8) “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
2. Destroy people
(James 3:9-12) “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
3. Display my heart
(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.”
What do I have stored up in my heart?
(Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
(Proverbs 4:24) “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
How to exercise wisdom with words?
(James 3:13) “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
(James 3:17-18) “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
1. Listen before you speak
(James 1:19) “…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
2. Read the Word of Truth
(Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
3. Ask for a heart change
(Ezekiel: 36:26) “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.”
Sorry but there are no sermon notes avaiable this week.
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Title of Message: The Vow of Partnership
For more help in your marriage: help@freedom-church.org
Week 1: I Vow that God will be my #1 PRIORITY and my spouse as #2.
Week 2: I Vow that I will always PURSUE my #2.
Week 3: I Vow that our marriage will be a PARTNERSHIP.
(Genesis 2:24) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
The Big Idea: Perspective determines behavior.
What’s the difference?
Contract is: an agreement based upon mutual distrust
Covenant is: an agreement based on mutual commitment
(Malachi 2:14) (MSG) “…You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don't get what you want from God. Do you know why? Simple. Because God was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you've broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife.”
Three areas of making our marriage about We and not Me:
1. I am here to serve, not to be served
(Matthew 20:28) “…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."
(Ephesians 5:21) “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”
2. Combined effort rather than equal effort.
(1 Corinthians 13: 4,5,7) (MSG) “… Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) (NLT) “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
3. We are on the same team
(Ephesians 5:28,29) “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church”
The Characteristics of a Covenant Marriage:
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I am here to serve, and not to be served
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Combined effort rather than equal effort
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We are on the same team
(1 Corinthians 13:13) (The Message) “Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.”
Title of message: The Vow of Pursuit
1. We want what we don't have.
(Genesis 2:24) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Dabaq – Hebrew – “cling or adhere; to catch by pursuit, pursue hard with affection and devotion.”
2. Successful Marriages never stop pursuing their two!
(Ephesians 5:21-24) (The Message) “Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.” (Ephesians 5:25-28) (The Message) “Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.”
(Ephesians 5:29-33) (The Message) “No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That's how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become "one flesh." This is a huge mystery, and I don't pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband.”
Practical Pursuits:
1) When you think something good, say it!
(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.”
Men: We must Pursue her with Words of Affection.
Ladies: You must Pursue him with Words of Affirmation.
2. If you think something special, DO IT!
(James 4:17) “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
A. Men: Serve Her.
B. Ladies: Do IT!!!
3. If you want something different, BE IT!
(Revelation 2:4,5) (NLT) “…You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”
Challenge & Assignment:
Challenge: I Vow to pursue my #2
Assignment: The Pursuit Notebook?
70% men & 60% women have an affair
Less than 50% of marriages survive 15 years
Every 10-12 seconds another couple divorces in the USA
This week’s title is: The Vow of Priority
1. God wants to be our #1
(Matthew 22:37-39) “…"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Most of us who follow Jesus SAY it but do we SHOW it?
(Matthew 6:19) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
(Matthew 6:21) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
(Galatians 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
(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.”
(Matthew 12:35) “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”
(Colossians 3:7-10) “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
(Colossians 3:12-14) “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
2. Messed up priorities equal messed up marriages
Say NO to the good so we can say YES to the best.
(Ephesians 5:22-25) “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Challenge & Assignment:
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Challenge: I Vow that God will be my #1 Priority.
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Assignment: Pray Together for 7 days:
(John 16:13) (NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
Title of my message is: The Favor
(James 4:17) (NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
(John 14:15-17) (The Message) "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!"
(John 14:1) (NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
How do we live in the favor of God?
1. Give God my attention.
(Psalm 139:1-3) “You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working…You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.”
(Romans 8:7) (The Message) “Focusing on yourself is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, and ends up thinking more about self than God.”
(Romans 12:2) “Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God.”
(Matthew 6:6) “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”
(Isaiah 26:3 NLT) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!”
2. Express my affection to God.
(Luke 19:37-40 (The Message) “The whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed… Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!” But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
(Psalm 96:1, 6) Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation! Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
(Isaiah 29:13) “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
(Hosea 6:6 LB) “I don't want your sacrifices—I want your love! I don't want your offerings—I want you to know Me!”
3. Use my abilities for God.
(Colossians 3:23 TEV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.”
(Romans 12:1) (The Message) “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”
WORSHIP
What are you worshiping?
(2 Corinthians 5:9) “So we make it our goal to please Him...”
Title of my message is: The Values
(John 16:13) (NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
(Psalm 39:4-5) (NLT) “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
(James 4:13-14) (NLT) “Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”
(James 4:15-16) (NLT) “What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.”
(James 4:17) (NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
How do I maintain values?
1. Turn when into now.
(Mark 10:27) “…all things are possible with God."
(Psalm 118:24) (NLT) “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
2. Turn intentions into actions.
(James 4:17) (NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
3. Turn my whole heart toward Jesus.
(Mark 12:34) “When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."”
(Matthew 6:33) (NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Title of my message is: The Plans
(Proverbs 19:21) (NLT) “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
(John 16:13) (NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
(2 Timothy 4:3-4 LB) “There is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.”
(John 16:13) (NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.”
The 3 Faces of God’s Will
1. His Sovereign will.
2. His Moral will.
3. His Personal will.
(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.”
(Romans 8:28) (NLT) “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.”
(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.”
**What am I doing in my life that I should not be doing?
What’s in my life that is not like the Lord?
What is it that’s in my life that doesn’t line up with His convictions?**
(Romans 6:1-2) “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!”
(Hebrews 2:1) “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
(Hebrews 12:2) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
How to read the plans.
1. Give your life to God
(Matthew 18:14) “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
(1 Peter 4:2)(NLT) “You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”
(1 Peter 4:3)(NLT) “You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.”
2. Allow your mind to be transformed.
(Romans 12:2) (NLT) “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.”
3. Connect to God’s plan.
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Title of my message is: Why Love People?
Love means: Living for the other person’s good.
So why? Why love people?
1. Because you are loved.
(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.”
(1 John 4:11) “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
(1 John 4:12) “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
(1 John 4:20-21)“If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”
(1 John 4:8) “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
2. Because we are created to love
(Matthew 22:36-40) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
5 Ways to Love People
1. I need people who will walk with me.
(Genesis 2:18) “It is not good for the man to be alone…”
(Hebrews 10:25) “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Small Groups are God’s answer to loneliness.
(1 Corinthians 14:26, 30-31 Message) “When you gather, each one of you be prepared with something useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight…Take your turn, with no one person taking over. That way…you all learn from each other.”
(Ephesians 4:16) “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
2. I need people who will work with me.
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.”
Small Groups are God’s answer to fatigue.
(Galatians 6:10 Message) “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.”
3. I need people who will fight for me.
(Philippians 2:4) “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT) “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.”
Small Groups are God’s answer to defeat.
(Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT) “If one person falls, another can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.”
4. I need people who will cry with me.
(1 Peter 3:8 LB) “You should be like one big family, full of sympathy toward each other...”
(1 Corinthians 12:26) “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.”
Small Groups are God’s answer to despair.
(Romans 12:15) “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
5. I need people who will partner with me.
(John 15:4-5) “Remain in me, and I will 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
(Deuteronomy 32:30) “…one man will chase a thousand… two put ten thousand to flight…”
Small Groups are God’s answer to significance.
(Philippians 1:27 CEV) “...You are working together and struggling side by side to get others to believe the Good News.”
Title of my message is: Big Church, Small Groups
(Acts 2:41, 47) “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
(Acts 20:20) “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”
Big Church Myths
• We need quality not quantity.
• God isn’t interested in numbers.
• Big churches are impersonal.
Big Church Truths
1. God wants everyone to be saved.
(Luke 14:23 LB) “Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My house will be full.”
2. There is strength in numbers.
(Ecclesiastes 4:12) “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
3. God's plan is to reach the world is through relationships.
a. Relationship with His Son Jesus
b. Relationship with His Children, the body of Christ
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
Small Group Myths
• It’s a waste of time.
• It’s not what I want or need.
• It’s awkward.
Small Group Truths
1. It’s a place where we can really make a difference.
(1 Corinthians 9:22 LB) “…yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”
2. It’s a place where you can grow.
(Proverbs 27:17) “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
3. It’s a place where everybody knows your name.
(1 John 3:16 NLT) “We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.”
The Title of message: Do Not Worry
(Hebrews 12:2) (Message) “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race weʼre 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 heʼs there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.”
(Luke 23:46) “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
(Psalm 31:5) “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”
(Matthew 27:46) (NLT) “At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice…“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
(Philippians 4:6-7) (LB) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs … If you do this, you will experience Godʼs peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.”
Why worry?
Worry is unreasonable.
(Matthew 6:25) “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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
Worry is unnatural.
(Matthew 6:26) “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?”
Worry is unhelpful.
(Matthew 6:27) “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Worry is unnecessary.
(Matthew 6:30) “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, O you of little faith?”
3 Steps to be Free of Worry
(Psalm 31:4-5) “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the
God of truth.”
1. Get to know God.
(Matthew 6:31-32) “So do not worry, saying, ʻWhat shall we eat?ʼ or ʻWhat shall we drink?ʼ or ʻWhat shall we wear?ʼ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
(Matthew 6:32) (Message) “People who donʼt know God and the way He works worry over these things…”
2. Put God first in every area of your life.
(Matthew 6:33) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
3. Live one day at a time.
(Matthew 6:34) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(Psalm 31:4-5) “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the
God of truth.”
The Title of my message is: Do I know You?
(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 of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
(Ephesians 1:17) “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Views of God:
o Angry
(Micah 7:18) “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
(Psalm 103:9-10) “He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
o Distant
(Acts 17:26) “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
(Acts 17:27) “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”
o Critical
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
What I should do:
1. Seek God.
(Jeremiah 29:13-14) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.”
2. Choose 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.”
(Luke 17:33) (MSG) “…If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms.”
3. Experience His power.
(John 9:17) “Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him?”
(John 9:25) “He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
4. Surrender your life.
(Romans 10:9) “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Psalm 42:3 (CEV) “Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, "Where is your God?"
Title: Surprised by Suffering
THREE KINDS OF SUFFERING
1. Common Suffering
(John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 9:3) (MSG) “Jesus said, "You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.”
2. Consequential Suffering
“Sin will take you where you do not want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”
(Ezekiel 23:49) “You will suffer… bear the consequences of your sins…Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.”
3. Christian Suffering
(2 Timothy 3:12) “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
THREE OPPORTUNITIES IN SUFFERING
1) Suffering can be expected in this life.
(1 Peter 4:12) “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
2) Suffering can draw you to Christ
(1 Peter 4:13) “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
(1 Peter 4:14-16) “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed…if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name…”
(Psalm 34:18) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
(Philippians 3:10) “I want to know Christ… and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.”
3) Suffering can seal your commitment to Christ.
(1 Peter 4:12-19) “So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ''Blessed are they that mourn.''” C.S. Lewis
(James 1:2-4) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Freedom Church Purpose Statement:
"To reach out as FRIENDS with the life-giving message of Jesus so that we all might become fully devoted followers of Christ."
(Isaiah 46:3,4) (NLT) “…I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime... I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
We apologize but there are no notes available for the sermon this week. We hope you enjoy Pastor Robert Morris.
(John 17:11) “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. 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.”
(John 17:20) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”
(John 17:21) “..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.”
Title of message: Lead One
1. Walk with Jesus
(Luke 7:11) “Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.”
(Luke 7:12) “As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.”
2. Listen to Jesus
(Luke 7:13) “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
(Luke 7:14) “Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"”
3. Believe in Jesus
(Luke 7:15) “The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
(Luke 7:16) “They were all filled with awe and praised God.”
(Hebrews 13:8) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
(John 17:20) (NIV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”
(John 17:21) (NIV) “..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.”
(John 17:23) “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Title of message: Live One
(James 2:14) “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” Can such faith save him?
(James 2:15-17) “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
(James 2:18) “But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
How do we go from loving one to living one?
1. Do I share my life?
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."
(Proverbs 18:1) (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
2. Do I make an effort toward unity?
(Ephesians 4:1-2) “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:3) “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
(Ephesians 4:4-6) “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
(PICTURE OF FLOAT TEAM)
(Ephesians 4:12-16) “…so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
3. Do I really know Jesus?
(John 5:39-40) (NIRV) "You study the Scriptures carefully. You study them because you think they will give you eternal life. The Scriptures you study give witness about me. But you refuse to come to me and receive life.”
(John 15:4) “Remain in me, and I will 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.”
Title of Message: Love One
What if this community was one as Jesus and God are one?
(John 17:11) (NIV) “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. 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.”
(John 17:20) (NIV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”
(John 17:21) (NIV) “..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.”
(John 17:23) “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
What would unify the church?
1. Recognize we have one enemy
(John 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;”
(1 Peter 5:8-9) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
2. Be one in Heart
(Acts 4:32) “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”
(Acts 4:34) “There were no needy persons among them.”
(John 13:34-35) "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
3. Remember the One purpose
(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,”
(Genesis 2:22, 25 LB) “Then God made…a woman and brought her to the man. ‘This is it!’ Adam exclaimed…the man and his wife were both naked, but neither was embarrassed or ashamed.”
(Genesis 3:7-9) “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. 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. But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’”
What can we do with our sexual sin?
1. We can bury it.
(Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
2. We can beat ourselves up.
(Psalm 38:4-8) “I am drowning in the flood of my sins, they are a burden too heavy to bear. Because I have been foolish, I’m utterly worn out and crushed, my heart is troubled…”
3. We can blame others.
(Genesis 3:13) “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
4. We can begin a fresh start.
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 8:1-2) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
(Ezekiel 36:25-27) “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 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. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
How can I have no more shame?
1. Repent.
(Hebrews 13:4) – “God will judge the sexually immoral”
(2 Corinthians 6:17-18) “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2. Receive forgiveness.
(Isaiah 1:18) “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
(Psalm 103:12) “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
(Hebrews 8:12) “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
(Hebrews 9:14) “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ…cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death…”
3. Reorder your life.
(2 Corinthians 7:1) “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
(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.”
(Ephesians 4:19) "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."
(Matthew 6:22-23) “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Satan's plan for your eyes:
o Tantalize.
40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn on the web
The porn industry generates more revenue than football, baseball and basketball combined
Child porn generates 3 billion a year
More than 100,000 websites offering illegal child porn
5 billion spent at sex clubs
11 billion spent on prostitution
34% of women are into pornography and chat rooms
45% of men have committed adultery
41% of women
(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.”
o Customize.
(John 8:44) “When he (Satan) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
o Mobilize.
(James 1:14) “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”
o Plagiarize.
(Galatians 6:7-8) “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
o Vandalize.
(James 1:15) “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Video
Finding Freedom from Sexual Pollution
(1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7 LB) “God wants you to be pure and to keep clear of all sexual sin... For God has not called us to be dirty-minded and full of lust but to be holy and clean.”
1. Make a commitment to God’s standard.
(Psalm 119:9) “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.”
2. Manage my mind.
(Romans 8:5) (NLT) “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."
(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers, 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.”
(Romans 8:6) (NLT) "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."
3. Monitor my media intake.
Average home – 7 hours a day
By the time a child finishes high school – 18,000 hours of TV
Only 12,000 hours at school
The average teenager watches 22½ hours a week
The average adult man 24½ hours a week
The average adult woman 30 hours a week
In 1 year: Prime Time TV depicts 14,313 incidences of sex – 23,000 uses of profanity (TV Guide)
91% of all sex portrayed on TV is sex outside of marriage (TV Guide)
(Psalm 101:3) “I will set before my eyes no vile thing.”
(Job 31:1) "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.”
4. Minimize the opportunity for sin.
(1 Corinthians 10:12) “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
5. Maintain healthy relationships.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
6. Magnify the consequences.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
(Romans 1:21-25 NLT) “They knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools…As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie.”
(John 8:44) “…When (the devil) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
The devil wants you to think sex is:
o An animalistic action.
o An activity.
o An isolated event.
The Truth About Sex
(John 8:32) “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
1. Sex is for married people.
(Genesis 2:20-24) “But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:25) “The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
2. Sex is the ultimate expression of intimacy.
(1 Corinthians 6:15-17) “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”
3. Sex should be taken seriously.
(1 Corinthians 6:18-20) “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
What Now?
(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.”
1. Admit your sin.
(Psalm 51:1) “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”
2. Allow God to heal you.
(Job 11:13-16) “Yet if you devote your heart to (God) and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.”
Title of my message today is: Remember
(Exodus 12:26-27) And when your children ask you, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” then tell them, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.”
(Luke 22:15-20) And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
(1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.”
What is Communion?
1. It is a reminder.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-24) “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
2. It is a symbol.
(1 Corinthians 11:25) “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
3. It is a statement of faith.
(1 Corinthians 11:26) “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
What is my part?
(1 Corinthians 11:27-28) “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”
1. Examine myself.
(Psalm 139:23-24) “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
2. Confess my sins.
(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.”
3. Recommit my life to God.
(Romans 12:1) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.”
The title of the message today is: Leaving a Godly Legacy
THE BUILDER GENERATION:
Born 1927-1945 – 65% are Bible Based Believers
THE BOOMER GENERATION:
Born 1946-1964 – 35% are Bible Based Believers
THE BUSTER GENERATION:
Born 1965-1983 – 16% are Bible Based Believers
THE BRIDGER (Millennial) GENERATION:
Born 1984-2006 – 4% are Bible Based Believers
How do we leave a Godly Legacy that honors God?
“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”—William James
(Galatians 6:7-10) “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…”
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” –Henry David Thoreau
(1 Corinthians 3:12-14) “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, but the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.”
How do we leave a Godly Legacy that honors God?
1. Our Convictions
(Isaiah 40:8) “but the word of our God stands forever”
(Matthew 7:26 MSG) “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach.”
2. Our Character
(Romans 8:29, MSG) “God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son”
3. Our Community
“When you were born, you were crying, and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying.”—Anonymous
4. Our Calling
“My children will not remember the words of wisdom I’ve passed along over the years, nor will yours remember the good advice you’ve given. However, etched in their minds and planted in their hearts is a permanent picture of who you are and how you’ve lived before them.” –Dorothy Kelley Patterson
(Ecclesiastes 7:4) (NLT) “A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now.”
(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.”
(1John 5:11-12) (NLT) “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God’s Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life.”
(Luke 11:4) “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”
Title of my message is: Forgive Others
“All effort-even failed effort-produces growth.”
(Jeremiah 31:34) …"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
(1 Peter 3:22-23) "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.”
(Matthew 18:21) “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
(Matthew 18:22) “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
(Matthew 18:23-24) "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.”
(Matthew 18:25) “Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.”
(Matthew 18:26) "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
(Matthew 18:27) “The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.”
How do I take the position of forgiving others?
1. Don’t forget the debt of forgiveness you have received.
(Colossians 2:13) (MSG) …“When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross.”
(Romans 8:1) “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
(Matthew 18:28) "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.”
(Matthew 18:28) “He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.”
(Matthew 18:29) "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
(Matthew 18:30) "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
2. Keep forgiveness flowing in your life.
(Mark 11:25) “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."”
(Matthew 18:33-34) “Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured,”
(Job 21:23-25) (NIRV) “Some people die while they are still very strong. They are completely secure. They have an easy life. They are well fed. Their bodies are healthy. Others die while their spirits are bitter. They've never enjoyed anything good.”
(Matthew 6:14) “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
(Matthew 6:15) “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 5:7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
a. Forgiveness is NOT minimizing the offence that happened to you.
b. Forgiveness is NOT trust.
3. Admit your own sin.
(Ecclesiastes 7:20) (NLT) “Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.”
4. Do your best to bring healing.
(Romans 12:18) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
5. Apply God’s Grace to your life and your future.
(Lamentations 3:22-23) (NLT) “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Five ways we communicate with God
**1. Thanksgiving – for what He has done
The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Col. 2:7
- Intercession – praying for others
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—1 Tim. 2:1
- Petition – praying four our needs
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6
- Worship – acknowledging who God is
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; comebefore him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he whomade us, and we are his; we are his people,the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:1-3
- Communion – Relating to God
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. Phil. 3:10 Message Bible
ME Centered Prayer
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Petition – praying for our needs
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Intercession – praying for others
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Thanksgiving – for what He has done
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Worship – acknowledging who God is
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Communion – ???
God Centered Prayer
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Communion – Relating to God
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Worship – acknowledging who God is
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Thanksgiving – for what He has done
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Intercession – praying for others
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Petition – praying for our needs
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 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 your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. - Rev. 2
They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this, ‘Our Father in heaven… Matt. 6:8-9 Message Bible**
The Title of my message today is: Extraordinary Love
(John 13:34) “"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
(John 13:35) “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Extraordinary Love:
- Sees other people as more important
(Philippians 2:3) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
(Mark 9:35) “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."”
(Luke 9:8)...“For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."”
- Looks out for the other person’s interest
(Philippians 2:4) “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Has a Sacrificial Nature
(Philippians 2:5) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 2:6-7) “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
(Philippians 2:8) “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
(Ephesians 5:25) “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”
(Ephesians 5:33) “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
(Matthew 20:28) “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The title of my message today is: Be Gracious
(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.”
(Philippians 2:14) “Do everything without complaining or arguing,”
(Proverbs 21:19) (NLT) “It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.”
(Philippians 2:1-4) “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Signs that we are gracious:
1. You give a good first impression
(John 1:42) (MSG) “…..Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock").”
(John 1:47) (MSG) “When Jesus saw him coming he said, "There's a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body."
2. You give others another chance
(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.”
3. You give respect to someone in front of others
(2 Peter 3:15) “Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
4. You give the truth at the right time
(Proverbs 25:11) “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.”
5. You give encouragement to the dream of others
(1 Thessalonians 5:11) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
6. You give the credit to others
7. You give a secret from your heart
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
8. You will be led by the Spirit more and more
(Galatians 5:25) “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. In other words, I’m convinced that if we STAY IN STEP with Jesus, every now and then, He gives us the grace we need.”
(Acts 2:41-42) (MSG) “That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
(Acts 2:43-45) (MSG) “Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.”
(Acts 2:46-47) (MSG) “They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.”
Our theme verse for this series:
(Matthew 20:28) “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The title of my message today is: God’s Sustaining Grace
(Romans 5:15) (NLT) “But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.”
(Galatians 3:3) (NLT) “How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?”
(Ecclesiastes 7:20) “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.”
(Matthew 11:28-30) (The Message) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
(Matthew 11:28-30) (The Message) …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.
(Matthew 11:28-30) (The Message) …..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."
“Whatever you build your life on must sustain it.”
Sustaining Grace
1. Look for the Ransom when you are tempted.
What is your temptation?
(Hebrews 4:14-15) (The Message) “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin.
(Hebrews 4:16) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13) (NLT) “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
(Psalm 50:15) “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
(Philippians 2:12) “—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,”
2. Accept the Ransom of peace when we face trouble
(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."
(2 Corinthians 12:7) (NLT) “even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
(2 Corinthians 12:8-9) (NLT) “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 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.
(2 Corinthians 12:10) (NLT) “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.”
Joe & Marcie Snider Story
(Philippians 4:7) “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. The Ransom provides energy and rest when we are tired
(Matthew 11:28-30) (The Message) "Are you tired? Worn out?
(Matthew 11:28-30) (The Message) “…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."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org
Our theme verse for this series:
(Matthew 20:28) “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The title of my message today is: The Gift of Grace
(Galatians 5:1) “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
(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.”
(2 Corinthians 6:1) “As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.”
(Psalm 103:2-3) “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
(Acts 16:29-31) “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
(Romans 11:6) “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
(Galatians 2:21) “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
(Psalm 103:2-3) “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
What type of benefits come with this Gift of Grace?
The Benefits of Grace
1. Eternal Life
(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
2. Forgiveness
(Acts 13:38) “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
3. Justification
(Romans 3:22-24) “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
4. Righteousness
(Romans 4:3) “What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
5. Redemption
(Ephesians 1:7) “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
The title of my message today is: A High Price
“Ransom: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price.”
- Bad Doctrine
- Bad Representation
- Bad Memory
Our theme verse for this series:
(Matthew 20:28) “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
He always chooses to forgive.
The High Price:
- Scourging: Healing
(Psalm 103:2-3) “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
- Crown of Thorns: Peace
(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.”
(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.”
- The Nails: Clear Conscience
(Hebrews 9:9) “This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.”
(Hebrews 10:22) “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
- The Spear : Broken Heart
(Psalm 34:18) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- Death: New Life
(Romans 6:4) (NLT) “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
(Romans 8:11) “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
(Romans 8:31) “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
For more information on Freedom Church please visit us on the web at www.freedom-church.org.
(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
(1 Peter 4:7) “The end of all things is near.”
"You probably remember this song" (PLAY SONG "it's the end of the world as we know it...I feel fine")
Title: I Feel Fine
(1 Peter 4:7) “The end of all things is near.”
(2 Peter 3:3-4) “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."
(2 Peter 3:5) “But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.”
(2 Peter 3:6-7) By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
(2 Peter 3:8-9) “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.”
(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.”
(2 Peter 3:15) “Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation…”
(2 Peter 3:10) “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
(2 Peter 3:11-12) “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
(1 Peter 4:7-8) “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
How do I feel fine?
1. Destination
“There’s no good saying I choose to kneel down when it’s become impossible to stand up.” CS Lewis
2. Preparation
(Matthew 24:36) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
(Luke 12:40) (NLT) “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
3. Anticipation
(Philippians 3:20) (NLT)“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org
(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Title: Who am I?
(1 Peter 2:1-3) “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
- A Newborn Baby
(1 Peter 2:2) “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,”
(1 Peter 2:3) “…now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
- A Living Stone
(1 Peter 2:5) “…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- Belong to God.
(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
(1 Peter 2:10) “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
- A Foreigner
(1 Peter 2:11-12) “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
- A Submissive Servant
(1 Peter 2:13-14) “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
(1 Peter 2:16-17) “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
"Don't complain about our government leaders until you have prayed for our government leaders - pray more than you complain."
(1 Peter 2:18-19) “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”
(1 Peter 2:21) “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
(1 Peter 2:22-23) "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org
(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Title: Holiness
(1 Peter 1:13) “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
(1 Peter 1:14-16) “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Holiness means: different, pure, clean, set apart
When it comes to Holiness:
- Am I living different than the world?
(1 Peter 1:17) “Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”
(John 15:19) “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
(1 John 2:15) “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
VIDEO
(Luke 12:15) "….Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(Luke 12:16-18) “And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "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.
(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." '
(Luke 12:20) "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?'
(Luke 12:21) "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."
- Is my heart pure?
(Hebrews 12:14 NLT) “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.”
(Matthew 5:8) “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”
- Am I living a clean life?
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) (Msg) “Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: "I'll live in them, move into them; I'll be their God and they'll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good," says God. "Don't link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I'll be a Father to you; you'll be sons and daughters to me."
(1 Corinthians 15:33) “Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
(Psalm 51:10) (21st Century KJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
- Can I live a life that is set apart?
(Acts 26:12-18) “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
(Matthew 5:39-42) (CEV) “But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. If someone sues you for your shirt, give up your coat as well. If a soldier forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. When people ask you for something, give it to them. When they want to borrow money, lend it to them.”
(1 Peter 1:14-16) “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me right now?
Prayer
COMMUNION
(Hebrews 10:10) “..we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
Title: A Heart for What Matters
1. A Heart for God.
(Matthew 6:32-33 CEV) ““Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what He wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.”
How to Know and Show That God Matters?
• Time.
If someone were to look at your and my calendar would they see God as a priority in my life?
• Possessions.
When it comes to my possessions, does God matter?
• Obedience.
(John 14:21) “If you love me, you will do what I said.”
Is my life a reflection of my obedience to God or my desires?
2. A Heart for People.
3 Reasons Why You Matter to God
• Because of who you are.
(Genesis 1:27) “So God created man in his own image…”
• Because of what you cost.
(1 John 4:8-10) “God is love. In this was the love of God displayed where we are concerned: in that He sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
• Because of what you can become.
(Ephesians 2:10) "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
(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."
3. A Heart for the Church.
(1 Kings 8:17-18) “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart.”
(1 Kings 9:3) The LORD said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”
(1 Kings 9:3 Message) And God said to him, “I’ve listened to and received all your prayers, your ever-so-passionate prayers. I’ve sanctified this Temple that you have built: My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always.”
4. A Heart for the World.
(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.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
(Ephesians 3:17-19) “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…”
Title of my message today is: Moved with Compassion
(Mark 1:40-41) A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.
How can we have more compassion?
- Experience God’s love for myself.
(Luke 7:47) “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
(1 John 4:19) “We love because he first loved us.”
- Take the first step.
(Matthew 9:35-36) “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…”
- Open my eyes to the needs of others.
(Luke 10:30-37 Message) “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
Every person we encounter is either…
• A victim to exploit.
• A problem to avoid.
• A person to be loved.
- Do something about it.
(Proverbs 3:27-28 Message) “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.”
I hear this all the time
(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, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
(John 13:34-35) Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another! As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Title of Message: Expressions of Love
["Maybe you are asking: What does love have to do with it?"] (SONG)
How do you say “I love you”
VIDEO
(1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT) “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
5 Expressions of Love
- Words of affirmation.
(Proverbs 18:21) “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
(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.”
- Acts of service.
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
(Galatians 5:13) “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
- Gift giving.
(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.”
(Luke 12:33) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Quality time.
This is Rachel’s love language
(Philippians 2:3-5) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
(1 Corinthians 13:5 LB) “…Love does not demand its own way.”
- Physical touch.
(Song of Solomon 4:1-3) “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.”
(1 Corinthians 6:16 Message) “There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much a spiritual mystery as a physical fact. It is written in Scripture, ‘The two become one.’”
(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. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
How do I express love?
- Receive the love of God.
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
(Psalm 107:43) “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.”
- Show the love of God.
(1 John 4:19) “We love because he first loved us.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
(Matthew 22:36-39) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
(1 John 4:7-8, 21) “Let us love one another, for love comes from God... Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love... And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
(Galatians 5:6)“…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
(Ephesians 4:2) “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:3) “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
(1 Corinthians 14:1 LB) “Make love your greatest aim…”
(Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Three things give us HEART disease:
-
Self-centeredness.
(Philippians 2:3) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” -
Bitterness.
Grinch Video Heart is 2 sizes to small…"this time I’ll keep it off."
(Hebrews 12:15) “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
(Ephesians 4:31-32) “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
- Lust.
(Mark 7:21) “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.”
What is love?
Answer: Agape = Unconditional love
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 13:34-35) Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another! As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Love is living for the other person’s good.
How do we love?
-
In action and in truth.
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” -
By choice.
(Colossians 3:14) “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
(Ephesians 3:17-18 LB) “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your heart, living within you as you trust Him. May your roots go deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love, and may you be able to feel and understand…how long, wide, deep, and high His love really is, and experience this love for yourselves…”
(Proverbs 23:2) “…and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”
(Proverbs 29:18 NKJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
Why take care of your body?
1. To point people to Christ.
(Proverbs 10:17) “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
(2 Corinthians 4:10) “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
2. To bring us into holiness.
(1 Thessalonians 4:4-5) “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.”
(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.”
3. To honor God.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
My Physical Goals for 2010
How to Get There
(Proverbs 4:20-22) “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.”
1. Discipline.
(Romans 7:21-23) “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.”
(Hebrews 12:11) “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.”
2. Exercise.
(1 Timothy 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.”
3. Diet.
(1 Corinthians 6:12-13) “Everything is permissible for me”--but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”--but I will not be mastered by anything.
4. Rest.
(Psalm 127:2) “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
(Mark 6:31) “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
5. God.
(Romans 8:13) “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
(Proverbs 14:30) “A heart at peace gives life to the body…”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Proverbs 29:18 NKJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Questions to consider: 1. Am I willing to change? (Matthew 18:3) And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 2. Am I willing to put others first? (Mark 9:35) “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 3. Am I willing to let go of the past? (1 Corinthians 13:5) “(Love)… keeps no record of wrongs.” (Colossians 3:13) “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” 4. Am I willing to love as Jesus did? (John 13:34-35) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” My Relational Goals for 2010 How to Get There 1. I will nurture my important relationships. (Galatians 5:13-15) “Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” 2. I will restore my broken relationships. (Romans 12:17-18) “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 3. I will sever any harmful relationships. (Proverbs 27:19 GN) “A mirror reflects a man’s face but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (Proverbs 13:20) “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (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?” 4. I will initiate some meaningful relationships. (Ephesians 2:19 LB) “...You are members of God’s very own family... and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (Proverbs 18:24) “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” RACHEL READS STORY (John 15:15) “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends…”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Proverbs 29:18 NKJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
You are dissatisfied.
(Ecclesiastes 2:17) “So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
You are satisfied.
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
My Work Goals for 2010
How to Get There
1. Be content with your life.
(1 Timothy 6:6-8) “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
(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.”
2. Consider your vocation your ministry location.
(Acts 18:1-4) “After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.”
3. Be faithful in the small things.
(Luke 16:10-12 NLT) “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. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”
4. Honor the Lord in everything.
(Colossians 3:23-24) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
(Matthew 25:23) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
**(Revelation 3:15-16) “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Where are you?
• Hot – You are growing.
(2 Thessalonians 1:3) “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”
• Cold – You do not know God yet.
(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 of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
• Lukewarm – You are drifting.
(Hebrews 2:1) “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
My Spiritual Goals for 2010
What does the ultimate spiritual life look like for you?
How to Get There
1. Know God intimately.
(Jeremiah 29:13-14) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.
(1 Corinthians 15:34) “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning…”
2. Share Christ effectively.
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20) “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
3. Connect with others regularly.
(Ephesians 2:19 LB) “…You are a member of God’s very own family…and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.”
(James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
4. Grow yourself daily.
(Hebrews 6:1) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…”
(Proverbs 23:12) “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
5. Serve people passionately.
(1 Peter 4:10) “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”**
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose.
(Proverbs 29:18) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
Chazown (khaw-zone’); A dream, revelation, or vision.
Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose.
(Proverbs 29:18) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
Getting From Here to There
- Uncover your values.
(2 Corinthians 13:8 NLT) “Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times.”
What do you value?
What do you love deeply?
What makes you righteously angry?
(Ezekiel 33:31) “My people…listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice…”
“The distance between the truth you know and the truth you live equals the pain you experience.”
- Discover your mission.
(Genesis 24:33 NLT) But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us your mission.”
(Acts 20:24) “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may… complete the task…of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
(Luke 19:10) “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
If money was no object, what would you do with the rest of your life?
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Francis Drake, 1577
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Title of my Message: FOCUS
(SAMPLES on the Screen of blurry photos taken at Christmas..no focus)
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
(Colossians 1:28-29) “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
o Proclaim Him
o Admonish
o Teaching everyone
o Present everyone Perfect in Christ
How do we do that as a church?
o Proclaim Him...(Reach Them) Through weekend & youth services
o Admonish...(Pastor Them) Through Small Groups
o Teaching everyone...(Teach Them) Through Next Step Process
o Present everyone Perfect in Christ...(Help Them) Through Service Groups
What are your areas that you need to focus on?
My Focus for 2010:
- My relationship with God
(Acts 17:24) "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”
(Acts 17:25) "And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.”
(Acts 17:26) “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
(Acts 17:27) “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”
(Acts 17:28) “For in him we live and move and have our being."
Am I connecting with God regularly?
AWAKENING 2010 Jan 11-31 21 Days of Fasting (SHOW LOGO)
S.O.A.P (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) (SHOW SAMPLE)
- My relationships with people.
(Hebrews 10:25) “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
(Proverbs 27:17) “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Am I relating effectively?
Small Group Rally Sunday is January 24th. (SHOW LOGO)
- My spiritual growth.
(Hebrews 6:1) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..”
(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.”
Am I growing intentionally?
Next Step Process (SHOW LOGO)
(the following need to be written inside each titled slide..visit,attend,serve,lead)
VISIT
3 Week Challenge
Newcomers Reception
ATTEND
Access Freedom
Small Groups
SERVE
Discovery Day
Service Groups
LEAD
Group Leader
Ongoing Leadership Training
- My purpose in life.
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(1 Peter 4:10) “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.”
Am I serving passionately?
(Show this Slide again)
SERVE
Discovery Day
Service Groups
(John 10:10) “..I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Luke 2:8-14) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
(1 Timothy 6:17) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Title of message: The Source of Hope
(Romans 15:13 GWT) “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope…”
- God’s presence.
(Psalm 62:5) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
(Isaiah 40:31) “…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.”
- God’s promise.
(Psalm 119:81) “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.”
(Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
(Lamentations
3:21-23) “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because
of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never
fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- God’s process.
(Romans 5:2-4) “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
(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.”
-
God’s purpose.
(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.” -
God’s place.
(John 14:1-2) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In 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.”
(1 Peter 1:4-6 LB) “God has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you…And God, in His mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting Him…So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Hebrews 6:19) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”
(Psalm 71:14) “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
Title of my message: Hope for the Past
(Lamentations 3:19-20) “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.”
- Past problems.
(Job 30:26) “Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.”
- Past mistakes.
(Job 27:8) “For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?
- Past relationships.
(Job 19:19) “All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.”
(Lamentations 3:21-23) “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- Refocus your mind.
(Romans 12:2 NLT) “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
(Ephesians 4:18 LB) “Many are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against Him, so they can’t understand His ways.”
(Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT) “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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”
- Release your past.
(Isaiah 43:18) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
(Psalm 103:10-12) “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
(Micah 7:18) “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
(Romans 3:22 LB) “God says He will accept and acquit us – declare us ‘not guilty’ – if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in the same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.”
(Romans 8:1) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- Renew your heart.
(Ezekiel 36:26) “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.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Proverbs 13:12) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”
Symptoms:
Disoriented.
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
Drifting.
(Isaiah 53:6) “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.”
Despair.
(2 Corinthians 1:8) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.”
What is Hope?
Hope is a confident expectation based on something solid.
(Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
(Psalm 71:14) “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
Title to my message: The Anchor of the Soul
(Hebrews 6:19) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”
“What do I have to do to get it?”
1. Hope requires trust.
(Romans 4:18) “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…”
(Psalm 42:11) “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
2. Hope is anchored to something unseen.
(2
Corinthians 4:17-18) “For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we
fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is
seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
3. Hope is found in a relationship with God.
(Romans
15:13 GWT) “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace
through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope…”
(Psalm 62:5) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
(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.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
“In my view, people are never closer to living out the teachings of Christ than when they are adding value to someone else’s life. And people who are far from God are rarely more impacted than when they see 21st-Century Christ-followers behaving as Christ behaved.”
~Bill Hybels
Title of my Message: The Power of Doing Good
(Titus 3:8) “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
(Titus 3:1) “Remind the people to be ready to do whatever is good.”
(Titus 3:14) “(Christ-followers) must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may not live unproductive lives.”
Three Important Questions
- Why should I do good?
Doing good is God’s destiny for me.
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Where should I do good?
Do good wherever I am.
(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?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 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.’ "
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins 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.’”
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
- How should I do good?
Do good however the Spirit leads me.
(Matthew 9:35-38) Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
"A spiritual gift is a special supernatural ability that God gives to each of His children, so that together they can advance His purposes in this world."
(Romans 12:1) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
What do I need in order to use my spiritual gifts?
You need to be a Christian.
(James 1:17) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
You need to believe in spiritual gifts.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
You need to be willing to go through the process.
(1 Corinthians 14:12) “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
You need to pray.
(James 1:5) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he
should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and
it will be given to him.”
(Romans 12:6-8) “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
To develop your gifts:
-
Explore the possibilities.
(1 Corinthians 14:1) “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” -
Experiment with as many as you can.
(Psalm 34:8) “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” -
Examine your feelings.
(Psalm 37:4) “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
(Philippians 2:13) “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
-
Evaluate your effectiveness.
(Proverbs 18:16 NKJV) “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” -
Expect confirmation.
(1 Corinthians 1:5-7) “For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift…”
(Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT) “The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.
(Hebrews 4:14 NLT) “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
(Hebrews 4:20 NLT) “When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
What? Me a Priest?
(Romans 12:3-6) “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts…”
“A church is in danger when it becomes infatuated with preserving human power for itself rather than releasing God-potential in its people”.
1. Every Christian a minister.
(1 Peter
2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
2. Every task is important.
(1 Corinthians 2:14-17)
“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. And if the ear says, “I
am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it
any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would
you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell
anything?”
(1 Corinthians 2:18-21) “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
(1 Corinthians 2:22-26) “In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”
(1 Corinthians 2:27) “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
(1 Peter 4:10 NLT) “God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.”
3. Every person is unique.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Message) “God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all
originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out
everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various
expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is
behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God
is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are
handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is
wonderful…”
4. Everyone is a “10” in some area.
(Psalm 139:13-16)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's
womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your
works are wonderful, I know that full well…All the days ordained for me
were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Spiritual Gifts:
(1 Corinthians 12:1) “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.”
(2 Timothy 1:6) “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you…”
Definition of a spiritual gift:
"A spiritual gift is a
special supernatural ability that God gives to each of His children, so
that together they can advance His purposes in this world."
3 Benefits of using my gifts
1. My gifts show God’s plan for my life.
(Ephesians
2:10 NLT) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in
Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long
ago.”
2. My gifts are the key to happiness.
(John 15:8, 11)
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing
yourselves to be my disciples. I have told you this so that my joy may
be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
3. My gifts can make a difference.
(1 Corinthians
15:58) “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because
you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
7 Days of Servolution
Sunday November 15 – 21st
Sunday, November 15
Community-wide Clean-up
Hot Chocolate giveaway in high traffic areas
Monday, November 16
Single Fathers Monday Night Football
Children’s Event for Single Father’s Children
Coat Drive
Tuesday, November 17
ARC Special Activity
H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Regain Employment)
Wednesday, November 18
Demonstrations of Appreciation for Public Servants
Revolution Community Clean-up
Thursday, November 19
Mapleview County Home Ice Cream Social
Hickory Creek Ballet Performance
Friday, November 20
Queens for the Day (Single Mom’s)
Children’s Event (Children of Single Mom’s)
Oil Change for (Elderly, Single Mom’s)
Saturday, November 21
Thanksgiving Dinner (Single Mom’s)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
The Great Gamble
(Ecclesiastes 2:3) I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
(Ecclesiastes 2:4-6) I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.
(Ecclesiastes 2:7-8) I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well—the delights of the heart of man.
(Ecclesiastes 2:9) I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
(Ecclesiastes 2:10) “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired”
(Ecclesiastes 2:11) Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Pleasure
(Ecclesiastes 2:10-11) “I denied myself
nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took
delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Pursuits
(Ecclesiastes 2:17) “So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
People
(Ecclesiastes 4:8) “There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother…This too is meaningless.”
Possessions
(Ecclesiastes 5:10) “Whoever loves money
never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with
his income. This too is meaningless.”
(John 13:1) “It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”
(John 13:4-5) “…so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
(John 13:12-17) “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
(John 13:17) “..Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Serving others:
1. Serving others actually puts me first.
(Matthew 20:16) “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
2. Serving others doesn’t make sense.
(John 13:7) Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
(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. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—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.”
3. Serving others is your ultimate calling.
(John 13:14) “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.”
(Mark 8:35 NLT) “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.”
4. Serving others brings absolute fulfillment.
(John 13:17) “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
(Hebrews 6:10 NLT) “He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.”
(Matthew 25:21) “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
Do you really believe that?
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Job 42:5-6)(Msg) “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
Week 3 – Rumor: Jesus doesn’t want me.
Two Rumors of Jesus – How We See Jesus
- A locked gate.
We believe: God can’t be reached.
- An endless ladder.
We believe: God requires a lot from me.
Rumor: God doesn’t want me.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Mercy – not getting what you did deserve
Grace – getting what you did not deserve
(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
How Jesus Sees You
- You are accepted.
(John 15:16) “You did not choose me, but I chose you…”
(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
(Psalm 27:10) “Even if my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
(Acts 15:8) “God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.”
- You are forgiven.
(John 3:17) “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
(Micah 7:18-19) “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
- You are invited.
(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.”
(Revelation 22:17) “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
(John 6:28-29) Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
(Romans 10:9) “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Job 42:5-6)(Msg) “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
Message title: Following Jesus is Boring.
VINTAGE JESUS VIDEOS #2 & #3
4 attributes of Jesus.
- “I am the bread of life.”
(John 6:35) Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
He offers real fulfillment.
Do you need fulfillment today?
- “I am the light of the world.”
(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.”
Jesus offers real forgiveness.
(John 3:17) “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
He offers real forgiveness
Do you need forgiveness today?
- “I am the gate.”
(John 10:9) “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
He offers real friendship.
Do you need real friendship today?
- “I am the resurrection.”
(John 11:25-26) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
He offers a real future.
Do you believe this?
(Nehemiah 8:10) “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
(Psalm 2:4) “The God who sits in the heavens laughs…”
(John 1:14) (CEV) “The Word (God) became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us.”
(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.
• The devil wants to steal your faith.
(1 Peter 5:8-9) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
• The devil wants to kill your freedom.
(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.”
(2 Corinthians 3:17) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
• The devil wants to destroy your future.
(John 14:6) “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
How do I enjoy Jesus?
- Change your view of Jesus.
(1 John 5:11-12) “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."
- Approach Him through relationship not rules.
(John 5:39-40) “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
- Give Him your whole heart.
(Jeremiah 29:13-14) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.
(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.”
YOUTube Link to Vintage Jesus Videos
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=vintage+jesus&search_type=&aq=0&oq=vintage+jes
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
The title of message: Rumor #1: Jesus isn’t real
(Mark 8:27-29) Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
(Proverbs 4:23 GN) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
(Prov 19:9) “..the person who spreads rumors is ruined.”
Rumors come from:
- Tradition
(Matthew 15:7-9) “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ ”
(Matthew 7:22-23) (NIV) “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 perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.”
(2 Timothy 4:3-4 LB) “There is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.”
- Intellect
(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, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”
- A personal encounter
(John 9:17, 25) Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him?” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
(2 Timothy 1:12) “…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able…”
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
(Job 42:5-6)(Msg) “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(James 1:22) (NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
(Mark 3:25) (NIV) “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
(Deuteronomy 6:6 -7) (NLT) “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.”
How do I begin to leave a legacy that honors God?
- Commitment
(Deuteronomy 6:6) (NLT) “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today.”
(Nehemiah 4:14) “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
(Deuteronomy 4:1) “And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.”
What am I doing with the hours that I have been given?
What sacrifices do I need to make to keep this commitment?
Are you committed to your family?
- Consistency
(Deuteronomy 6:7) (NLT) “Repeat them again and again to your children.”
(1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Who do I need to start spending more time with?
What do I need to cut out of my schedule to be more consistent?
- Conversations
(Deuteronomy 6:7) (NLT) “Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.”
Who do I need to talk to about my life?
How can I spend more time in conversation with them?
“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” CS Lewis
40 Hours in church PURPLE
900 hours in school BLUE
1000 hours watching TV [WHITE]
1300 hours playing video games and on the computer YELLOW
3000 hours we spend together as a family RED
Who has the greatest influence over children to become like Christ? The Family
(Psalm 145:4-7) “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Genesis 2:24) (Amplified Bible) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (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."” (Genesis 2:24) (Amplified Bible) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” How do I have a life-giving marriage?
- Leave
(Genesis 2:24) (Amplified Bible) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother…”
(Matthew 19:29) “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
- Cleave
(Genesis 2:24) (Amplified Bible) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife…”
(Ephesians 4:3) (NLT) “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. “ 3. Become
(Genesis 2:24) (Amplified Bible) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” What are you becoming?
(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.” (James 1:17) “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
(Ephesians 5:22-24) “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
(Ephesians 5:25-27) “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
(Ephesians 5:28-30) “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.”
(Ephesians 5:31-32) "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
(Ephesians 5:32-33) “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
VIDEO of Home
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Exodus 34:6-7) 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, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
(Jeremiah 32:18) “You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them.”
VIDEO – Sealed Part 1
(Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
(Ezekiel 18:4) “For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.”
(Proverbs 22:6) (NIV)“Traina child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Genesis 50:15-17) “When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.”
(Genesis 50:18) ”His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.”
(Genesis 50:19-20) “But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
(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.”
How do I find freedom from generational sins?
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Never minimize sin
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Stay faithful to God
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Don’t make excuses
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Stand
(Ephesians 6:13) (NIV) “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.” (1 Peter 1:18-21) (NCV) “You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb. Christ was chosen before the world was made, but he was shown to the world in these last times for your sake. Through Christ you believe in God, who raised Christ from the dead and gave him glory. So your faith and your hope are in God.”
VIDEO – Sealed Part 2
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Title of the message is: Going back to go forward
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Romans 3:23) “..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
(Psalm 51: 1-3) (NLT) “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.”
(Psalm 51: 4-6) (NLT) “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.”
(Psalm 51: 7-9) (NLT) “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.”
(Psalm 51: 10-12) (NLT) “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”
How do I go back to go forward?
- Become a new person with a new family.
(Romans 10:9) (NIV) “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
(Luke 14:26) (MSG) “…"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple.”
Luke 8:20-21 (NLT) “Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to see you.” Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” 2. Give God the broken pieces
(Exodus 15:26) “…for I am the Lord who heals you.”
(Jeremiah 30:17) (NLT) “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.”
- Begin a new family tree
(Proverbs 20:7) (Msg) “God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.”
(Psalm 145:4) (Msg) “Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Isaiah 61:1-3) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…”
Overcoming a loss
- Reveal the hurt.
(Psalm 32:3) “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.”
(Psalm 39:2) “But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.”
- Release the pain.
(Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
- Refocus on God.
(1 Peter 5:6-7) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Clip 01 The Bucket List – Opener and first movie segment
(Psalm 39:4-5 NLT) “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.”
- Today matters.
(Psalm 90:12) “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
(James 4:17) “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
- People matter.
(Matthew 25:35) “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
- Eternity matters.
(Hebrews 9:27) “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
(Luke 12:14-21) Jesus told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 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. 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.” ’ “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?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Movie Clip 02
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
And from that moment forward – Johnny always battled the feelings that no matter how hard he tried – he simply wasn’t ever going to be good enough.
(First movie clip)
If you only had one song to sing – one message to give – what would that song – what would that life message be?
(Second movie clip)
What’s your life song?
(Acts 20:24) “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace”
(Third movie clip)
(Ephesians 2:3-7) “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
(Ephesians 2:8-10) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(1 Peter 1:3-4) “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you.”
But if he had it to do all over again, Johnny Cash knows for certain that he would live out of the hope he had in Jesus Christ.
(Final clip)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Things that separate us from God
ü Neglect.
(Psalm 106:13-14) “But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. In the desert they gave in to their craving.”
ü Disappointment.
(Psalm 10:1) “Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
ü Sin.
(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.”
(Ephesians 2:13-14) “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Jesus is the bridge between us and God.
(1 Timothy 2:5 (Living Bible) “God longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth: That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them together, by giving his life for all mankind.”
(1 Peter 3:18) “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
(John 14:6) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
What’s it going to take to bring you and God together?
(2 Corinthians 6:2) “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Rob Price
Need a Filter Change?
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(2 Corinthians 1:8-9) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.”
(1 Peter 4:12) “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
The title of my message today is: The Father’s Formula
The Father’s Formula
(James 1:1) “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.”
(James 1:2) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
The Formula: EIC²
ü Evaluation – see trials through the eyes of faith.
(James 1:3) “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
ü Information – understand what the trial is producing.
(1 Peter 1:6-7) “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
(James 1:4) “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
ü Cooperation – work with God in the process.
(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.”
(James 1:5) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
ü Conversation – ask for God’s help.
(James 1:6-7) “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
(James 1:12) “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
TRUE WORSHIPERS
What is the one thing that God desires from us and we have the ability to freely give it or withhold it from Him?
Why is worship so important to God?
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You are a worshipper
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You will become like what you worship.
“It behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
(John 4:23) “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
3 Qualities of a True Worshiper
- WORSHIP WITH AWE.
(Revelation 1:16-17a) “In his right hand he held seven stars…His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead…”
Shachah (shaw-khaw')
(Hebrews 12:28-29) “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
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- WORSHIP WITH ABANDONMENT.
(2 Samuel 6:21, 22) “David said to Michal…’I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes…’”
Hallal (hal-lal’)
- WORSHIP WITH INTIMACY.
(Psalm 27:4) “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
Sharath (shaw-rath')
(Psalm 63:2-5) “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
War for our Worship
What is the one thing that God desires most from you and you have the ability to freely give it or withhold it from Him?
(Isaiah 14:13-14) ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly…I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’
(Matthew 4:8-9) “…the devil took (Jesus) to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’”
Why is worship so important to God?
- You are a worshipper
(Exodus 20:3-5) “‘You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself idols…You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.’”
What do you worship?
- You will become like what you worship.
(Psalm 115:4,8) “But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men…Those who make them will be like them and so will all who trust in them.”
Three important players:
A. The Audience
B. The Performer
C. The Director
How do we learn to worship?
Who is God and what has He done?
(Hebrews 12:28-29) “…since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
How do I do it?
Respond naturally to His supernatural goodness
(Matthew 18:20) “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."” In view of who God is and what He has done, I bring an offering. And I am the offering.
(Romans 12: 1 ) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Discharge Instructions
C.S. Lewis said
“Think of me as a fellow-patient in the same hospital who, having been admitted a little earlier, could give some advice.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-3) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build.”
Emergency Room
Unresolved yesterdays. Your Sin
“Almost no one bears a heavier load than the carrier of personal secrets of the past or present.”
(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Untreated pain. Wounds from others
(Hebrews 12:15) “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
(Jeremiah 6:14) “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
(Psalm 147:3) “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Unawareness of spiritual activity. Curse of the devil
(1 Peter 5:8-9) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
Discharge Instructions
(Colossians 3:7-8) “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things…”
- Make up your mind to change.
(Colossians 3:8) “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
- Ask for God’s help.
(Colossians 3:10) “…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
- Be motivated by love.
(Colossians 3:12-14) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
The six facets of love:
Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Forgiveness
- Fight for unity.
(Colossians 3:15) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”
- Stay positive.
(Colossians 3:15-17) “And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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.”
- Keep your focus on others.
(Colossians 3:18-21) “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
(Proverbs 18:1) (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) (NLT) “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,5) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Toxic Environments
(Matthew 13:3-7) Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.”
Toxic Traits:
ü Reckless words.
(Proverbs 12:18) “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
ü Negative attitudes.
(Romans 8:6) “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
ü An unbalanced life.
(Luke 21:34) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.”
ü Wrong choices.
(Proverbs 11:19) “The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.”
Life Support
(Matthew 20:25-26) 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. Not so with you.”
5 Secrets to creating life-giving environments:
- Give them something unexpected.
(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.”
- Show them special attention.
(Matthew 17:1) “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”
- Express unconditional acceptance.
(Mark 10:16) “And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
- Encourage them with your words.
(Matthew 16:17-18) Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 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.”
(Proverbs 18:21) (MSG) “Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.”
- Put their agenda ahead of your own.
(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.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Recommended Reading
Books on Communication:
Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language
By: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Coaching Kids: Practical Tips for Effective Communication
By: Jim Ward, Ruth Ward
Will the Real Me Please Stand Up: Twenty-Five Guidelines for Good Communication
By: John Powell S.J.
Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication
By: Andy Stanley, Lane Jones
Now You're Speaking My Language: Honest Communication and Deeper Intimacy for a Stronger Marriage
By: Gary Chapman
Mars and Venus in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting Results at Work (Hardcover)by John Gray (Author) The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset (Hardcover) by John C. Maxwell (Author) Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time (Paperback)
by John C. Maxwell
Week 3 – Extraordinary Communication
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,7) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
5 Dysfunctions of a Team:
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Absence of TRUST
-
Fear of CONFLICT
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Lack of COMMITMENT
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Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY
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Inattention to RESULTS
(Ephesians 2:13-14) “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
What are these barriers?
ü Distance
ü Walls
ü Hostility
Extraordinary Communication
- Guard your heart.
(Matthew 12:34-35) “…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”
(Psalm 141:3-4) “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.”
- Build trust.
(Matthew 5:37) “Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
- Be quick to listen.
(James 1:19) “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
(Proverbs 10:19) “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
- Speak words of life.
(Proverbs 25:11) “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
(Proverbs 15:4) “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life…”
(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.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Rx for a Healthy Family
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not loss—good, not evil—success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.
(Ephesians 5:15-16) “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
A healthy, supportive family should be..
ü A place of protection
ü A place of preparation
ü A place to play
What’s the Rx for Healthy Families?
A. Decisions
B. Disciplines
Making the Decision
ü Determine your priorities.
(Malachi 4:6) “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
(1 Timothy 5:8) “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
ü Decide on your philosophy.
(Joshua 24:15) “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
ü Develop your problem-solving strategy.
(Proverbs 24:3 NCV) “It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong.”
Managing the Discipline
- Put your family on your calendar first.
(Psalm 90:12 LB) “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.”
- Give your marriage top priority.
(Mark 3:25) “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
- Create and maintain family traditions.
(Psalm 127:3) “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
- Find ways to spend time together.
(Deuteronomy 6:7 LB) “You must teach these commandments to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning.”
- Express appreciation for each other.
(Proverbs 15:23) “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply--and how good is a timely word!”
(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.”
- Resolve conflict as quickly as possible.
(Proverbs 17:9) “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
(1 Peter 4:8) “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Title: A Matter of the Heart
(Matthew 19:6-8) “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
(Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Heart Attack
Largely lifestyle related
Selfishness instead of serving.
(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. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Rejection instead of respecting.
(Mark 3:25) “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
Bitterness instead of blessing.
(Ephesians 4:31-32) “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Lust instead of loyalty.
(Mark 7:21) “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.”
That was the diagnosis – here is the remedy
Triple Bypass Surgery
- Cleanse you from your past.
(Ezekiel 36:25) “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
- Change you for a new start.
(Ezekiel 36:26) “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.”
- Fill you with His Spirit.
(Ezekiel 36:27) “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Life Transformation
1 Peter 4:3-6 (NLT) You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
We bury it.
(Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
We beat ourselves up.
(Romans 7:24) “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”
(Psalm 38:4-8) “I am drowning in the flood of my sins, they are a burden too heavy to bear. Because I have been foolish, I’m utterly worn out and crushed, my heart is troubled…”
We blame others.
(Genesis 3:13) “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. We build on it.
(Isaiah 43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
How do I find real life transformation?
- Forgive yourself.
(John 8:9-11) At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
(Romans 8:1-2) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
- Forgive others.
(Matthew 6:14-15) “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 18:21-22) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
- Forgive God.
(Jeremiah 29:11-13) “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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(Psalm 145:13-14, 17-20) The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down…The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth…he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him…
(Philippians 3:13-14) “Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Mark 16:14-16) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Why do I love my church?
(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.”
Title of Message: Thirty Four
(Matthew 18:12-13) "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
(Acts 1:8) “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
ü Jerusalem – My City.
(James 1:27 Msg) “Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight...”
ü Judea and Samaria – My Nation.
(1 Corinthians 9:22 LB) “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”
ü To the ends of the earth – My World.
(Mark 16:15 NCV) Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”
Three Fundamental Truths
- We are blessed to be a blessing.
(Genesis 12:2 NLT) “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing to others.”
- When we bless others God takes care of our needs.
(Luke 18:29-30 GW) “I guarantee this. Anyone who gives up anything for the kingdom of God will certainly receive many times more in this life and will receive eternal life in the next world to come.”
(Luke 6:38 Message) “Give your life away and you’ll find your life given back. But not merely given back. Given back with bonus and blessing.”
- The more we’re blessed by God the more He expects us to help others.
(Luke 12:48 LB) “…Much is required from those to whom much is given. For their responsibility is greater.”
What can I do?
- Pray.
(Matthew 9:37-38) “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
- Go.
(Isaiah 6:8-9) “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’...’”
- Give.
(Matthew 6:19-21) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
(Mark 8:35 LB) “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(John 14:12) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
(Philippians 3:10 GN) “All I want to know is Christ and experience the power of His resurrection.”
(Romans 8:11) “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
How do I get a miracle in my life?
- Open up to God’s power.
(Ephesians 4:18 LB) “Many are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against Him, so they can’t understand His ways.”
(Ephesians 1:19-20 LB) “I pray that you’ll begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It’s the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.”
- Stay under God’s grace.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Message) “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.”
- Always remember God’s love.
(Romans 8:35-39 LB) “Who then can ever keep Christ’s love from us? When we have trouble or calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because he doesn’t love us anymore? And if we are hungry, or penniless, or in danger or threatened with death, has God deserted us? No—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…”
The Greatest Miracle of All
(Mark 2:1-5) A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
(Mark 8:36) (NLT) And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
(Mark 2:6-7) Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
(Mark 2:8-9) 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? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?
(Mark 2:10) But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ."
(Mark 2:10-12) He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 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!"
(Luke 10:17-20) The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
(Revelation 20:12, 15) “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life…If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Is your name in the book of life?
(Matthew 7:22-23) 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 perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(John 14:12) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
(John 11:1-4) Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 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.”
The Death Trap
ü We don’t understand how God works.
(John 11:6) “Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.”
(John 11:11-13) After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
ü We get caught up in doubt.
(John 11:16) Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
ü We give up on God.
(John 11:20) “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.”
Question: What in my life is dead or dying?
(John 11:25-26) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
- Settle in your heart who Jesus is.
(John 11:27) (Martha said) “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
(John 11:21-22) “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
- Stop analyzing everything.
(John 11:38-39) Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “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.”
(Romans 4:19-21) “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. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
- Start living again.
(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.
(John 11:43-44) Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(John 14:12) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
(Mark 9:16-24) “What are you arguing with them about?” (Jesus) asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “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.” “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Why do we have doubting faith?
We believe like those around us.
(Mark 9:19) “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
(2 Corinthians 6:14-15) “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”
We believe God isn’t loyal.
(Mark 9:22-23) “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.” “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
We believe, sort of.
(Mark 9:24) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(James 1:6-8) “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
What is real faith?
(Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
3 Aspects of Faith
- Our authority comes through His Name.
(Mark 9:25-27) “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’”
(Philippians 2:10) “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
- Our confidence comes through relationship.
(Mark 9:29) He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
(Romans 10:17 NKJV) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
- Our power comes through the cross.
(Mark 9:31) He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
(Colossians 2:15) “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Theme verse:
(John 14:12) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Title of my message: Walking on Water
(Matthew 14:22-23) “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,”
(Matthew 14:24) “but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
(Matthew 14:25-26) “During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.”
(Matthew 14:27) “But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."”
(Matthew 14:28) "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
(Matthew 14:29) "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
(Matthew 14:30-31) “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"”
(Matthew 14:32-33) “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."”
Have you ever been consumed by your circumstances?
We feel far away from help.
(Mark 6:47) “When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake…”
(Psalm 10:1) “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
We get blinded by our problems.
(Matthew 14:24) “…but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
We struggle to fix it ourselves.
(Mark 6:48) “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.”
We have a hard time recognizing God.
(Mark 6:49-50) “…but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.”
VIDEO (I will put it on dropbox later)
How to position ourselves for a Miracle
- Open up to the supernatural.
(Matthew 14:25) “During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”
(John 3:12) “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
- Get out of the boat.
(Matthew 14:29) “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
“Everything is risky. If you’re looking for absolute safety, you chose the wrong species.”
(2 Corinthians 4:18) “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Don’t try to figure it out.
(Matthew 14:30-31) “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”
(1 Corinthians 2:14) “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
- Give Him all the glory.
(Matthew 14:32-33) “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
(Romans 11:36) “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(John 14:12-13) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
(Proverbs 13:12) (NLT) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick..”
(John 2:1-3) “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’”
A. We focus on feelings instead of faith.
(John 2:3) “When the wine was gone…”
(Job 30:20 GN) “I call to you, O God, but you never answer; when I pray, you pay no attention.”
B. We take matters into our own hands.
(John 2:3) “…Jesus’ mother said to him "They have no more wine." …”
(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
(Isaiah 30:15) “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”
C. We exaggerate the negative.
(John 2:3) “…They have no more wine.”
(Psalm 116:3) “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.”
(Jeremiah 20:18 TEV) “Why was I born? Was it only to have trouble and sorrow, to end my life in disgrace?”
How do we get a Miracle?
- Do what Jesus says to do.
(John 2:5) “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
(Isaiah 55:8-9 LB) “This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.”
- Focus on what God wants to do in you.
(John 2:6) “Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.”
(1 Peter 1:6-7) “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
- Believe the unbelievable.
(John 2:8-9) “Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.”
(Mark 10:27) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
- Expect the best.
(John 2:10) “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
(Ephesians 3:20) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
A Place to Grow
Every area of our lives presents itself an opportunity to grow.
(Jonah 3:10) “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”
(Jonah 4:1) “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.”
(Jonah 4:2-3) “He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."”
(Jonah 4:4) “But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
(Jonah 4:5) “Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.
(Jonah 4:6) “Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.”
(Jonah 4:7-8) “But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."”
(Jonah 4:9) “But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die."
(Jonah 4:10-11) “But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
We miss growing in God when:
- We have sin in our hearts.
(Jonah 4:4) “But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
(Jonah 4:6) “Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.”
- We are out of our comfort zone.
(Matthew 16:24) “Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8) “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."”
(Jonah 4:7-8) “But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."”
- We feel like giving up.
(Hebrews 12:1) “…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(Philippians 2:12) “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,"
(Jonah 4:9-11) “But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die." “But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
- We forget that God always pursues His people.
(Jonah 4:11) “….Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
[COMMUNION VERSE]
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26) “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Jonah 3: 1-2) “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
(Jonah 3: 3-5) “Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”
(Jonah 3: 6-7) “When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.”
(Jonah 3: 8-9) “But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."”
(Jonah 3:10) “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.”
A Place to Change
How can we change direction in our lives?
- Listening to someone’s story
Share your story, email us at: info@freedom-church.org
(Revelation 12:11) “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
- Fear of Consequences
(Romans 3:18) (NLT) “They have no fear of God at all.”
(Hebrews 10:31) (NKJV) “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
(2 Thessalonians 1:9) (NLT) “They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (Psalm 32:3-4) (NLT) “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. (Psalm 32:5) (NLT) “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
(Psalm 32:6-7) (NLT) “Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”
- Change our behavior
(Isaiah 58:2) (NLT) “Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.”
(Isaiah 58:3-4) (NLT) “‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’” “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.”
(Isaiah 58:5) (NLT) “You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord?
“They hurt enough that they have to”
“Nobody changes until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change"
- There is a time limit
(2 Peter 3:10) “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Message Title: A Place to Think
(Jonah 2:1-2) “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He
said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”
- When we cry, God listens
(Jonah 2:3) “You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.”
- God can be found in difficult circumstances
(Jonah 2:4-7) “I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.' The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”
- God’s discipline always serves a purpose
(Jonah 2:8) "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
- Running from God is running from His provision and protection
(Jonah 2:9) “But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."
(Jonah 2:10) “And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”
(Jonah 3:1) “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time”
- We serve a God of second chances
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Message Title: A Place to Hide
(Jonah 1:1) “The word of the LORD came to Jonah…..”
(Jonah 1:2) "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it…”
- He speaks.
Whenever God calls us to do something, it always requires action…
- We run.
(Jonah 1:3) “But Jonah ran away from the LORD”
(Jonah 1:4) “Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.”
(Jonah 1:4-5) “All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.”
- Others pay
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go and cost you more than you are willing to pay.”
“God starts off by tapping you on the shoulder, the second time, He calls out your name, the third time He gets a baseball bat and hits you on the head.”
(Jonah 1:12) "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."
- He provides
(Jonah 1:17) “But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah”
Running from God has consequences
(1 Corinthians 10:13) (NLT) “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Practice Points
What am I hiding from God?
What is he telling me to do about it?
*Investing our Lives in People
| John 15:12-13 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. | | Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends | | * Laying down ones life for his friends. * Missionary goes and invests his life in the lives of others, Why? * Story – 5 Missionaries lost their lives in 1956 trying to reach AUCA or Huaorani * Nate Saint & Jim Eliot 3 others lost their lives – Made Popular by movie End of the Spear
Told from Perspective of Indians - | | Papers in US and Europe carried Story - What a waist? Not a waste but investment Lives like corn of wheat falls in to the ground John 12:24 Great Dividends - Aucas nearly all Christians today & 100’s of missionaries. Love tell about Shuar Indians Former Head hunters of Ecuador God allowed me to invest some of my life into them. STORIES of evangelizing the Shuar – Eating, drinking, sleeping, movie John 15:13 I remember quoting this verse to man in marriage counseling. Question: Are you willing to lay down your life for your wife? Response: Yes, but it’s not dying for her but living with her that’s problem. WE are not being called upon to loose or lives to die for each other. But we are called to lay down our lives to love and serve one another. All know John 3:16 - “For God so loved the World that he gave…. What about 1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. | | Gal 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another |
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
One Another Commands of Scripture
Encourage you to live your life for God and people.
Love is Great Commandment – to fulfill it brings great joy!
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.*
Precious in His Sight
"Knowing who we are shapes everything we do."
Belief determines action and action determines outcomes.
(Matthew 14:20-30) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
(John 8:32) "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
- I am His Child.
(I John 3:1) "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
(Ephesians 1:5) "(In love) he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ"
Do you see yourself as that?
- I am His Friend.
(John 15:15) "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
(Psalm 33:11) "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
- I am worth dying for.
(Genesis 1:26) "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…"
(I Corinthians 6:19-20) "You are not your own; you were bought at a price…"
- I am an heir.
(Galatians 4:7) "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
(Romans 8:17) "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." 5. I am capable.
(2 Peter 1:3) (NLT) "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him…"
(Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
True Colors
What are some of the "Shades we wear?"
- Red = Unforgiveness
The effects of Unforgiveness:
· Isolation
· Stop all contact with people
· Mindset to never to trust again
- Yellow = Fear
The effects of Fear:
· Hesitation
· Holding back
· Unwilling to risk
- Blue = Pain
The effects of Pain:
· This is where pain began
· This is where pain remains
· Stay away from this area
- Black=Death
The effects of Death:
· Addictions
· Destructive Behavior
· Abuse
How do we remove the lenses?
- Unforgiveness: Removing the Red Lens
(John 13:21 NLT) "Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!"
(John 13: 26 NLT) "Jesus responded, "It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl." And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot."
(Proverbs 30:33 NLT) "As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels."
(Romans 12:19) "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
So what do you do?
RELEASE
(1 Peter 1:6-7) "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
- Fear: Removing the Yellow Lens
(Hebrews 12:15) "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
- Pain: Removing the Blue Lens
(Psalm 147:3) "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
(1 John 4:8-11) "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 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. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
- Death: Removing the Black Lens
(Luke 21:34) "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap."
(Colossians 3:8) "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
(Romans 8:6) "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
(Proverbs 11:19) "The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death."
(Matthew 11:28) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
(Hebrews 10:23-25 MSG) "So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Relationship Priority:
· God
· Spouse (if applicable)
· Children
· Extended Family
· Friends
How did it get this way?
(Genesis 1:26) “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,…”
(Genesis 1:27) “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 2:9) “And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
(Genesis 2:16-17) “And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
(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."
(Genesis 2:21) “So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.”
(Genesis 2:21-22) “Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”
(Genesis 2:23) “The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman’, for she was taken out of man."
(Genesis 2:24) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:25) “The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
(Genesis 3:1) “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'?"
(Genesis 3:3) “…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.' "
(Genesis 3:4) "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.”
(Genesis 3:5) "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
(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.”
(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.”
(Genesis 3:21) “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”
(Proverbs 14:12) “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
Religious thoughts:
· If I do something wrong, I should do something right.
· If I do something right, I deserve something good.
(Galatians 3:2-3) “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?”
(Galatians 3:10-11) “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’ Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, the righteous will live by faith.”
(Galatians 3:19) “What, then, was the purpose of the law?”
(Galatians 3:24-25) “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.”
Are you frustrated with religion?
Discover G.R.A.C.E.
- G – God’s gift to me.
(Romans 6:23) “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- R – Receive by faith.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
(Romans 4:16 NCV) “People receive God’s promise by having faith. This happens so the promise can be a free gift…”
- A – Available to everyone.
(Romans 10:13) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- C – Comes through Christ.
(John 1:17) “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
(Romans 5:15 NCV) “... many people have received God’s gift of life by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.”
(Galatians 2:21 NLT) “Don’t treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
- E – Extended throughout eternity.
(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.”
(Isaiah 30:18) “…the Lord longs to be gracious to you.”
- Is my relationship with God clear or tainted?
(John 10:10 NLT) “….My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
- Are the rest of my relationships clear or tainted?
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Proverbs 29:18) "Where there is no vision, the people perish…"
Vision falls into one of 5 categories:
· No vision
· A low vision
· A wrong vision
· A vague vision
· A God vision
(Ephesians 3:20 Message) "God can do anything—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!"
What's our Big Picture? (Farsighted Vision)
Put up the logo with the words: Loving God, Loving People, Loving Life
(Mark 16:15) "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."
(1 John 3:18) "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
(Colossians 1:28-29) "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
Core Values of Freedom Church:
Core Value #1: Proclaim Him
· Life-giving Celebration Services
Core Value #2: Admonish everyone
· Life-Giving Relationships
Core Value #3: Teaching everyone with all wisdom
· Life-Giving Children's & Student Ministry
· Freedom Growth Path
(Proverbs 22:6) "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
Freedom Pathway to Growth
Some sort of logo would be cool
Core Value #4: Present everyone perfect
· Freedom Dream Team
How do we live out this farsighted vision?
- Share your story with others.
(Romans 10:13-14) "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask them 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 him?"
(Jude 1:23) "…snatch others from the fire and save them."
(1 Corinthians 9:22) "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
(1 Corinthians 14:24-25) "But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in…he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, 'God is really among you!'"
- Do life with other believers.
(1 John 3:16 NLT) "We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters."
(Proverbs 27:17) "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
(Acts 20:20) "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house."
- Become like Christ.
(Ephesians 4:15 Message) "God wants us to grow up ... like Christ in everything."
(Ephesians 4:11-13) "(God) gave some to be pastors…to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
- Serve God by serving others.
(Ephesians 2:10) "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
(1 Peter 4:10) "Each one should use whatever gift he's received to serve others."
(Matthew 25:21) "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Proverbs 29:18) "Where there is no vision, the people perish…"
Why have a vision for life?
- A vision for life will bring focus.
(Proverbs 17:24 GN) "An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions."
- A vision for life will bring endurance.
(Ecclesiastes 2:11) "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."
(Hebrews 12:1) "…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
- A vision for life will bring peace.
(Jeremiah 20:18) "Why was I born? Was it only to have trouble and sorrow, to end my life in disgrace?"
(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."
Nearsighted
(Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT) "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do."
- Discover God's vision for your life.
(Psalm 139:13-16) "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
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Design reveals destiny.
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Focus on your daily agenda.
(Psalm 90:12 LB) "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."
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Close the gap between intentions and actions.
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Your vision must be written.
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Your vision must be specific.
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Your vision must stretch your faith.
(Ephesians 3:20) "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"
- Your vision must be shared with others.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8) "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."
(Proverbs 20:18) "Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance."
(Proverbs 15:22) "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
(Acts 17:26-27) "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
I'll be Home for Christmas
(Luke 2:4) “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
(Luke 2:8) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
(Matthew 2:1) “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.”
(John 6:51) “I am the living bread that came down from heaven…which I will give for the life of the world.”
What Does “Home” Mean?
A. It’s about a place.
B. It’s about people.
C. It’s about protection.
(John 14:2-3) “In 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. 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.”
- Your location will change.
(John 14:23) Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
(Philippians 3:20) “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Hebrews 11:13) (People of faith are) “…aliens and strangers on earth. They were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
- Your relationship will change.
(Romans 8:15) “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
(John 15:15) “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.”
(Matthew 7:22-23) “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 perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.’”
- Your security will change.
(Hebrews 13:5) “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
(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.”
What will happen when I open the door?
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Joy to the World
(Luke 2:8-10) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to laugh.”
(Psalm 2:3) “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.”
ü Joy will change my approach to life.
(Nehemiah 8:10) “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
ü Joy will turn my problems into blessings.
(Proverbs 17:22) “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
ü Joy will affect those around you.
(Psalm 126:1-2) “When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”
The Secret of Joy
- Take responsibility for your own emotions.
(Hebrews 12:1) “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(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.”
- Develop a high appreciation for life.
(Ecclesiastes 5:19) “When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God.”
(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.”
- Find something positive in everything.
(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers, 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.”
(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.”
- Add value in every conversation.
(Proverbs 16:24) “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
(Psalm 141:3) “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
(Philippians 2:3-4) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Express gratitude to God and others daily.
(Philippians 4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Psalm 51:7 NLT) "Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
(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. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
(1 John 4:11) "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
(Matthew 22:37-39 MSG) "Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."
Three Attitudes Toward Others
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Keep your distance.
(Luke 10:30-31) "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side." -
Curious but uninvolved.
(Luke 10:32) "So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side." -
Treat others how I want to be treated.
(Luke 10:33) "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him."
Loving Others
- See the needs of the people around me.
(Luke 10:33 Message) "When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him."
(1 Corinthians 10:24) "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."
- Identify with people's pain.
(Luke 10:33) "…and when he saw him, he took pity on him."
(Galatians 6:2) "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
(2 Corinthians 1:4 LB) "(God) comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials so that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us."
- Seize the moment.
(Luke 10:34 NLT) "Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them."
(Proverbs 3:27-28 Message) "Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now."
- Do whatever it takes.
(Luke 10:34-35) "…Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins 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.'"
(1 John 3:17-18) "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
(Isaiah 58:10-11) "And 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. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Luke 2:6-7) "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Worrying never solves tomorrow's problems, it only robs today of its peace.
(Luke 21:34) "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap."
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When circumstances are uncontrollable.
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When people are unbearable.
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When problems are unexplainable.
Can we find a silent night?
(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."
(John 14:27 LB) "I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
How can we have a silent night?
- Accept God's pardon.
(Romans 5:1) "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Micah 7:18) "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives…You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."
- Recognize God's presence.
(Isaiah 26:3 NCV) "You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you."
(Romans 8:6) "…the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
(Psalm 46:1, 10) "God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble…Be still and know that I am God."
- Obey God's principles.
(Psalm 119:165) "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
- Trust God's plan.
(Proverbs 3:5-6) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
(Philippians 4:11-12) "…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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."
- Ask for God's provision.
(Philippians 4:6-7 LB) "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Recipe for the Holidays
(2 Corinthians 2:15) "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
(Galatians 5:22-23) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Ingredients needed:
- Love
(I Corinthians 13:1-3) "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, BUT have not love, I am nothing. If I give all to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, BUT have not love, I gain nothing."
(Matthew 22:36-39) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself."
(I John 3:16) "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
- Joy
(John 15:11) "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
(Nehemiah 8:10) "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
- Peace
(Galatians: 5:25) "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
(Philippians 4:7) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understands, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- Patience & Self Control
(Matthew 5:13) "You are the salt of the earth…."
(Colossians 4:6) "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
(1 Timothy 4:12) "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
(Proverbs 18:21 MSG) "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose."
- Kindness, Gentleness & Faithfulness
(Psalm 145:17 NLT) "The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness."
(Philippians 4:5) "Let your gentleness be evident to all...."
(1 Peter 3:15) "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
- Goodness
(Psalm 34:8) "Taste and see that the LORD is good"
(1 Peter 2:9 NLT) "….for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Will others want to be just like me after this Holiday Season?
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Part 3 – Why do we need Him?
Eight Reasons Why We Need the Holy Spirit
- Because we are weak.
The Holy Spirit gives us: Power & Confidence
(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."
(Acts 4:31 MSG) "While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence."
- Because we are not as smart as God
The Holy Spirit gives us: Guidance
(Romans 8:12-16) "Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
- Because we are weak in times of crisis
The Holy Spirit gives us: Prayer
(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 with groans that words cannot express."
- Because Satan's power is real
(Ephesians 6:10-17) "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
(Ephesians 6:18) "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
The Holy Spirit gives us: Warfare
- Because our attitudes and emotions fluctuate
The Holy Spirit gives us: Stability
(Ephesians 4:3) "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
(Galatians 5:22-23) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- Because we cannot change ourselves
The Holy Spirit gives us: Holiness
(Romans 8:13) "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
- Because we are in the last days
The Holy Spirit gives us: Discernment
(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."
- Because we need to connect with God
The Holy Spirit gives us: Worship
(Acts 2:11) "…we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
(Acts 10:46) "For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
(Acts 19:2) "We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
(2 Timothy 3:1-5) "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
(Acts 2:1-4) "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
(Acts 2:12) "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
Ghost – Part 2-What are you saying?
(1 Corinthians 2: 1-5) "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
(John 9:25) "He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!""
(1 Corinthians 2:6-8) "We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
(1 Corinthians 2:8-9) "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
(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."
(1 Corinthians 2:10) "but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
(Romans 8:16) "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."
(1 Corinthians 2:11-13) "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."
(1 Corinthians 2:14) "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
FAQ's about the Holy Spirit:
-Do I have to speak in tongues to be spirit filled?
-Can every believer speak in tongues?
-Is it always the evidence of someone who is filled with the Spirit?
What can I expect from the Holy Spirit?
- Freedom in Worship
(Acts 2:11) "…we hear them declaring the wonders of God"
(Acts 2:13) "Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."
- Clarity of God's Vision
(Ephesians 2:20NKJV) "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,"
(1 Corinthians 14: 2) "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit."
- Power in Prayer
(Romans 8:26-28 NKJV) "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
How do I receive the filling of the Holy Spirit?
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Remove all barriers
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Request the gift
(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!"
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Receive the gift
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Release your prayer language
(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."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Hindrances to the Holy Spirit:
- Innocent ignorance
- Healthy fear
- Doctrinal differences
- Sin
1 Thessalonians 5:19 – "Do not put out the Spirit's fire"
Ghost – Part 1-Who are you?
Acts 19:1…. "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
Acts 19:2 – "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
Who is the Holy Spirit?
- The Holy Spirit is God
(Genesis: 1:2) "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters"
(Joel 2:28 NKJV) "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;"
(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."
- The Holy Spirit is a separate experience
(Mark 1:8) "I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
(John 20:21-22) "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
(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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
(Acts 8:14-17) "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target. While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives. You'll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn't change with the stock market or the weather. It's time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy.
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
Never Ending Joy
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
1. Worry about nothing.
"Do not be anxious about anything…" Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
2. Pray about everything.
"…in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
"…And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
3. Think about the right things.
"Finally, brothers, 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." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…" Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
4. Be content with my things.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
"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." Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
5. Trust God for all things.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
The Pursuit of Joy, Week 3: Maintaining Your Joy
For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target. While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives. You'll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn't change with the stock market or the weather. It's time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy.
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." Philippians 3:1 (NIV)
Watch out for negative people. "Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh." Philippians 3:2 (NIV)
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7 (NIV)
Watch out for legalism."For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh." Philippians 3:3 (NIV)
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 (NIV)
Watch out for the substitute.
"If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless." Philippians 3:4-6 (NIV)
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 (NIV)
Maintaining Your Joy
- Keep on knowing.
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
"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." 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
- Don't stop growing.
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)
- Know where you're going.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
"He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
The Pursuit of Joy, Week 2: You Go First
For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target. While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives. You'll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn't change with the stock market or the weather. It's time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy.
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11 (NIV)
Joy Killers1. Disunity
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace". Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" James 4:1 (NIV)
- Pride
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
"A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." Proverbs 29:23 (NIV)
- Selfishness.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." James 3:16 (NIV)
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
You've got to be humble.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped." Philippians 2:6 (NIV)
"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." Philippians 2:17 (NIV)
"Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." Luke 17:33 (NIV)
You've got to obey.
"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8 (NIV)
"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." Matthew 20:26-27 (NIV)
In what area or areas is God asking me to be obedient?
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
You've got to love.
"Welcome (Epaphroditus) in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me." Philippians 2:29-30 (NIV)
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
The Pursuit of Joy, Week 1: No Matter What
For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target. While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives. You’ll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn’t change with the stock market or the weather. It’s time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.” Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
Happiness is external.
Joy is internal.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Happiness is based on circumstances.
Joy is based on Christ.
“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
Happiness is based on chance.
Joy is based on choice.
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
No Matter What
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
- Get over the distraction of what happened.
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12 (NIV)
- Discover the new opportunities.
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” Philippians 1:13-14 (NIV)
- Focus on what really matters.
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 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.” Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)
Ultimate Joy
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
When you know Christ, you’re in a win-win situation.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 (NIV)
Mind Games, Part 4: I Don't Need God
"I don't want to live. I feel abandoned. I lack faith. I don't need God." If you've ever found yourself thinking these thoughts, you've probably found yourself in the midst of a mind game.
"…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
"…stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 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." 1 Timothy 1:3-4 (NLT)
Common Illusions about God
- God is angry.
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." Micah 7:12 (NIV)
"He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." Psalm 103:9-10 (NIV)
2. God is critical.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
3. God is benevolent.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Eliminating the Illusion of God
- You'll need a revelation of who God is.
"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
2. You'll need to surrender.
"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8 (NIV)
"If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms." Luke 17:33 (MSG)
- You'll need to give it your all.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
"Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus said, "Why do you question me about what's good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you." The man asked, "What in particular?" Jesus said, "Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself." The young man said, "I've done all that. What's left?" "If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me." That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't bear to let go. As he watched him go, Jesus told his disciples, "Do you have any idea how difficult it is for the rich to enter God's kingdom? Let me tell you, it's easier to gallop a camel through a needle's eye than for the rich to enter God's kingdom." The disciples were staggered. "Then who has any chance at all?" Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it." Matthew 19: 16-26 (MSG)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
Mind Games, Part 3: I Lack Faith
"I don't want to live. I feel abandoned. I lack faith. I don't need God." If you've ever found yourself thinking these thoughts, you've probably found yourself in the midst of a mind game.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV)
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13 (NIV)
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
What is Faith?
- Faith is Believing when I don’t see it.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
- Faith is Obeying when I don’t understand it.
“It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before.” Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)
“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.” Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)
“Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did – by his actions.” James 2:21-22 (NLT)
- Faith is Giving when I don’t have it.
“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.” Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)
- Faith is Persisting when I don’t feel like it.
“By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)
- Faith is Thanking God before I receive it.
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
“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. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!” Joshua 6:15-16 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
- Faith is Trusting if I don’t get it.
“They were all commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better…” Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
MIND GAMES: Debbie Calvert, Guest Speaker
We need to change our thinking!
Book recommendation: Telling Myself the Truth by William Backus
“My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.” Psalm 55:2
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
We need help with our emotions!
Our beliefs are the root of our thoughts.Thoughts create our feelings.Feelings control our actions.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
10 Wrong Thought Patterns That Have Us Playing Mind Games
#1 Mercy-Killing (Grace)
- Dichotomous thinkers = extreme thinking
- Like a light switch – On or off – No in-between
- Many rules and regulations--Uptight, lacking in joy
- For one to define whether we are right or wrong, outside of God’s Word, according to their myth of right or wrong or their upbringing is only their thought or opinion.
- Mercy killer thinking (lack of grace) leaves two people living at two extremes of a continuum. One who has given up, labeling themselves a failure, and the other who is so critical of everyone else for not arriving though they inside are tiredly striving to arrive themselves.
#2 Finger Pointing: Blame
- Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. And so it continues…
- We often are continuously blaming others for our mental state or life circumstances.
- Favorite Phrase: “If Only…”
- 50/50 Rule: I own my feelings, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, values, limits, talents, thoughts, and my desires
- No one can take anything away from me or bring anything into my life unless I allow them to. They will attempt, but I, as the steward, with God as the manager, will take full responsibility for my life and life choices.
- “But if we examine ourselves, we will not be examined by God and judged in this way. But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
#3 Faulty Hypotheses: Assumptions
- A faulty conclusion is to assume that other people and the circumstances or events happening in our life are what are determining our feelings, mood, actions, and reactions.
- A faulty conclusion is to assume that our past brings a shadow to our future and that we can never be free from it.
- BIG PROBLEM = Assumptions are NEVER Truth!
- God calls us to live free. The truth is that other people do not control our life but only do so if we let them!
- “God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the desire to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13
- “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:11
- “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27
#4 Oppressive Influence: The word “should”
- When we think someone should do something and they don’t, frustration is ours because they didn’t do what we needed or wanted them to do.
- The word should is a very dangerous word when we relate it to another person’s behavior, or to our behavior.
- The word "could" gives us and others a choice. It sets up no expectations yet offers freedom for the hearer to decide for themselves.
- God does not even control or oppress us by should mentality. He lovingly lays down the rules and also the consequences. But the choice remains ours whether we choose to obey or not. He gives us the choice between life and death. He offers a gift to receive or reject.
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
#5 Chicken-Little Mentality: Exaggeration
- Exaggeration problems = using words such as always, never, everybody, nobody, totally, completely, forever, etc.
- We call this making mountains out of molehills.
- We convince ourselves that unpleasant circumstances we face are major disasters.
- There will always and forever be unpleasant circumstances in our lives as long as we live on earth. The good news is God always supplies the conjunction.
- “…Hard pressed...BUT not crushed. Perplexed...BUT not in despair. Persecuted...BUT not abandoned. Struck down...BUT not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8,9
- “O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, ‘God will never rescue him!’ But You, O, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3
- Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God…
- “Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:27
#6 Sentimental Phobia – Feelings
- Feelings are not truth. They are neither right nor wrong. Feelings are just feelings. How we act upon them makes all the difference.
- Most people are afraid to express how they really feel because of the fear of rejection. Why?
- We must have a certain level of security in who we are to be ready for the response of someone who wants to control how we feel.
- It is dangerous to allow feelings to dictate our life. They are not to be at the “helm” of our ship.
- Feelings of Jeremiah (Lamentations 3:1-20) “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: ‘The unfailing love of the lord never ceases…..’”Lamentations 3:21
- “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations 3:24
#7 Restricted Vision – Near-Sighted Negativity
- We are good at magnifying our own personal weakness and failures.
- We forget our positive qualities and characteristics and what we’ve done right.
- We forget we are in process, that situations are working themselves out, people are growing up (maturing), and that we are on a journey, a long journey.
- Make a list of positive things about you, buy yourself a present or do something fun to celebrate the wonderful person you are!
- Learn to harness your handicaps. If you can’t be a runner-up, try not to be a runner down of you or others. God doesn’t ask you to be the best, He only asks you to do your best.
#8 Story Telling – Inference
- We love to take the control by making up a story instead of being brave enough to get to the straight scoop or truth from the individual or about the event that occurred.
- Cowardliness to confront or resolve issues often ruins relationships that God designed for good.
- Misunderstanding due to miscommunication or no communication causes non-truths (lies) to circulate in our internal monologue, creating misperceptions (killers of relationships).
- Honest conversation allows no wedges.
- We often mind read, telling ourselves the thoughts and wishes of another person.
- We must put away our own version of truth and find the truth! Why is that so hard to do? Afraid of rejection – desperate for love, acceptance, and approval.
#9 Name Calling – Labeling
- A label tells us what is in the package. It often tells us the value of an item.
- Overtime, what we label ourselves or others is what we will come to believe about us or them. What we believe will affect our thoughts then our feelings, then our behavior.
- If we must label, let us never label the person but only the action.
- God labels us! His labeling is allowed because His labels are truth!
- Some people will believe anything that is whispered to them. Stop whispering bad labels and start whispering good ones! Accepted, Christ's friend, the redeemed, one adopted by God and complete in Christ. A son or daughter free from condemnation, salt and light of the earth, God’s co-worker, God's workmanship, a new creation, and etc. and etc…
#10 Know it all – Future Telling
- When we tell ourselves what the given outcome of a situation will be.
- Hands on hip! Look yourself in the mirror and say, “Just who in the world do I think I am?”
- In our mind, we make up the conclusion to the story, and we aren’t even the Story-Writer!
- When the chapters roll out, we often don’t have a clue to the next paragraph.
- We tell ourselves things like: “It's over.” “I'm such a loser.” “I'll never be able to do what's in my heart to do.” “Johnny's never going to turn out right. He's always going to be a rebel. He just likes messing up my life. He'll never change.” “She'll never forgive me.” “He never should have done that because I'm never going to get over it.”
- When we tell ourselves the outcome of any given situation, we will forfeit and opportunity to walk in faith.
- When we tell ourselves the outcome of any given situation, we also miss opportunities for relationship reconciliation.
Conclusion
What items do I need to discard from my mind, no longer hiding behind emotional difficulties, but lighter in my thinking, no longer playing mind games?
“When we lighten our load, we will then be able to be a person, “living a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10
We will not be working so hard at playing mind games but instead working diligently to know the Lord. That day by day our thought processes will be changed through our knowledge of Him and what He thinks of us, others and our circumstances!
For more information on Debbie Calvert and Focused On Real Life Ministries, please contact them at:
Debbie Calvert
Focused on Real Life Ministries
317-979-7554
focusedonreallife@hotmail.com
www.debbiecalvert.org
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
Mind Games, Part 2: I Feel Abandoned
"I don't want to live. I feel abandoned. I lack faith. I don't need God." If you've ever found yourself thinking these thoughts, you've probably found yourself in the midst of a mind game.
“…..we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.” Ephesians 6:12 CEV
Fear: What does it do?
1. Consumes your mind.
“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” Psalm 13:2 NIV
2. Clouds your judgment.
“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:54-62 NIV
3. Controls your life.
“We have heard reports about them, and our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.” Jeremiah 6:24 NIV
“When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." Judges 6:12-13 NIV
1. Draw near to God
“The central promise in the Bible is not “I will forgive you”. The most frequent promise is “I will be with you.” –John Ortberg
“Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone." Genesis 35:3 NIV
“...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23 NIV
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 NIV
2. Listen to His voice.
“I’m not so different from you, we all hear voices. We just have to decide which ones we are going to listen to.”
Do you know His voice?
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 NIV
3. Do life together.
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24 NIV
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
Mind Games, Part 1: I Don’t Want To Live
"I don't want to live. I feel abandoned. I lack faith. I don't need God." If you've ever found yourself thinking these thoughts, you've probably found yourself in the midst of a mind game.
“We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.” Ephesians 6:12 (CEV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23 (GN)
OUR THEME VERSE FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES: “…..we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
1. Question of Existence: Why am I alive?
“Why was I born? Was it only to have trouble and sorrow, to end my life in disgrace?” Jeremiah 20:18 (TEV)
“The Lord has made everything for his own purpose.” Proverbs 16:4 (GW)
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, and settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” Ephesians 1:4 (MSG)
Answer: I was created to be loved by God.
2. Question of Significance: Does my life matter?
“My work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and for no purpose at all.” Isaiah 49:4 (NLT)
Everyone lives life at one of three levels:
1. Survival mode – just existing
2. Success level – world’s standard/successful but still unfulfilled
3. Significance – find meaning and purpose
“I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.” Isaiah 44:2 (CEV)
“You... scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!” Psalm 139:16 (LB)
“His plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally.” Psalm 33:11 (GN)
Answer: I was made to last forever.
“When this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (TEV)
“Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” Proverbs 9:6 (MSG)
3. Question of Intention: What is my purpose?
“Why did you create us? For nothing?” Psalm 89:47 (NCV)
“Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (LB)
Answer: I find my purpose by knowing God.
“For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16 (MSG)
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for... part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 (MSG)
“It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open.” Acts 10:35 (MSG)
“Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
“God is more concerned about who we are becoming…” -Anonymous
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” Romans 12:2 NKJV
1. Christ Modeled a Servant’s Heart To Us
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” “…So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.” Mark 10:35-42(NKJV)
2. We Should Also Follow Christ’s Example
• Serving our Family and Friends
• Serving our co-workers, neighbors, classmates, etc.
• Serving our community
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NKJV
“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” Philippians 2:5-8 MSG
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV
“ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3 AMP
The Heart of The Revolution: Light in Darkness
“In a time of universal deceit – tell the truth is a revolutionary act”. -George Orwell
WE EXIST: To raise up the youth of this world into the truth, hope and freedom of Jesus Christ and to see them change their world as they are changed by Him!
REAL relationships
RELEVANT service
RADICAL devotion
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
The Church is “The Revolution”
“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." John 8:12 NIV
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 NIV
The world needs “The Revolution”
Revolution happens when people get sick and tired of the way things are.
Our world needs “The Revolution”.
Our world needs Jesus.
So, what part will you pay?
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”2 Peter 1:3 NIV
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.
Rediscover, Part 4: Our Mission
“In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” (John 17:18 MSG)
“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21 NIV)
“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 NCV)
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
“You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV)
Our mission is to share with others what God has done for us.
1. Jerusalem – The people closest to me.
2. Judea/Samaria – People near but different from me.
3. Ends of the earth – Everybody else!
Completing My Mission
1. I must share with those in my world.
“Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.” (1 Peter 3:15 TEV)
“...God does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives!” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV)
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30 NIV)
2. I must dare to reach beyond my world.
“Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.” (1 Corinthians 9:22 LB)
“Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.” (Galatians 6:2 MSG)
“Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight...” (James 1:27 MSG)
“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. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36 NLT)
“Jesus replied, “Let me assure you that no one has ever given up anything... for love of Me and to tell others the Good News, who won’t be given back, a hundred times over...” (Mark 10:29 LB)
3. I must care about the whole world.
“Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 NCV)
“If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” (Mark 8:35 LB)
Is there going to be anybody in heaven because of you?
“David served God’s purposes in his own time/generation...then he fell asleep…” (Acts 13:36 TEV)
“Send us around the world with the news of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for all mankind.” (Psalm 67:2 LB)
Will you go?
“ Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 NLT)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church. org.
Rediscover, Part 3: Our Journey
“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live." (Exodus 1:22 NIV)
What can we expect on our journey?
1. Expect to be uncomfortable.
“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.” (Exodus 3:1 NIV)
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10 NIV)
“Most of us want God to speak or give us an assignment. However, were not interested in making any major adjustments in our lives. Biblically, that is impossible. Every time God spoke to people in the scriptures about something He wanted to do through them, major adjustments were necessary. They had to adjust their lives to God. Once the adjustments were made God accomplished His purpose through those He called. You cannot continue life as usual and go with God at the same time”. –Henry Blackaby-Experiencing God
2. Expect to have other travelers with you.
“Moses said to the LORD, "O 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." (Exodus 4:11 NIV)
“The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12 NIV)
You are not meant to travel alone through this journey.
3. Expect significant obstacles.
“Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." (Exodus 5:23 NIV)
4. Expect power from prayer.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)
5. Expect God to provide.
6. Expect God to be glorified.
“He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." (Numbers 20:10-12 NIV)
7. Expect Life!
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39-40 NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church. org.
Rediscover, Part 2: The Church
Misconceptions about the church
MISCONCEPTION # 1: Worship is singing.
“…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24 NLT)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV)
MISCONCEPTION # 2: All I have to do is show up.
“You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:12-14 NLT)
“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. …And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” (Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT)
“Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 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. 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.” (Hebrews 6:9-12 NLT)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
MISCONCEPTION # 3: To live the Christian Life…I just need to try harder.
“Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31 NLT)
“…God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church. org.
Rediscover, Part 1: Jesus
“Now he had to go through Samaria.” (John 4:4 NIV)
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"” (John 4:7 NIV)
“She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9 NLT)
“The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." (John 4:15 NIV)
“Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." (John 4:18 NIV)
Jesus wants me to know Him for who He really is.
Common Misconceptions
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He wants nothing to do with me.
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He offers something to good to be true.
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He’s more interested in religion than me.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
“Then God ordered me, "Start all over: Love your wife again, your wife who's in bed with her latest boyfriend, your cheating wife. Love her the way I, God, love the Israelite people, even as they flirt and party with every god that takes their fancy." (Hosea 3:1 MSG)
“The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." (John 4:25 NIV)
“Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he.” (John 4:26 NIV)
“…To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6 NIV)
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www. freedom-church.org.